Washington County is situated in east-central Missouri. It has a population of 25,611 people (2020) spread across 476 square miles making it one of the smallest counties in the state by landmass but third highest by population density ratio. Its largest city is Potosi which serves as its county seat although other cities include De Soto and Caledonia School Districts among others. Agriculture plays an important role in this region with farmers growing predominately soy beans as well as other crops like corn and cotton. Manufacturing plants are also present within this region producing items such as aluminum products for industrial use or automotive parts for domestic automobiles