countyscore
44.3
County Score
Soil Quality 74.7Lawn Care 74.6Disaster Risk 71.3

County Report Card

About Adair County, Missouri

Below the National Median

Adair County earns a composite score of 44.3, placing it slightly behind the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced but modest performance across several key livability indicators.

Lagging Behind Missouri Averages

The county's overall score of 44.3 trails the Missouri state average of 50.3. While it remains competitive in housing costs, it faces challenges in matching the economic output of the state's top-performing counties.

Low Risk and Affordable Living

Adair County excels in environmental stability with a high risk score of 71.3 and strong cost efficiency at 66.5. With median gross rents at $782 and home values averaging $159,500, residents enjoy significant housing affordability.

Safety and Income Concerns

The safety score of 3.4 is a primary area for improvement compared to national peers. Additionally, the income score of 29.0 reflects a median household income of $56,583, which limits local purchasing power.

Best for Budget-Minded Small Town Seekers

Adair County is a strong fit for individuals seeking low environmental risk and affordable housing options. It suits those who prioritize low monthly overhead and can navigate a smaller local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax56.8Cost66.5Safety3.4Health43.7Schools53.8Income29Risk71.3Water42.8Weather52.6
🏛56.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Appanoose County
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Deep Dives

Adair County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adair County

via TaxByCounty

Adair County pays well below national average

At 0.759%, Adair County's effective property tax rate sits firmly below the national median of 0.863%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay just $1,210 annually on a median home valued at $159,500—roughly half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Missouri's typical tax burden

Adair County ranks in the middle of Missouri's 114 counties with an effective rate of 0.759%, edging just above the state average of 0.733%. The county's median tax of $1,210 sits just above Missouri's state median of $1,199.

Higher taxes than most northern neighbors

Adair County's 0.759% rate exceeds Andrew County's 0.762%—wait, Andrew actually edges it out slightly. Compared to Barry County's 0.571% in the southwest and Benton County's 0.557%, Adair sits in the middle-to-upper range of the region.

Expect about $1,210 annually

A home valued at the county median of $159,500 generates roughly $1,210 in annual property taxes in Adair County. For mortgage-owning homeowners, that figure climbs slightly to $1,245 when accounting for escrow adjustments.

Your assessment might be too high

Across Missouri, many homeowners discover their properties are overassessed during routine tax appeals. If your home's assessed value doesn't align with recent sales of comparable properties, filing an appeal through your county assessor's office could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adair County

via CostByCounty

Adair's rent burden slightly outpaces the nation

Adair County renters spend 16.6% of their income on rent, slightly above the national norm and edging past Missouri's 15.6% state average. With a median household income of $56,583—well below the national median of $74,755—housing costs consume a meaningful share of local earnings.

Middle-of-the-road affordability within Missouri

Adair ranks near the state median for housing affordability, with rental costs and owner expenses that reflect typical rural Missouri conditions. The county's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just above state average, positioning it neither among the most nor least affordable Missouri counties.

Rents higher than nearby counties

Adair's median rent of $782 exceeds neighbor Audrain County ($698) and state average ($768), though owner costs remain modest at $725 monthly. Similar income levels across this region mean renters in Adair face proportionally steeper housing bills than those just across county lines.

Where Adair's housing dollar goes

Renters allocate $782 monthly while homeowners pay $725, with median home values at $159,500 reflecting this region's modest real estate market. The typical household's $56,583 annual income means housing consumes roughly 16–17% of gross earnings—leaving sufficient room for other necessities but with limited margin for savings.

Consider Adair if renting appeals more

For remote workers or those relocating from higher-cost states, Adair offers manageable rents and stable home values—though incomes here run lower than national averages. Compare your local rent-to-income ratio: if you're paying more than 16% of income on housing now, Adair may offer breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adair County

via IncomeByCounty

Adair lags behind national income levels

Adair County's median household income of $56,583 falls $18,172 below the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower tier nationally, suggesting residents earn meaningfully less than the typical American household.

Below average for Missouri

At $56,583, Adair's median household income sits $2,920 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county ranks in the bottom half of Missouri's counties, indicating a local economy that underperforms compared to its peers statewide.

Lower income than adjacent counties

Adair's $56,583 median income trails neighboring Andrew County's $74,007 by $17,424, though it modestly exceeds Audrain County's $56,232. The wide income gap with Andrew suggests varying economic strength across the region.

Rent absorbs modest share of income

At 16.6%, Adair's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters retain healthy spending power. The median home value of $159,500 remains accessible relative to household earnings, though income growth would strengthen long-term stability.

Build financial resilience in Adair

Adair households earning $56,583 should prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions to bridge the income gap with wealthier regions. Starting with automatic transfers to savings accounts and exploring employer 401(k) matches can compound wealth over time, turning modest incomes into long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adair County

via CrimeByCounty

Adair County Crime Above National Average

Adair County reports a total crime rate of 3,905.3 per 100K residents, which sits significantly above the national average of 2,385.5. This high volume of activity results in a safety score of 93.8 out of 100.

Safety Ranking Below State Average

With a safety score of 93.8, Adair trails the Missouri state average score of 97.0. Local law enforcement manages a total crime volume that exceeds the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring Counties

Adair faces higher reported crime activity than nearby Andrew County, which maintains a much lower rate of 874.4 per 100K. The area experiences nearly double the state average crime volume.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 3,525.8 per 100K, far exceeding the national property rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime remains more aligned with national trends at 379.5 per 100K.

Priority on Residential Property Security

Given the prevalence of property crime, residents should consider enhancing home security measures. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting can help deter theft in residential neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adair County

via HealthByCounty

Adair lives longer than the U.S. average

At 75.9 years, Adair County residents live 1.5 years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of 74.4 years—a meaningful edge in longevity. Yet one in five residents report poor or fair health, slightly above national trends, suggesting good years don't tell the whole story.

Adair outpaces Missouri on life expectancy

Adair ranks above Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, placing it in the upper half of Missouri counties for longevity. The county's uninsured rate of 10.8% also beats the state average of 12.5%, meaning more residents have coverage.

Strong health advantage over peers

Adair's 75.9-year life expectancy exceeds most neighboring counties—only Andrew County edges it out at 78.5 years. Its 21.1% poor/fair health rate sits between healthier and struggling neighbors, reflecting a relatively stable health profile.

Good provider access, solid insurance coverage

Adair offers 175 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above many rural Missouri counties. With 10.8% uninsured, most residents have a path to regular care, though mental health providers (322 per 100K) are notably abundant compared to primary care.

Already insured? Verify your coverage.

Nearly 9 in 10 Adair residents have health insurance, which is solid. If you're among the 10.8% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health clinic to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adair County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Specialized Education Network

Adair County maintains a focused education infrastructure with nine public schools serving 2,878 students across three districts. The network includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools. This compact system ensures that resources are concentrated within a handful of key local institutions.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,626 is just above the state average, it remains well below the national spending level of $13,000. Despite lower funding relative to the nation, the county achieves a solid school score of 54.6.

Kirksville R-III Leads the County

The Kirksville R-III district serves as the educational hub, enrolling 2,506 students across five schools. Smaller districts like Adair Co. R-I and R-II manage the remaining enrollment with a few hundred students each. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county's boundaries.

Rural Roots with Centralized Hubs

Education here is primarily rural, with seven of the nine schools located in rural settings and two in town. The average school size is 360 students, though Kirksville Sr. High is significantly larger with 808 students. In contrast, smaller schools like Adair Co. High serve just 117 students, offering a more intimate learning environment.

Find a Home Near Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and a close-knit community will find Adair County an attractive option. The strong performance of the Kirksville R-III district makes the surrounding neighborhoods a primary target for homebuyers. Consider how these local educational successes can add long-term value to your property investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adair County

via RiskByCounty

Adair ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 28.72, Adair County sits in the Very Low category—well below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This means Adair residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters than most Americans.

Among Missouri's safest counties

Adair County ranks in the lower tier of disaster risk statewide, placing it among Missouri's safest communities. Only a handful of counties in the state carry lower composite risk scores.

Lower risk than nearby counties

Compared to neighbors like Audrain County (51.40), Adair's score of 28.72 reflects notably lower overall exposure. Adjacent counties show more variation in flood and earthquake risk, making Adair a relative safe zone regionally.

Tornado risk tops your hazard list

Tornadoes pose the highest relative threat to Adair County, with a risk score of 75.16—substantially higher than other hazards in your area. Wildfire (42.88) and earthquake (39.25) risks remain moderate, but tornado preparedness should be your priority.

Secure comprehensive storm coverage

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes tornado damage, making a separate windstorm policy essential for Adair residents. Review your coverage annually and ensure you have a family emergency plan that includes designated shelter areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adair County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Than the National Median

Adair County averages 51.6°F annually, which is notably cooler than the national median temperature. The county receives 40.9 inches of precipitation, placing it slightly below the Missouri state average.

A Northern Missouri Temperature Profile

The county is significantly cooler than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. Its northern location keeps it over three degrees below the state's typical annual temperature.

Warmer Than Its Western Neighbors

At 51.6°F, Adair is slightly warmer than Atchison County's 51.1°F average. It experiences more moderate annual conditions compared to the colder northwest corner of the state.

Substantial Snow and Mild Summers

Winters bring a significant 19.0 inches of snow and a chilly January average of 25.1°F. Summers remain manageable with 23 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher.

Preparing for Winter Conditions

Residents should invest in reliable snow removal equipment to handle the nearly 20 inches of annual snowfall. High-efficiency heating systems are essential for winters that average just 28.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adair County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in Adair County

Adair County’s soil sits at a pH of 6.43, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the soil is significantly less acidic than the Missouri state average of 6.09.

A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix

The mix of 25.4% sand, 50.3% silt, and 24.2% clay creates a balanced medium for plant roots. This composition offers good workability for farmers while the clay content ensures the soil retains necessary minerals and structure.

Strong Water Storage Potential

With an Available Water Capacity of 0.196 in/in, Adair exceeds the state average of 0.183, helping crops withstand dry spells. Organic matter sits at 2.92%, which is lower than the state’s 4.74% average but remains above the national benchmark of 2.0%.

High Productivity Soil Scores

Specific drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable for this area, though the county's overall soil score of 74.7 suggests a high baseline for productivity. Local growers should monitor moisture levels closely during peak summer months as data is limited.

Zone 6a Gardening Success

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this soil is well-suited for staples like sweet corn and tomatoes. With a soil score well above the state average, Adair is an excellent place to start a productive backyard vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adair County

via LawnByCounty

Adair County Lawns Outperform the Average

Adair County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 74.6, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. Located in hardiness zone 6a, homeowners enjoy a climate that is notably more favorable for grass growth than the Missouri state average of 63.7.

Moderate Heat and Healthy Rainfall

With 40.9 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass. Residents deal with just 23 extreme heat days per year, which is much lower than the state average of 37, reducing the risk of mid-summer turf dormancy.

Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry for Growth

The local soil pH of 6.43 is nearly ideal for nutrient uptake, falling right in the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. The soil composition is balanced with 24.2% clay and 25.4% sand, providing a stable foundation that requires fewer amendments than neighbor counties.

Managing Recent Dry Spells

Despite the high overall score, the county spent 31 weeks in drought over the past year and currently remains 100% abnormally dry. Homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage root depth during these persistent dry periods.

Starting Your Adair County Lawn

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue thrive in zone 6a and should be seeded around the April 21st last frost date. With high soil quality and manageable heat, your lawn has a strong head start compared to most of the country.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adair County's county score?
Adair County, Missouri has a composite county score of 44.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adair County rank among counties in Missouri?
Adair County ranks #84 among all counties in Missouri on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adair County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Adair County is $1,210, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Adair County a tax score of 56.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adair County?
The median household income in Adair County, Missouri is $56,583 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adair County earns an income score of 29/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adair County, Missouri a good place to live?
Adair County scores 44.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Adair County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adair County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.