countyscore
58.3
County Score
Cost of Living 88.8Water Quality 86Lawn Care 78.6

County Report Card

About Atchison County, Missouri

Strong National Standing

Atchison County boasts an impressive composite score of 58.3, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects high marks across infrastructure and cost-of-living categories.

A Missouri Leader in Livability

Ranking well above the state average of 50.3, Atchison County is one of Missouri's most livable rural options. It combines affordability with reliable public resources.

Exceptional Affordability and Resources

Housing costs are remarkably low with a cost score of 88.8, driven by $595 median rents and $100,600 home values. The water score of 86.0 and risk score of 78.3 further cement its reliability.

High Tax Burden and Low Income

The tax score of 26.9 reflects a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.171%. This, combined with an income score of 36.6, means residents must carefully manage their household budgets.

Great for High-Value Rural Living

Atchison County is an excellent choice for retirees or remote workers who want extremely low housing costs and reliable infrastructure. The trade-off is a higher tax rate, but the overall value remains high.

Score breakdown

Tax26.9Cost88.8Safety68.4Health36.7Schools55.3Income36.6Risk78.3Water86Weather49
🏛26.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.6
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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57.7
Fremont County
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58.7
Richardson County
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60
Otoe County
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Page County
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Holt County
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Nodaway County
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Deep Dives

Atchison County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Atchison County

via TaxByCounty

Atchison County's rate ranks near the top

Atchison County leads the state and nation with an effective property tax rate of 1.171%—well above the national median of 0.863% and the highest among all eight counties profiled here. However, low home values of $100,600 keep the actual tax bill ($1,178) moderate.

Highest rate in Missouri by a wide margin

At 1.171%, Atchison County's effective rate significantly exceeds Missouri's average of 0.733%, making it one of the most heavily taxed counties in the state. This 60% premium over the state average reflects the county's unique tax structure and spending needs.

Tax rate far exceeds surrounding counties

Atchison County's 1.171% rate towers over every neighboring county, including Adair (0.759%), Andrew (0.762%), and Audrain (0.875%). This sharp difference makes Atchison County a notable outlier in the north-central region.

Lower homes keep bills manageable

Despite the state's highest tax rate, Atchison County homeowners with median-valued properties at $100,600 pay approximately $1,178 in annual taxes. The low property values offset the high rate, resulting in tax bills below the state median.

Verify your assessment carefully

In high-tax counties like Atchison, even small overassessments compound quickly into significant annual overpayments. Request a recent property appraisal and compare your assessed value to similar homes sold recently; if it's higher, file an appeal to reduce your burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Atchison County

via CostByCounty

Atchison: Missouri's housing affordability leader

Atchison County's 12.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in the state and well below the national norm, making it a rare affordability gem. Despite household incomes 21% below the national median, Atchison residents enjoy exceptional housing value.

Best affordability rank in Missouri's rural tier

Atchison leads Missouri counties in housing affordability with the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.1%, significantly outpacing the state average of 15.6%. No other county among these eight matches Atchison's combination of low rents and low home values.

Atchison's rents dramatically undercut the region

At $595 monthly, Atchison's median rent is 23% cheaper than Adair ($782) and 22% below state average ($768), while median home values languish at just $100,600. This county sacrifices home appreciation potential in exchange for the lowest living costs in the dataset.

Lowest costs and lowest values converge

Renters allocate just $595 monthly while owners pay $619, with median home values of $100,600 reflecting limited demand and investment. The $59,260 median household income means housing claims only 12% of gross earnings—ideal for budget-conscious families willing to trade equity growth for cash-flow savings.

Atchison suits frugal movers and early retirees

If your priority is maximum affordability and you're prepared for limited home appreciation, Atchison delivers unbeatable monthly costs and low property taxes. Recent retirees on fixed incomes or those building emergency savings should strongly consider this county's exceptional housing-to-income ratio.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Atchison County

via IncomeByCounty

Atchison earns below national average

Atchison County's median household income of $59,260 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,495. While below the American average, Atchison performs modestly better than many rural counties nationally.

Slightly above Missouri median

At $59,260, Atchison's median household income edges past Missouri's state average of $59,503 by just $243. The county sits near the state midpoint, representing a typical Missouri community in economic terms.

Mid-range income among nearby counties

Atchison's $59,260 income places it between Adair County's $56,583 and Andrew County's $74,007, making it a middle-ground earner regionally. The county outperforms Audrain County at $56,232 while falling well short of Andrew's stronger economy.

Excellent housing affordability

Atchison boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.1%, meaning renters keep more earnings for other needs. The median home value of $100,600 is the county's greatest affordability advantage, making homeownership highly accessible to local households.

Leverage Atchison's low housing costs

Atchison's exceptional housing affordability—lowest home values in the region—creates prime conditions for first-time homebuyers to build equity. Households can capitalize on modest housing expenses to save aggressively for retirement, education, and investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Atchison County

via CrimeByCounty

Atchison County Among the Safest Nationally

Atchison County stands out with an exceptional safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 740.1 per 100K is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing State Safety Standards

This safety score surpasses the Missouri state average of 97.0, ranking Atchison among the safest counties in the state. Local data shows a total crime volume well below the state average of 1,926.2.

Leading Northwest Missouri in Safety

Atchison maintains a lower crime rate than its neighbor Andrew County, which sits at 874.4 per 100K. It represents one of the most secure agricultural hubs in the region.

Violent Crime is Exceptionally Rare

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 94.9 per 100K, far below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal, coming in at 645.2 per 100K residents.

Proactive Habits Preserve Peace

While rates are very low, small-town safety benefits from proactive neighborhood awareness. Investing in basic home security helps ensure these favorable trends continue for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Atchison County

via HealthByCounty

Atchison life expectancy trails the nation

At 73.9 years, Atchison County residents live nearly a year shorter than the U.S. average of 74.4 years. Nearly one in five report poor or fair health (19.3%), placing the county below national averages and signaling the need for health improvement.

Atchison lags Missouri's health average

Atchison County's 73.9-year life expectancy falls below Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, ranking among the state's shorter-lived counties. Its 12.7% uninsured rate matches the state average, meaning coverage isn't the primary barrier—underlying health conditions may be.

Struggling compared to neighbors

Atchison's 73.9-year life expectancy ranks last among nearby counties, nearly five years below Andrew County and 1.5 years below Adair County. This gap suggests Atchison residents face distinct health challenges requiring targeted intervention.

Limited providers, tight insurance coverage

Atchison has just 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among Missouri's lowest—making routine care difficult to access. With 12.7% uninsured, one in eight residents lacks coverage, compounding the challenge of seeking regular medical attention.

Healthcare access starts with coverage.

Atchison's high uninsured rate (12.7%) adds to existing provider shortages, making affordable coverage urgent. Visit healthcare.gov today or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid and marketplace options—getting covered is the first step toward better health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Atchison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Personalized, Rural Education System

Atchison County operates a small, intimate school system with seven total public schools serving 834 students. The county is divided into three districts, featuring three elementary schools and three high schools. This layout emphasizes a direct, local approach to education in each community.

High Scores and Local Investment

With an average school score of 55.5, Atchison County exceeds the Missouri state average of 52.8. The county invests $7,993 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $6,334. Although the 89.6% graduation rate is slightly below the state average, it remains well above the national benchmark of 87%.

Community-Based Districts Lead the Way

Rock Port R-II is the largest district by enrollment with 355 students, followed closely by Tarkio R-I with 335. Fairfax R-III manages three schools for 144 students, highlighting the county's commitment to local control. No charter schools exist here, keeping the focus entirely on traditional district-led education.

True Rural Learning Environments

Every single school in Atchison County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet learning atmosphere. Schools are exceptionally small, with an average of only 139 students per building. Rock Port Elementary is the largest at 197 students, while Fairfax Elementary provides an ultra-small setting with just 75 students.

Invest in a Community with Small Class Sizes

Atchison County is ideal for those who value individual attention and high per-pupil investment. The exceptionally small school sizes ensure that every student is known by name. Look for homes in the Rock Port or Tarkio districts to benefit from this highly personalized educational culture.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Atchison County

via RiskByCounty

Atchison sits well below national average

Atchison County's composite risk score of 21.72 ranks in the Very Low category, nearly 60% below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This puts Atchison among the safest counties in the nation for natural disaster exposure.

One of Missouri's lowest-risk regions

Atchison County ranks in the lowest tier of natural disaster risk across Missouri, placing it in the top safety tier statewide. Only a handful of counties demonstrate lower composite risk scores.

Lowest risk in your region

Atchison County's 21.72 score makes it the safest of the three northernmost counties, outperforming Andrew County (22.14) and significantly exceeding Adair County (28.72). Your location provides genuine shelter from multiple hazard types affecting neighboring areas.

Tornadoes present your main threat

Tornado risk dominates Atchison County's hazard profile at 43.61, though this remains well below many regions statewide. Wildfire (28.75) and earthquake (14.15) risks are minimal, and hurricane exposure is nonexistent.

Add windstorm protection to insurance

Include windstorm and hail coverage in your homeowners policy to address Atchison County's primary natural disaster risk. Review your policy every 2-3 years and maintain current emergency contact information for all household members.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Atchison County

via WeatherByCounty

Below the National Average Temperature

Atchison County's annual average of 51.1°F is roughly two degrees cooler than the national median. This northern outpost experiences a more brisk climate than much of the central United States.

Missouri's Coldest Regional Pocket

The county ranks among the coldest in the state, sitting nearly four degrees below the Missouri average of 54.9°F. Its far northwest position exposes it to cooler continental air masses.

The State's Cooler Northwest Corner

Atchison is the coolest among its regional peers, averaging 0.5 degrees less than Adair County. While local precipitation data is limited, the temperature profile remains consistently lower than central Missouri.

Frigid Winters and Sunny Summers

January is particularly cold here with an average temperature of 24.2°F. Despite the northern latitude, the county still records 26 days of extreme heat above 90°F each summer.

Winter Resilience and Heat Prep

The low winter average of 26.8°F requires heavily insulated housing and cold-weather gear. Even in this cooler region, residents need functional air conditioning for the 26 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Atchison County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Outlier in the Northwest

Atchison County soil is uniquely alkaline for the region, with a pH of 6.80 that sits above the national median of 6.5. This makes it an outlier in Missouri, where the state average pH is much lower at 6.09.

Dense Silt and Clay

The profile consists of 14.2% sand, 58.5% silt, and 27.3% clay, a blend that prioritizes water retention over drainage. This mix provides a steady supply of moisture to plant roots but can become compacted if worked while too wet.

Healthy Biological Foundations

At 0.197 in/in, the Available Water Capacity is better than the state average of 0.183, giving plants a buffer against drought. Organic matter measures 2.79%, providing a healthy biological foundation that outperforms the 2.0% national average.

Moisture-Heavy Landscapes

Classified as subaqueous drainage, this soil interacts with water in ways that suggest a very high water table or seasonal saturation. Farmers and builders should account for this moisture profile when planning drainage systems or foundation work.

Cold-Hardy Zone 5b Planting

Residents in Zone 5b can grow hardy favorites like kale, carrots, and apples. The alkaline-leaning pH and high water capacity make this an ideal spot to experiment with a diverse fruit and vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Atchison County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Ease in Atchison

Atchison County claims an impressive lawn difficulty score of 78.6, placing it among the most user-friendly regions for lawn care in the nation. This zone 5b county is significantly cooler than the rest of Missouri, which helps protect grass from the blistering heat seen elsewhere.

Cooler Summers Benefit Turf

Residents experience only 26 extreme heat days annually, roughly 30% fewer than the state average. Although annual precipitation data is limited, the 3402 growing degree days provide a predictable and manageable window for mowing and maintenance.

Superior Soil for Easy Maintenance

The soil pH is a near-perfect 6.80, requiring almost no lime or acidifying amendments. While the drainage is classified as subaqueous in some areas, the 27.3% clay content generally supports sturdy turf structure and good moisture retention.

Low Drought Pressure

With only 7 weeks spent in drought over the last year, Atchison County has faced the least water stress of this group. Even with the current 100% abnormally dry status, the cooler 75.3°F July average helps prevent the rapid evaporation that plagues southern Missouri.

Capitalizing on Early Frosts

Because your last spring frost typically hits around April 19th, you have a reliable window to start cold-hardy seeds like Fine Fescue. These varieties thrive in the zone 5b climate and make the most of Atchison's superior soil quality.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atchison County's county score?
Atchison County, Missouri has a composite county score of 58.3 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 Atchison County rank among counties in Missouri?
Atchison County ranks #27 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 Atchison County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Atchison County is $1,178, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Atchison County a tax score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Atchison County?
The median household income in Atchison County, Missouri is $59,260 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Atchison County earns an income score of 36.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Atchison County, Missouri a good place to live?
Atchison County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Atchison 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 Atchison 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.