countyscore
51.2
County Score
Cost of Living 81.5Lawn Care 74.7Soil Quality 71.8

County Report Card

About Audrain County, Missouri

Slightly Above National Median

Audrain County earns a composite score of 51.2, edging out the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive position by offering a classic Midwestern cost-to-quality balance.

Beating the State Average

With a score of 51.2, Audrain County performs slightly better than the Missouri state average of 50.3. It differentiates itself through safety and housing value.

Safe and Highly Affordable

A cost score of 81.5 highlights incredible housing value, with median gross rents sitting at just $698. Safety is another strong point, with a score of 61.7 providing peace of mind for residents.

Health and Income Gaps

The health score of 24.8 and income score of 28.1 represent the county's primary challenges. A median household income of $56,232 indicates that economic growth is slower than state leaders.

Best for Families Seeking Safety

Audrain County is a top pick for families who prioritize safety and low housing costs above all else. It offers a secure environment where every dollar of income goes further toward homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax47.2Cost81.5Safety61.7Health24.8Schools36.4Income28.1Risk48.6Water45.5Weather52.8
🏛47.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.7
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

Monroe County
Missouri
58.6
Ralls County
Missouri
61.9
Boone County
Missouri
39.5
Callaway County
Missouri
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Montgomery County
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Randolph County
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Shelby County
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Pike County
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Deep Dives

Audrain County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Audrain County

via TaxByCounty

Audrain County taxes run above national norms

Audrain County's effective rate of 0.875% exceeds the national median of 0.863%, placing it squarely in the upper half of U.S. counties. Homeowners with the median property value of $121,600 pay about $1,064 annually—still well below the national median tax of $2,690.

Above average among Missouri counties

At 0.875%, Audrain County ranks above the Missouri state average of 0.733%, sitting in the upper-middle tier of the state's 114 counties. The median tax of $1,064 falls just below Missouri's state median of $1,199.

Second-highest rate in the region

Only Atchison County (1.171%) exceeds Audrain's 0.875% rate among the profiled counties; Andrew County and Adair County fall just below at 0.762% and 0.759%. This places Audrain firmly at the upper end of regional tax burdens.

Expect around $1,064 per year

Audrain County homeowners with median-valued properties at $121,600 typically pay approximately $1,064 in annual property taxes. For those with mortgages, the figure rises to about $1,085 when escrow is included.

Challenge inflated assessments

Audrain County residents should review their property assessments against recent comparable sales to ensure they're not overpaying. Filing a formal appeal costs nothing and could significantly reduce your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Audrain County

via CostByCounty

Audrain keeps housing costs below state average

Audrain County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio edges just below Missouri's 15.6% state average, despite household incomes 25% below the national median. This positions Audrain as an affordability-conscious county where housing remains manageable relative to local earnings.

Audrain ranks as affordable in Missouri's middle

Audrain County sits in the better half of Missouri counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio just under the state average of 15.6%. The county's modest home values of $121,600 reflect steady, sustainable demand without speculative pressure.

Audrain undercuts Adair but trails Atchison

Audrain's median rent of $698 runs 11% cheaper than Adair County ($782) but 17% higher than the county's best bargain, Atchison ($595). Among this peer group, Audrain represents solid middle-ground housing costs with reasonable home values.

Tight budget requires careful housing choices

Renters pay $698 monthly while homeowners invest $652, with median home values at $121,600—a modest but sustainable level. The $56,232 household income means housing consumes just under 15% of gross earnings, leaving limited cushion for emergencies or savings.

Audrain works for stable renters seeking value

If you prioritize affordable rental costs and can sustain steady employment locally, Audrain offers below-state-average housing burdens without extreme isolation. The county suits individuals or couples with stable $55,000+ incomes who value Midwest charm and modest expenses over rapid home equity growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Audrain County

via IncomeByCounty

Audrain significantly below national income

Audrain County's median household income of $56,232 falls $18,523 short of the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects an economy with fewer high-wage opportunities and lower average earnings than the national norm.

Below-average earner in Missouri

At $56,232, Audrain's median household income sits $3,271 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county ranks in the lower tier statewide, signaling economic challenges relative to stronger Missouri regions.

Lowest income in the immediate region

Audrain's $56,232 median income ranks lowest among its nearby neighbors, trailing Adair County at $56,583 and Atchison County at $59,260. Only Barton County outpaces Audrain as the region's weakest earner economically.

Manageable housing costs for renters

Audrain's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio provides comfortable affordability for renters, keeping housing costs well below the 30% threshold. The median home value of $121,600 remains within reach for local earners, though lower incomes limit savings capacity.

Build savings discipline in Audrain

With below-state-average incomes, Audrain households must prioritize disciplined saving to achieve long-term wealth goals. Starting with even small automatic transfers to high-yield savings accounts and exploring low-cost index funds can help residents overcome income limitations through consistent compound growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Audrain County

via CrimeByCounty

Audrain County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Audrain County boasts a high safety score of 98.6 out of 100. The total crime rate of 884.5 per 100K is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Stronger Profile Than State Average

At 98.6, Audrain's safety profile is stronger than the Missouri average score of 97.0. The county experiences far less crime than the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K residents.

Low Crime Compared to Neighbors

Audrain shares a similarly low crime profile with Andrew County, both of which report rates under 900 per 100K. It offers a much calmer environment than higher-activity counties like Adair.

Consistent Low Numbers for Residents

Violent crime sits at 156.8 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime rates also remain low at 727.7 per 100K.

Vigilance Protects Your Property

Residents can maintain this safe atmosphere by keeping home exteriors well-lit and participating in community programs. Vigilance helps preserve Audrain's standing as a high-safety county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Audrain County

via HealthByCounty

Audrain faces significant health challenges

Audrain County's 73.9-year life expectancy falls nearly a year short of the U.S. average of 74.4 years, and a concerning 24.2% of residents report poor or fair health—among Missouri's worst rates. These figures reflect deep, population-wide health struggles.

Audrain ranks among Missouri's sickest counties

Audrain's 73.9-year life expectancy trails the state average of 74.3 years, while its 24.2% poor/fair health rate ranks it in the bottom tier statewide. An uninsured rate of 13.8% compounds access problems, exceeding the state average of 12.5%.

Worst health outcomes in the area

Audrain's 73.9-year life expectancy matches Atchison County as the region's lowest, trailing Adair by two years and Andrew by nearly five. Its 24.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest among regional peers, signaling acute population health needs.

Few doctors, more uninsured residents

Audrain has just 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a critical shortage—while 13.8% of residents lack insurance coverage. Mental health providers are relatively available at 234 per 100K, yet without primary care gatekeepers and insurance, residents struggle to access any coordinated care.

Coverage is the foundation for health.

Audrain's uninsured rate of 13.8% means one in seven residents has no health insurance—a key barrier in a county with limited providers. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Audrain Community Health Center today to find plans that fit your budget and get connected to local care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Audrain County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure in Audrain County

Audrain County features 14 public schools serving a total enrollment of 3,360 students across four districts. The system includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and a high concentration of eight high schools. This structure includes several specialized and alternative learning facilities to meet diverse student needs.

Steady Performance and Resourceful Spending

The county maintains a 90.3% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending is $6,199, staying close to the state average of $6,334 but well below national levels. The overall school score of 52.0 indicates a performance level nearly on par with the Missouri state average.

Mexico 59 Anchors the Community

The Mexico 59 district is the dominant provider, educating 2,462 students across six schools. Interestingly, the county also hosts 20 schools under the Department of Corrections that report zero general enrollment. There are no charter schools in the county, though three alternative schools provide specialized pathways.

A Balance of Town and Rural Settings

Audrain County offers a mix of nine schools in town locales and five in rural areas. Schools are moderately sized, averaging 373 students, though Mexico High is significantly larger with 746 students. This diversity allows families to choose between a more populated town school experience and a smaller rural environment.

Relocate to a Comprehensive School District

For families seeking a district with a full range of services and specialized high schools, the Mexico area is a strong contender. The county's high schools provide various academic tracks for nearly a thousand secondary students. Prioritize homes within the Mexico 59 boundary to access the county's most robust educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Audrain County

via RiskByCounty

Audrain's risk slightly exceeds state norm

With a composite risk score of 51.40, Audrain County sits just above Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the Relatively Low category. This means your county faces slightly elevated natural disaster exposure compared to the typical Missouri community.

Middle-range risk across Missouri

Audrain County ranks in the middle tier of Missouri's natural disaster risk, with exposure levels that exceed roughly half the state's counties. Several neighboring counties carry significantly lower or higher risk profiles.

Riskier than northern neighbors

Audrain County's 51.40 score substantially exceeds nearby Adair County (28.72) and Andrew County (22.14), reflecting greater hazard exposure across multiple disaster types. Your county sits in a transition zone between Missouri's safest and most vulnerable regions.

Earthquake risk stands unusually high

Earthquake exposure dominates Audrain County's risk profile at 77.19—one of the highest in Missouri—due to proximity to the New Madrid seismic zone. Flood (55.28) and tornado (55.76) risks are also notable, making seismic preparedness a unique priority for your area.

Earthquake insurance essential here

Audrain County residents must secure earthquake coverage—a critical and often-overlooked protection due to the New Madrid seismic zone's proximity. Also ensure comprehensive flood and windstorm coverage, and anchor heavy furniture and appliances to walls.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Audrain County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Middle-American Climate

Audrain County's average temperature of 53.7°F aligns closely with the national median. It receives 42.4 inches of precipitation, which is just under the Missouri state average of 43.8 inches.

Slightly Cooler Than State Norms

The county sits 1.2 degrees below the Missouri annual average of 54.9°F. It acts as a transitional zone between the colder northern plains and the warmer southern Ozarks.

Moderate Temperatures in Central Missouri

Audrain is notably warmer than northern counties like Adair, which averages 51.6°F. It maintains a more stable temperature profile than its neighbors to the far north or south.

A Full Month of Heat

Summer temperatures often spike, resulting in 32 days where the thermometer hits or exceeds 90°F. January remains cold with an average of 27.8°F, though local snowfall records are limited.

Manage the Summer Heat Peaks

Homeowners should prioritize cooling systems capable of handling over 30 days of extreme heat. Although snowfall data is unavailable, the 30.8°F winter average necessitates standard winterization.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Audrain County

via SoilByCounty

Audrain's Balanced Entisols

Audrain County sits on Entisols with a pH of 6.34, placing it comfortably near the national median of 6.5. This silty clay loam is less acidic than the Missouri average, which usually hovers around 6.09.

Silky Silty Clay Loams

The composition is dominated by 65.3% silt, with 13.7% sand and 20.6% clay providing structure. This high silt percentage makes the soil silky to the touch and very easy for roots to penetrate.

Elite Water Capacity

The county excels in water storage with an Available Water Capacity of 0.208 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.183. While organic matter at 2.22% is lower than the state average, it still exceeds the national average of 2.0%.

Reliable Drainage for Farming

As a well-drained soil in Hydrologic Group C, Audrain manages rainfall effectively for agricultural use. These properties make it reliable for consistent crop yields and stable for light construction projects.

Ideal Growth in Zone 6b

In Hardiness Zone 6b, gardeners have a long growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and melons. The exceptional water capacity means your plants will stay hydrated even during the hot Missouri July.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Audrain County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Audrain County

Audrain County features a lawn difficulty score of 74.7, indicating a high level of ease compared to the national average of 50.0. Situated in hardiness zone 6b, the area offers a stable environment that balances Missouri's heat with ample moisture.

Prime Precipitation for Green Grass

The county receives 42.4 inches of rain annually, which is very close to the state average of 43.7 inches. With 3800 growing degree days and 32 heat days, the climate supports a robust growing season that starts earlier than northern neighbor counties.

Healthy Loam with Great Drainage

The well-drained silty clay loam has a pH of 6.34, which is excellent for traditional lawn grasses. A lower clay content of 20.6% means the soil is less prone to the heavy compaction often found in other parts of Missouri.

Monitoring Moisture Levels

The county saw 18 weeks of drought last year and currently sits at 100% abnormally dry. Because the soil is well-drained, homeowners should monitor for wilting during dry spells and consider aeration to maximize water penetration.

Beat the Frost in April

The last spring frost usually arrives by April 11th, giving you a long window to establish a lawn before the July heat peaks at 77.0°F. Mixture blends of Turf-Type Tall Fescue are recommended to handle the 32 extreme heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Audrain County's county score?
Audrain County, Missouri has a composite county score of 51.2 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 Audrain County rank among counties in Missouri?
Audrain County ranks #55 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 Audrain County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Audrain County is $1,064, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Audrain County a tax score of 47.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Audrain County?
The median household income in Audrain County, Missouri is $56,232 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Audrain County earns an income score of 28.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Audrain County, Missouri a good place to live?
Audrain County scores 51.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Audrain 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 Audrain 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.