countyscore
45.2
County Score
Property Tax 71.8Disaster Risk 69.6Soil Quality 66.4

County Report Card

About Bates County, Missouri

Moderate National Performance

Bates County scores a 45.2, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. The county offers a mix of low taxes and housing costs balanced against infrastructure needs.

Behind the Missouri Average

The county's 45.2 score is below the state average of 50.3. While it excels in tax policy, it lacks the health and school scores seen in more urbanized Missouri counties.

Low Tax Burden and Climate Stability

A tax score of 71.8 is driven by a low effective rate of 0.621%. Residents also benefit from a risk score of 69.6, indicating a relatively low threat from natural disasters.

Critical Water and Safety Needs

The water score of 9.6 is remarkably low, indicating significant infrastructure challenges. Safety also remains a concern with a score of 13.5, well below national norms.

A Haven for the Tax-Conscious

Bates County is a strong choice for people who want to minimize their tax bill while living in a low-risk environment. It is ideal for those who can provide their own water solutions or live in well-served pockets.

2040608010071.865.213.538.444.332.669.69.652.6Tax71.8Cost65.2Safety13.5Health38.4Schools44.3Income32.6Risk69.6Water9.6Weather52.645.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Bates County DNA

Foverall

How Bates County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bates County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (69.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.8+19.799999999999997
Cost
65.2+17.200000000000003
Safety
13.5-41.5
Health
38.4-11.600000000000001
Schools
44.3-9.700000000000003
Income
32.6-18.4
Risk
69.6+22.599999999999994
Water
9.6-48.4
Weather
52.6
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Bates County

Whether buying or refinancing in Bates County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$760/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,914/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Bates County with Nevada County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Nevada County
California
Median income: $84,905
45.2
Fremont County
Colorado
Median income: $61,027
45.2
Kootenai County
Idaho
Median income: $77,034
45.2
Minidoka County
Idaho
Median income: $70,060
45.2
Platte County
Missouri
Median income: $95,748
45.2
Pasquotank County
North Carolina
Median income: $63,912
45.2
McMinn County
Tennessee
Median income: $59,674
45.2
Obion County
Tennessee
Median income: $53,102
45.2

Nearby counties

Cass County
Missouri
33.2
Linn County
Kansas
56.6
Vernon County
Missouri
42
Henry County
Missouri
44.5
Miami County
Kansas
44.4
St. Clair County
Missouri
59.1
Bourbon County
Kansas
41.9
Johnson County
Missouri
44.9

Deep Dives

Bates County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bates County

via TaxByCounty

Bates County taxes rank among the nation's lowest

Bates County's effective rate of 0.621% falls well below the national median of 0.863%, placing it in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Homeowners pay just $962 annually on median-valued homes—roughly a third of the national median tax.

Notably lower than Missouri average

At 0.621%, Bates County ranks in the lower third of Missouri's 114 counties, falling well below the state average of 0.733%. The median tax of $962 ranks among the lowest in Missouri.

Second-lowest rate in the region

Bates County's 0.621% rate ranks just above Benton County's 0.557%, making both counties tax havens compared to northern peers. Atchison County (1.171%) and Audrain County (0.875%) homeowners pay dramatically more in property taxes.

Expect around $962 per year

Bates County homeowners with the median property value of $154,800 pay approximately $962 in annual property taxes. For those with mortgages, that figure rises to $1,126 when lenders include escrow.

Confirm your assessment is fair

Even in low-tax counties like Bates, ensuring your assessed value reflects current market conditions could free up additional funds. Request a formal reassessment or appeal if you believe your property is overvalued relative to comparable homes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bates County

via CostByCounty

Bates hovers just above state housing average

Bates County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally above Missouri's 15.6% state average, reflecting typical rural Missouri housing pressures on moderate incomes. The county's $57,914 median household income runs 22% below the national median.

Bates ranks firmly in Missouri's middle tier

Bates County occupies the middle ground in Missouri's affordability landscape, with rent-to-income and home value metrics reflecting average statewide conditions. The county neither stands out as a bargain nor signals serious affordability stress.

Bates rents competitive with regional peers

Bates' $760 median rent falls between Audrain ($698) and Adair ($782), positioning it squarely in the region's mainstream. Median home values of $154,800 suggest stable but modest appreciation potential compared to higher-demand Ozark counties.

Owners pay slightly more than renters

Renters allocate $760 monthly while homeowners pay $783—an unusual situation where monthly owner costs exceed rents—with median home values at $154,800. The $57,914 median household income means housing claims 15.8% of gross earnings for renters, leaving modest room for savings.

Bates offers balance for modest-income families

If you earn $55,000–$60,000 and value stability over rapid appreciation, Bates delivers straightforward housing economics and community roots. The county works well for families prioritizing school quality and rural character over major career advancement or significant home equity growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bates County

via IncomeByCounty

Bates income below national standard

Bates County's median household income of $57,914 falls $16,841 below the national median of $74,755. While below national average, the county exceeds several of its neighboring counties in earning power.

Slightly below Missouri average

At $57,914, Bates County's median household income sits $1,589 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county ranks near the state midpoint, reflecting a fairly typical Missouri community economically.

Solid performer regionally

Bates's $57,914 median income outperforms lower-earning neighbors like Adair, Audrain, Barry, and Barton, placing it in the region's upper-middle tier. Only Andrew County's $74,007 and Atchison's $59,260 clearly exceed Bates in earning power.

Reasonable housing affordability

Bates County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio provides comfortable breathing room for renters, sitting well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $154,800 pairs reasonably with local incomes to support homeownership pathways.

Invest steadily in Bates County

Bates County households earning $57,914 should direct 15-20% of income toward retirement accounts and diversified investments. With housing costs manageable, residents can channel savings into index funds and employer plans to build substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bates County

via CrimeByCounty

Bates County Above National Crime Average

Bates County has a total crime rate of 2,490.5 per 100K, slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is calculated at 96.1 out of 100.

Lower Safety Score Than Missouri Average

With a score of 96.1, Bates sits below the Missouri state average of 97.0. The county's total crime rate also exceeds the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K.

Active Crime Profile for Region

Bates reports higher crime than its regional peer Benton County, which has a total rate of only 1,177.6. The county shows a more active crime environment than many of its rural neighbors.

Violent Crime Rate is a Concern

Violent crime is a significant outlier here at 776.3 per 100K, more than double the national average. Property crime remains more moderate at 1,714.2 per 100K.

Prioritize Personal and Home Safety

Given the high violent crime rate, residents should prioritize personal safety and home security. Staying aware of surroundings and connecting with neighbors can improve community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bates County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse District Options in Bates County

Bates County supports 2,527 students across 15 public schools, managed by seven distinct school districts. The county features seven elementary schools and seven high schools, providing localized secondary education to many small towns. One specialized facility completes the county's diverse educational landscape.

High Graduation Standards and Efficient Spending

Bates County produces a strong 92.2% graduation rate, easily beating the national average of 87%. This performance is achieved with $6,167 in per-pupil spending, which is slightly below the Missouri state average. The county's overall school score of 52.9 is slightly higher than the state's average score of 52.8.

Butler and Adrian Lead Enrollment

The Butler R-V district is the largest, enrolling 997 students across three schools. Adrian R-III follows closely, serving 730 students in its two-school system. These districts operate without competition from charter schools, ensuring a stable and consistent public school environment.

Deeply Rural with Small Student Bodies

The vast majority of schools in Bates County—12 out of 15—are in rural settings, with only three located in towns. Schools are intimate, with an average size of just 181 students per building. Butler High is the largest school with 504 students, while the Ballard R-II district serves as few as 104 students total.

A Rural Haven for Quality Education

Bates County is perfect for families seeking a rural lifestyle without compromising on graduation success. The Butler and Adrian districts offer the most robust local school cultures and facilities. Finding a home here means joining a community where schools are the central focus of town life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bates County

via RiskByCounty

Bates ranks well below national risk

Bates County's composite risk score of 30.47 sits firmly in the Very Low category, 40% below Missouri's state average of 50.56. Your county experiences significantly lower natural disaster exposure than most American communities.

Among Missouri's safer counties

Bates County ranks in the lower tier of natural disaster risk statewide, placing it among Missouri's safer places to live. Only a handful of counties demonstrate lower composite risk scores.

Safer than Barton, near Atchison levels

Bates County's 30.47 score underperforms Barton County (43.61) and rivals the safety of northern counties like Atchison (21.72) and Adair (28.72). Your county benefits from geographic positioning that minimizes multiple hazard exposures.

Tornado risk far exceeds other threats

Tornado risk dominates Bates County's hazard profile at 52.80, representing your most significant natural disaster concern. Flood (39.54) and earthquake (44.53) risks are moderate, while wildfire exposure is minimal at just 14.89.

Windstorm insurance is your priority

Secure windstorm and hail coverage in your homeowners policy to protect against Bates County's primary tornado threat. Designate a safe room or basement shelter area and keep an emergency kit accessible during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bates County

via WaterByCounty

Bates County Faces Severe Compliance Crisis

Bates County receives an F grade for drinking water, with a staggering 50 health violations recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 352.0 per 100,000 residents is more than four times the Missouri average of 81.5. These numbers indicate a critical and systemic failure to meet federal safety standards.

Official Watershed Health Data Unavailable

Bates County's streams and rivers have not been assessed under the current federal §303(d) reporting cycle. No ATTAINS data is available to classify local water bodies as impaired or healthy. Without this federal assessment, the impact of agricultural and organic runoff on the watershed remains unquantified.

High-Volume Testing at Select Monitoring Sites

Despite having only 3 monitoring sites, Bates County has logged 2,839 measurements in the last five years. The data is heavily concentrated on organics, pesticides, and nutrients, reflecting a deep concern for chemical runoff. This intensive focus at few locations provides a detailed but localized view of water safety.

Osage River Flows at Fraction of Mean

The Osage River above Schell City is currently flowing at 769 cfs, just 15% of its long-term mean of 5,082 cfs. This massive river system, draining 5,410 square miles, is experiencing a significant reduction in discharge. Lower flows can exacerbate the concentration of pesticides and organic compounds detected in monitoring.

Immediate Attention Needed for Water Safety

Given the extreme violation rate and F grade, Bates County residents should use certified water filters and follow all utility notices closely. Monitoring records show a focus on pesticides, which can become more problematic during the current low-flow period on the Osage River. Testing private wells and seeking transparent compliance data from suppliers is highly recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bates County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant Heat and Typical Rainfall

Bates County averages 55.6°F annually, which is warmer than the national median. Its precipitation of 43.6 inches aligns almost perfectly with the Missouri state average.

A State Leader in Summer Heat

The county is 0.7 degrees warmer than the state average of 54.9°F. It is distinguished by having some of the most frequent extreme heat days in the region.

Intense Summers Compared to Neighbors

Bates records 47 extreme heat days, far more than the 38 days found in neighboring Benton County. This makes its summers feel much harsher than nearby central Missouri counties.

Nearly Seven Weeks of Heat

The county endures 47 days above 90°F, with July temperatures averaging a high 79.3°F. Winter brings a moderate 9.5 inches of snow and a 30.0°F January average.

Cooling is the Top Priority

With nearly seven weeks of extreme heat, a high-performance HVAC system is a necessity. Residents should also keep winter gear ready for the 9.5 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bates County

via SoilByCounty

Chemically Balanced Bates County

Bates County soil has an average pH of 6.28, which is nearly neutral compared to the national median of 6.5. This makes the soil more chemically balanced for nutrient uptake than the average Missouri county.

Nutrient-Rich Clay Content

The composition is 14.9% sand, 58.4% silt, and 26.7% clay, creating a dense but nutrient-rich profile. The high clay and silt percentages ensure that fertilizer and minerals stay in the root zone rather than leaching away.

Drought-Resistant Soil

The Available Water Capacity is 0.190 in/in, beating the state average of 0.183 and helping crops survive dry spells. Organic matter is 2.60%, which is lower than the state average but remains above the national average of 2.0%.

Managing Saturated Grounds

Drainage is classified as subaqueous, indicating that some land may be prone to sitting in water or having a shallow water table. This requires careful site selection for gardening to avoid root rot in sensitive plant varieties.

Zone 6b Vegetable Staples

In Hardiness Zone 6b, the climate is ideal for staples like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. With a soil score of 66.4, you have a solid foundation to produce a bountiful harvest with just a little attention to drainage.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bates County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty in a Hot Climate

Bates County sits at a 63.9 difficulty score, nearly identical to the Missouri state average. This zone 6b county offers a standard Midwestern lawn experience, though it faces significantly more extreme heat than its northern neighbors.

Sweating Through 47 Heat Days

The county faces a staggering 47 days of 90°F+ temperatures, well above the state average of 37. Combined with 43.6 inches of rain and 4191 growing degree days, the environment creates a high-speed growing cycle that requires diligent maintenance.

Heavy Clay Requires Care

The soil contains 26.7% clay, which helps retain moisture but can lead to drainage issues during heavy rains. The pH of 6.28 is very healthy, meaning you likely won't need many chemical adjustments to keep your grass green.

Facing Abnormally Dry Conditions

Bates County spent 22 weeks in drought last year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. Given the high heat index, using a smart irrigation controller can help you navigate the 47 extreme heat days without wasting water.

Tough Grass for Tough Summers

Tall Fescue is the standard here, but it needs deep roots to survive the 79.3°F July average. Start seeding after the April 12th frost date to give your lawn enough time to harden before the summer heat wave hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bates County's county score?
Bates County, Missouri has a composite county score of 45.2 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 Bates County rank among counties in Missouri?
Bates County ranks #77 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 Bates County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Bates County is $962, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Bates County a tax score of 71.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bates County?
The median household income in Bates County, Missouri is $57,914 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bates County earns an income score of 32.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bates County, Missouri a good place to live?
Bates County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Bates 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 Bates County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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