CountyScore

Bates County

Missouri · MO

#27 in Missouri
72.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Bates County, Missouri

Bates Ranks Above National Livability Median

Bates County's composite score of 75.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 52%, placing it in the upper range of U.S. counties. This solid performance reflects balanced strengths across multiple livability factors.

Notably Strong Within Missouri's Rankings

At 75.9, Bates County ranks above Missouri's state average of 74.8, securing a position among the state's stronger-performing counties. It stands out slightly within Missouri's competitive landscape.

Tax Advantage and Housing Affordability Combine

Bates delivers a tax score of 84.8 with the lowest effective tax rate in this sample at 0.621%, plus a cost score of 82.9 with median home values of $154,800 and rent at $760/month. Together, these create meaningful financial advantages.

Income Growth and Quality Data Gaps

Bates's income score of 21.2 and median household income of $57,914 indicate moderate earning power relative to its cost savings. Several dimensions including safety, health, schools, and water quality have not yet been assessed.

Great for Financially Savvy Mid-Income Families

Bates County appeals to households earning moderate incomes who want to maximize savings through low taxes and reasonable housing costs. It rewards financial discipline with genuine monthly budget relief.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.8Cost82.9SafetyComing SoonHealth64.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.2Risk69.6WaterComing Soon
🏛84.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡69.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bates County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Heard County
Georgia
72.4
Median income: $62,907
Minidoka County
Idaho
72.4
Median income: $70,060
Pocahontas County
Iowa
72.4
Median income: $63,423
Hickman County
Kentucky
72.4
Median income: $63,750
Baraga County
Michigan
72.4
Median income: $55,117

Deep Dives

Bates County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Bates County

via HealthByCounty

Bates life expectancy near U.S. average

Bates County's 74.7-year life expectancy is marginally above the U.S. average of 74.4 years, representing typical American longevity. However, 19.2% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly below national rates, suggesting Bates residents experience relatively average health quality.

Bates slightly above Missouri median

Bates's 74.7-year life expectancy modestly exceeds Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Its 13.4% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 12.5%, indicating notable coverage gaps.

Stable health relative to region

Bates's 74.7-year life expectancy falls between Audrain/Atchison (73.9) and Adair (75.9), placing it as a regional mid-performer. Its 19.2% poor/fair health rate is among the region's better metrics, suggesting relatively stable population health.

Severe provider shortage despite modest coverage

Bates has just 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one of Missouri's lowest supplies—making routine care extremely difficult to access. With 13.4% uninsured, one in seven residents lack coverage, intensifying the access crisis in a provider-sparse county.

Coverage opens doors to care.

Bates's extreme primary care shortage (12 per 100K) means insurance is just the first step—but it's a critical one. If you're among the 13.4% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov immediately to secure coverage and discuss telehealth or regional referral options with your doctor.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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