countyscore
51.8
County Score
Property Tax 81Cost of Living 75.3Lawn Care 65.5

County Report Card

About Benton County, Missouri

Aligned with National Median

Benton County earns a 50.4, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. This makes it a perfectly average, representative slice of American livability.

Matching the State Average

With a 50.4 score, Benton County sits right at the Missouri state average of 50.3. It offers a balanced profile that reflects the general quality of life found across the state.

Leading in Tax Affordability

Benton County features an elite tax score of 79.6, supported by a very low effective tax rate of 0.557%. Housing is also affordable, with a cost score of 68.8 and median rents of $823.

Income and Health Limitations

The income score of 19.0 reflects a median household income of $52,200. The health score of 26.8 also indicates that medical access or outcomes may be more limited than in neighboring areas.

Best for Retirees and Fixed Incomes

Benton County is a standout for anyone on a fixed income, thanks to its extremely low property taxes. It offers a stable, average American lifestyle with exceptional financial benefits for homeowners.

204060801008175.347.626.840.716.433.238.255.3Tax81Cost75.3Safety47.6Health26.8Schools40.7Income16.4Risk33.2Water38.2Weather55.351.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Benton County DNA

Foverall

How Benton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Benton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (81/100) but notably weak in Income (16.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81+29
Cost
75.3+27.299999999999997
Safety
47.6
Health
26.8-23.2
Schools
40.7-13.299999999999997
Income
16.4-34.6
Risk
33.2-13.799999999999997
Water
38.2-19.799999999999997
Weather
55.3
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Whether buying or refinancing in Benton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$177,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$773/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$177,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,567/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.1

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
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Nearby counties

Morgan County
Missouri
54.3
Pettis County
Missouri
40.5
Hickory County
Missouri
59.5
Henry County
Missouri
44.1
St. Clair County
Missouri
59.4
Camden County
Missouri
48.9
Johnson County
Missouri
44.4
Moniteau County
Missouri
60.8

Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton County offers the nation's lightest burden

Benton County's effective property tax rate of 0.557% ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, far below the national median of 0.863%. Homeowners here enjoy one of America's most tax-friendly environments.

Missouri's lowest-tax county here

At 0.557%, Benton County claims the lowest effective rate among all eight profiled counties and ranks in Missouri's bottom fifth overall. The median tax of $918 represents some of the lightest property tax bills in the state.

Tax rates drop sharply moving south

Benton County's 0.557% rate significantly undercuts northern counties, with only Bates County (0.621%) coming close among this cohort. Compare this to Atchison County (1.171%) or Audrain County (0.875%), and the difference becomes striking.

Lowest bills in the region

With median home values of $164,700 and a 0.557% rate, Benton County homeowners pay approximately $918 in annual property taxes. Even with mortgage escrow, the amount reaches just $934—exceptionally low by any standard.

Periodic assessment checks still matter

While Benton County offers low rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. Even small errors in valuation can compound over decades of property ownership and taxation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton significantly below national income

Benton County's median household income of $52,200 falls $22,555 short of the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap reflects a county economy with limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Lowest-earning in this analysis

At $52,200, Benton County's median household income ranks among the lowest in this eight-county study, trailing Missouri's state average of $59,503 by $7,303. The county faces economic challenges similar to Barton, with incomes well below state norms.

Below-average earner regionally

Benton's $52,200 median income ranks among the weakest in the region, exceeding only Barton County's $49,503. The county underperforms most neighbors, suggesting local job market limitations compared to surrounding areas.

Housing costs pressure budgets

Benton's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-highest in this analysis, approaching affordability stress for renters. The median home value of $164,700 consumes a substantial portion of household earnings, limiting discretionary savings for residents.

Benton households: prioritize foundations first

With income at $52,200, Benton residents must focus on budgeting and building emergency reserves before aggressive investing. Once housing costs are stabilized and savings cushions established, even modest contributions to retirement accounts will compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Benton County

via CrimeByCounty

Benton County Safe Compared to US

Benton County reports a total crime rate of 1,177.6 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a high safety score of 98.1.

One of Missouri's Safer Counties

Benton's safety score of 98.1 exceeds the state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate is also well below the Missouri state average of 1,926.2 per 100K.

Strong Safety Record Near Lakes

Benton maintains a lower crime rate than regional peer Barry County, which sits at 2,152.7. It is one of the more secure counties in the central Missouri lake region.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

The property crime rate is 983.9 per 100K, which is about half the national average. Violent crime is also low at 193.7 per 100K residents.

Protecting Seasonal and Lake Properties

Residents can help maintain low rates by securing vacation properties and boats, which are often targets. Modern alarm systems offer peace of mind for both full-time and seasonal residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Benton County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Snowy Central Missouri

Benton County’s annual average of 55.3°F sits above the national median temperature. It receives 43 inches of precipitation, closely matching the Missouri average of 43.8 inches.

Central Missouri's Temperature Benchmark

The county is slightly warmer than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. Its central location creates a blend of southern heat and northern winter patterns.

Surprisingly Snowy Compared to Neighbors

Benton receives 18.4 inches of snow, which is nearly triple the 6.7 inches found in southern Barry County. It faces 38 extreme heat days, placing it between Bates and Barry in intensity.

A Blend of Heat and Snow

July averages a hot 78.3°F with 38 days reaching 90°F or more. Conversely, the 18.4 inches of annual snowfall is relatively high for this part of the state.

Preparing for Both Extremes

Residents need both heavy-duty snow removal tools and powerful air conditioning. Outdoor planning should account for both the 38 days of high heat and the significant winter snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Benton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Landscapes in Benton

Benton County soil has a pH of 5.88, making it slightly more acidic than the state average and well below the national median of 6.5. The overall soil score of 53.0 indicates some challenges for intensive agriculture compared to state benchmarks.

Silt and Clay Structural Balance

The soil is made of 19.8% sand, 57.1% silt, and 20.1% clay. This distribution provides a fair balance of drainage and water retention, though the high silt content can lead to surface crusting after heavy rains.

Steady Water Availability

Organic matter levels are relatively low at 2.08%, falling far below Missouri's 4.74% average. However, the Available Water Capacity of 0.185 in/in is slightly better than the state average, providing a steady supply of moisture.

Moderate Permeability Profile

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not listed, the soil's composition suggests moderate permeability. Improving organic matter through composting will be key to unlocking the full potential of this soil.

Versatile Zone 6b Gardening

Benton County resides in Zone 6b, providing a versatile climate for both spring and fall gardening. Focus on soil-building practices and you will find success with hardy vegetables like beans, peas, and root crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Benton County

via LawnByCounty

Benton County Lawns Meet the Mark

Benton County's lawn difficulty score of 65.5 is slightly better than the Missouri average, making it a solid place for home landscaping. In hardiness zone 6b, the county enjoys a balance of northern and southern climate traits.

Long Seasons and High Degrees

The county sees 4059 growing degree days, resulting in a long and productive growing season. With 43.0 inches of rain and 38 extreme heat days, the climate is slightly more aggressive than the state average but remains manageable for most homeowners.

Addressing Soil Acidity

The local soil pH is 5.88, which is just below the preferred range for most turfgrasses. With a balanced mix of 20.1% clay and 19.8% sand, focusing on pH correction with lime will be more important than changing the soil's physical texture.

Resilience in the Face of Dryness

Benton County experienced 17 weeks of drought over the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Because the county has a long history of dry spells, selecting grass with high drought tolerance is a smart long-term investment.

Planting for a Long Season

Your first fall frost doesn't typically arrive until October 30th, giving you a very long window for growth. Seed your lawn after the April 13th frost, and choose a blend that can withstand the 38 annual days of extreme heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benton County's county score?
Benton County, Missouri has a composite county score of 51.8 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 Benton County rank among counties in Missouri?
Benton County ranks #56 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 Benton County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Benton County is $937, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Benton County a tax score of 81/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benton County?
The median household income in Benton County, Missouri is $52,567 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benton County earns an income score of 16.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benton County, Missouri a good place to live?
Benton County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Benton 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 Benton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.