countyscore
54.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83Disaster Risk 73.8

County Report Card

About Bollinger County, Missouri

Above the National Median

Bollinger County earns a composite score of 54.3, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county in several key affordability metrics.

Beating the State Average

With a 54.3 overall score, the county outpaces Missouri's state average of 50.3. It stands out as a strong performer within the region, particularly for residents seeking financial breathing room.

Exceptional Affordability and Water Quality

The county excels with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 83.0, driven by a modest median rent of $677. Residents also benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.614%, yielding a Tax Score of 72.8.

Healthcare and Income Gaps

Healthcare access is a notable hurdle, as evidenced by a low Health Score of 21.9. Additionally, the median household income of $57,286 results in an Income Score of 31.1, trailing many state peers.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Living

This county is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low overhead and clean water over immediate medical proximity. It offers a stable, low-tax environment that makes a modest income go much further.

2040608010072.88339.721.943.131.173.88665.5Tax72.8Cost83Safety39.7Health21.9Schools43.1Income31.1Risk73.8Water86Weather65.554.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Bollinger County DNA

Foverall

How Bollinger County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bollinger County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83/100) but notably weak in Health (21.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.8+20.799999999999997
Cost
83+35
Safety
39.7-15.299999999999997
Health
21.9-28.1
Schools
43.1-10.899999999999999
Income
31.1-19.9
Risk
73.8+26.799999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
65.5+9.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Bollinger County?

Many homeowners in Bollinger County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$677/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,286/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

56.7

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

Stoddard County
Missouri
47
Wayne County
Missouri
50
Madison County
Missouri
46
Cape Girardeau County
Missouri
42.6
Scott County
Missouri
54
Perry County
Missouri
47.2
Butler County
Missouri
37.9
Alexander County
Illinois
62.2

Deep Dives

Bollinger County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bollinger County

via TaxByCounty

Bollinger's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.614%, Bollinger County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.733%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay just $874 annually on a median home valued at $142,400—less than a third of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Below-average across Missouri

Bollinger's 0.614% rate falls noticeably below Missouri's 0.733% state average, ranking it among the lower-taxed counties in the state. The median annual tax of $874 is also 27% lower than Missouri's median of $1,199.

Southeast Missouri's tax landscape

Bollinger edges below its neighbors: Butler County (0.673%) and Cape Girardeau County (0.674%) both tax slightly higher. Among this rural cluster, Bollinger offers some of the most affordable property tax burdens in the region.

What Bollinger homeowners pay yearly

With a median home valued at $142,400 and an effective rate of 0.614%, the typical Bollinger homeowner pays $874 per year in property taxes—or about $73 monthly. For those with a mortgage, total tax and escrow averages $1,027 annually.

Bollinger homeowners: Check your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, assessments can be wrong. Many Missouri homeowners are overassessed relative to recent sales data and could recover hundreds annually by filing a tax appeal with the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bollinger County

via CostByCounty

Bollinger's rent burden beats the nation

At 14.2%, Bollinger County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical American households. The county's median rent of $677 monthly is substantially cheaper than what renters pay nationwide, even as household income lags the national average of $74,755.

Best affordability in Missouri

Bollinger County ranks among Missouri's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% compared to the state average of 15.6%. This advantage reflects both modest rent costs and a stable local income base of $57,286.

The affordable corner of southeast Missouri

Bollinger County undercuts neighbors like Buchanan (17.9% rent ratio) and Butler (18.7%) while matching nearby Caldwell's affordability sweet spot at 12.1%. Renters in Bollinger pay $677 monthly—well below the state average of $768—making it a standout value in the region.

How your dollar divides

The median household earns $57,286 annually, with renters spending $677 monthly (14.2% of income) and homeowners paying $653 monthly on mortgage costs. Median home values of $142,400 make ownership accessible for those building equity in a below-state-average market.

Consider Bollinger for value

If housing affordability tops your relocation list, Bollinger County delivers the lowest rent burden in this region at 14.2% of income. Compare this advantage against Boone County (18.2%) or Butler County (18.7%) before making your move to Missouri.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bollinger County

via IncomeByCounty

Bollinger lags behind national income

Bollinger County's median household income of $57,286 falls about $17,500 short of the national median of $74,755. This 23% gap places the county below the U.S. average, suggesting residents earn considerably less than their counterparts across the country.

Below average for Missouri counties

At $57,286, Bollinger's median household income trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by roughly $2,200. The county ranks in the lower half of Missouri's 115 counties, reflecting modest earning power across the region.

Lowest income among nearby counties

Bollinger earns less than neighboring Caldwell County ($62,520) and Cape Girardeau County ($68,912), placing it among the more economically challenged areas in southeast Missouri. The county's per capita income of $26,681 also lags the state average of $31,011 by about $4,300.

Modest rent burden, affordable housing

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.2%, Bollinger households spend well below the recommended 30% threshold, indicating rental affordability. The median home value of $142,400 is accessible relative to the median income, though limited wages constrain wealth-building opportunities.

Build savings despite modest income

Bollinger residents benefit from affordable housing costs—freeing up household dollars for emergency funds and retirement accounts. Even modest regular contributions to a 401(k) or IRA can compound significantly over time, helping residents build financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bollinger County

via CrimeByCounty

Bollinger County Outperforms National Safety Trends

Bollinger County maintains an impressive safety score of 97.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1369.9 per 100,000 residents sits significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in Missouri

The county's safety score of 97.8 exceeds the Missouri state average of 97.0. It remains one of the more secure regions in the state, with a total crime rate well below the state average of 1926.2 per 100,000.

Comparing Rates with Cape Girardeau

Bollinger's total crime rate of 1369.9 is noticeably lower than neighboring Cape Girardeau County's rate of 2019.5. While local safety remains high, residents experience a quieter environment than those in the more urbanized nearby counties.

High Violent Crime Amidst Low Property Crime

The county reports a violent crime rate of 609.9, which is considerably higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 760.0 is exceptionally low, representing only a fraction of the national 2,015.7 average.

Strengthening Local Home Security

Despite the low property crime rates, the elevated violent crime rate suggests a need for vigilant personal safety measures. Secure entry points and outdoor lighting provide essential layers of protection for rural households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bollinger County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Learning Network

Bollinger County supports 1,733 students across 10 public schools, including four elementary, two middle, and four high school facilities. Four local districts manage this infrastructure, serving a entirely rural student population with no charter school presence.

High Graduation Rates Despite Low Spending

The county achieves an impressive 93.6% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 91.3%. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,627, which sits nearly $700 below the Missouri average and well under the national $13,000 benchmark.

Woodland R-IV Leads the Region

Woodland R-IV stands as the largest district in the county, educating 856 students across three different schools. Meadow Heights R-II follows with 498 students, while smaller districts like Leopold R-III serve a tight-knit community of 182 learners.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

Every school in Bollinger County is classified as rural, creating a consistent, intimate educational environment with an average school size of just 173 students. Woodland Elementary is the largest facility with 347 students, offering a stark contrast to the small-group focus found throughout the county's four districts.

Find a Home Near Quality Rural Schools

Families seeking high-performing rural schools often focus their home search within the Woodland R-IV or Meadow Heights R-II boundaries. With graduation rates exceeding state standards, these districts provide a strong foundation for homebuyers prioritizing education and community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bollinger County

via RiskByCounty

Bollinger ranks among safest counties

With a composite risk score of 26.27, Bollinger County sits well below the national average and is rated Very Low for natural disaster risk. This protective position reflects relatively modest exposure to most hazard types across the county.

Second-lowest risk in Missouri

Bollinger's score of 26.27 ranks it among the safest counties in Missouri, far below the state average of 50.56. Only a handful of Missouri counties enjoy comparably low composite risk profiles.

Safer than most regional peers

Adjacent counties show notably higher risk: Callaway County scores 63.93 and Cape Girardeau County scores 85.69. Bollinger's Very Low rating makes it the clear outlier for safety in its immediate region.

Earthquakes pose unexpected threat

Despite the county's overall low risk, earthquakes register at 77.99—the highest hazard for Bollinger residents. Tornados score 53.50, making severe weather the second concern, while flood and wildfire risks remain modest.

Earthquake coverage worth considering

Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage, yet Bollinger's earthquake risk score of 77.99 suggests adding this protection. Review your current coverage and consider a dedicated earthquake policy for peace of mind.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bollinger County

via WaterByCounty

Bollinger County Earns Top Marks for Drinking Water

The county maintains an 'A' grade with zero health-based violations recorded over the last five years. This performance far exceeds the Missouri state average of 81.5 violations per 100,000 residents. Local systems consistently meet all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards for safety and reliability.

Watershed Assessments Currently Pending for Local Streams

Federal authorities have not yet assessed Bollinger County water bodies under the Clean Water Act §303(d) reporting cycle. This lack of data means the official impairment status for local creeks and rivers remains unknown at this time. Future reporting will determine if these waters meet national quality standards.

Over 2,000 Water Quality Readings in Five Years

Monitoring efforts across five distinct sites have produced 2,373 measurements during the most recent five-year window. Field crews primarily focus on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic compounds. This data provides a foundational understanding of the local chemical and physical water profile.

Castor River Flow Drops Significantly Below Normal

The USGS gauge on the Castor River at Zalma currently records a discharge of 164 cubic feet per second. This flow represents just 30% of its long-term mean of 550 cfs. The 423-square-mile drainage area is experiencing much drier conditions than typical for this period.

Monitor Source Water During Low Flow Periods

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the significantly low streamflow in the Castor River may impact local water availability. Residents should stay informed about drought conditions that can concentrate naturally occurring minerals. Current monitoring focuses on nutrients, which is a key metric for maintaining watershed health during dry spells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bollinger County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Very Wet Climate

Bollinger County is significantly warmer than the national median with a 58.1°F average. It is the wettest county in this group, receiving 51.9 inches of precipitation annually.

Among Missouri's Warmest Counties

At 58.1°F, the county is 3.2 degrees warmer than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. This southeastern location provides a much milder climate than northern regions.

Wetter and Warmer Than the West

Bollinger is nearly two degrees warmer than Barton County and receives almost five inches more rainfall. It represents the humid, subtropical influence of the Missouri Bootheel region.

Mild Winters and Steamy Summers

January is mild for Missouri, averaging 35.4°F, which is much warmer than the state's northern counties. Summers feature 38 days of extreme heat and very high humidity.

Focus on Moisture Management

The high annual rainfall of 51.9 inches requires vigilant home maintenance against mold and water damage. High-efficiency cooling is also vital for the 38 days of 90-degree heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bollinger County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols of Bollinger County

Bollinger County features Entisols with a silty clay loam texture. Its average pH of 5.74 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for optimal crop growth.

A Silty Foundation for Farming

The soil mix consists of 58.1% silt and 14.2% clay, balanced by 15.8% sand. This silty clay loam texture offers a stable structure that retains nutrients well while remaining workable for local farmers.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts a remarkable 10.90% organic matter content, far exceeding the Missouri average of 4.74%. Its available water capacity of 0.181 inches matches the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for thirsty roots.

Well Drained with High Runoff Potential

Classified as well drained, the soil allows water to move through the profile effectively. However, its hydrologic group C designation indicates a moderately high runoff risk during heavy Missouri rainstorms.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6b

With a soil score of 66.2, this land is prime for diverse plantings. Residents in zone 6b should leverage the high organic matter to grow vigorous leafy greens and productive fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bollinger County

via LawnByCounty

Bollinger County's Uphill Lawn Battle

Bollinger County earns a lawn difficulty score of 45.5, which is lower than the national median of 50.0 and well below the Missouri average of 63.7. The 6b hardiness zone offers moderate growing conditions, but regional factors make maintenance more challenging than in neighboring areas.

High Precipitation and Summer Heat

Annual precipitation of 51.9 inches exceeds the state average and sits at the top of the ideal range for turf. Homeowners must manage 38 extreme heat days over 90°F and 4,489 growing degree days, which often leads to rapid growth and higher mowing frequency.

Managing Acidic Silty Clay Loam

The soil is well-drained but significantly acidic with a pH of 5.74, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the silty clay loam texture provides a decent base, most lawns require lime treatments to balance the pH and unlock essential nutrients.

Combating Severe Drought Stress

Currently, 96.0% of the county suffers from severe drought, following 28 weeks of drought over the past year. With 100% of the area being abnormally dry, deep and infrequent watering is essential to sustain grass through these harsh conditions.

Best Growth Windows for Bollinger

Tall fescue is a reliable choice for this climate, especially when seeded after the first fall frost around October 23. If you prefer spring planting, aim to have your sod or seed established before the final frost on April 12.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bollinger County's county score?
Bollinger County, Missouri has a composite county score of 54.3 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 Bollinger County rank among counties in Missouri?
Bollinger County ranks #42 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 Bollinger County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Bollinger County is $874, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Bollinger County a tax score of 72.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bollinger County?
The median household income in Bollinger County, Missouri is $57,286 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bollinger County earns an income score of 31.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bollinger County, Missouri a good place to live?
Bollinger County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Bollinger 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 Bollinger County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.