CountyScore

Bollinger County

Missouri · MO

#28 in Missouri
72.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Bollinger County, Missouri

Bollinger ranks well above the national average

With a composite score of 77.7, Bollinger County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of counties nationwide. This strong overall livability score reflects particularly impressive performance in affordability and tax burden, making it a standout option for budget-conscious families.

Bollinger leads Missouri's livability rankings

Bollinger County scores 77.7, above Missouri's state average of 74.8, positioning it as one of the more desirable places to live in the state. Its strength relative to peers makes it a reliable choice within the Missouri landscape.

Tax breaks and housing affordability stand out

Bollinger excels in cost-of-living metrics with a Cost Score of 86.4 and a Tax Score of 85.0, supported by an effective tax rate of just 0.614% and median home values of $142,400. Renters benefit too, with median gross rent at just $677 per month—among the lowest in the state.

Income growth opportunities remain limited

The county's Income Score of 20.8 reflects a median household income of $57,286, notably below state and national averages. Additional data on schools, safety, health, and environmental quality would provide a fuller picture of livability here.

Ideal for cost-conscious, rural-minded families

Bollinger County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over higher incomes and urban amenities. Its strong composite score signals genuine livability for those seeking a quiet, economical small-town or rural lifestyle.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85Cost86.4SafetyComing SoonHealth57.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.8Risk73.8WaterComing Soon
🏛85
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.8
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 Bollinger 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

Bollinger County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Bollinger County

via HealthByCounty

Bollinger lags behind national life expectancy

Residents here live to 73.3 years on average—nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 79 years. About 24% report poor or fair health, compared to 18% nationally, signaling a significant health disadvantage in this southeast Missouri county.

Below-average health ranking statewide

Bollinger's 73.3-year life expectancy falls below Missouri's 74.3-year state average, placing it in the lower half of Missouri counties. The 23.9% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state benchmark, reflecting persistent wellness challenges.

Struggling compared to neighboring counties

Bollinger's life expectancy trails nearby Callaway County (76.0 years) and Cape Girardeau County (75.8 years) by about 2 years each. Its primary care provider density of 19 per 100K is among the sparsest in the region, making routine medical access difficult.

Healthcare gaps create daily barriers

One in seven Bollinger residents (14.5%) lack health insurance—above the state average of 12.5%—while the county has only 19 primary care providers per 100K residents. Mental health support is similarly sparse at 47 per 100K, limiting care options for residents navigating chronic conditions.

Explore coverage options now

If you're among Bollinger's uninsured, the healthcare marketplace offers plans starting in November annually—many with subsidies based on income. Contact your local health department or visit Healthcare.gov to compare options and ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.