countyscore
39.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 74.1Soil Quality 71.7

County Report Card

About Boone County, Missouri

Falling Below the National Median

Boone County posts a composite score of 39.5, trailing the national median of 50.0 by over ten points. While it serves as a regional hub, its overall livability index is squeezed by safety and cost factors.

Trailing the Missouri Average

The county's 39.5 score sits well below the Missouri average of 50.3. High local demand for housing and services creates a different economic profile than its more affordable rural neighbors.

Strong Health and High Incomes

Boone County shines in health and wealth, boasting a Health Score of 74.1 and a median household income of $69,913. Its Water Score of 86.0 also indicates high infrastructure quality for its growing population.

Safety and Cost Pressures

Safety is a significant concern with a score of 10.0, while the high median home value of $254,100 drives the Cost Score down to 21.9. A Risk Score of 14.3 also suggests vulnerability to environmental or economic volatility.

Ideal for Career-Driven Professionals

This county suits high-earning professionals and academics who value top-tier medical facilities and high salaries. Residents here trade off lower safety scores and higher housing costs for the benefits of a robust local economy.

Score breakdown

Tax46.9Cost21.9Safety10Health74.1Schools45Income66.2Risk14.3Water86Weather58.7
🏛46.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Callaway County
Missouri
39.7
Moniteau County
Missouri
59.1
Howard County
Missouri
52.4
Cooper County
Missouri
56.7
Cole County
Missouri
54.9
Audrain County
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51.2
Randolph County
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49.9
Osage County
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67.2

Deep Dives

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Boone County

via TaxByCounty

Boone County taxes above U.S. average

At 0.878%, Boone County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.733%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationwide. Homeowners here pay $2,232 annually—83% more than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Among Missouri's highest-taxed counties

Boone ranks notably above Missouri's 0.733% state average with a rate of 0.878%—19% higher than the statewide norm. Its median property tax of $2,232 is 86% above Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting one of the state's steeper tax burdens.

Central Missouri's tax burden comparison

Boone County (0.878%) significantly outpaces Callaway County (0.789%) and Caldwell County (0.785%) in the region. Home to Columbia and the University of Missouri, Boone's higher tax base reflects greater institutional and commercial property values.

What Boone County homeowners pay

With a median home valued at $254,100 and a 0.878% effective rate, the typical Boone homeowner pays $2,232 annually—or about $186 monthly. The tax burden is virtually identical whether the home carries a mortgage ($2,235) or is owned outright ($2,224).

Boone residents: Appeal assessments today

In higher-tax counties like Boone, overassessments cost more dollars annually. Many homeowners can file an appeal with Boone County's assessor and recover significant refunds if recent sales comparables support a lower valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boone County

via CostByCounty

College town premium: Boone's housing squeeze

Boone County residents spend 18.2% of income on rent—well above the national standard and significantly higher than the state average of 15.6%. While median household income of $69,913 is competitive, the $1,060 monthly rent reflects demand from the University of Missouri, creating affordability pressure.

Least affordable county in Missouri sample

Among these eight counties, Boone County suffers the worst affordability crisis with an 18.2% rent-to-income ratio. This reflects a college-town dynamic where student and academic demand pushes housing costs above state norms.

College towns cost more

Boone County's $1,060 monthly rent dwarfs nearby Callaway ($850) and Caldwell ($628), making it the priciest in the region by a significant margin. The 18.2% rent burden here exceeds every comparable county in this analysis.

University pull stretches budgets

Boone County households earn $69,913 annually but allocate 18.2% to rent ($1,060) or face ownership costs of $1,156 monthly with median home values at $254,100. This is the costliest housing market in the group, driven by institutional demand.

Budget for Boone County premium

Relocating to Boone County means accepting the state's tightest housing market; renters here spend 18.2% of income versus 14.2% in Bollinger County. If affordability is your priority, look south or east to Callaway, Cape Girardeau, or Caldwell instead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boone County

via IncomeByCounty

Boone exceeds state but trails nation

Boone County's median household income of $69,913 surpasses Missouri's state average of $59,503 but falls about $4,850 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks solidly in the middle range nationally, reflecting a moderately prosperous community.

Top earners in Missouri

Boone County ranks among Missouri's highest-income counties with a median household income of $69,913—about $10,400 above the state average. The county's per capita income of $38,945 also leads the state average by nearly $8,000, signaling strong earning power.

Outearns most regional peers

Boone's $69,913 median income tops neighboring Callaway County ($72,645) is slightly higher, but Boone clearly outpaces Buchanan County ($59,423) and Butler County ($49,213). The county's economic strength reflects its status as home to the University of Missouri and associated professional jobs.

Higher rents reflect desirability

Boone's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% is slightly elevated compared to the 30% affordability threshold, reflecting higher living costs in an educated, university-town market. The median home value of $254,100 requires substantial income but remains achievable for many two-earner households.

Leverage education for wealth growth

Boone's higher incomes create meaningful opportunities to invest beyond basic expenses and housing costs. Residents should prioritize maxing out employer 401(k) matches, diversifying investments, and exploring tax-advantaged savings vehicles to compound wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boone County

via CrimeByCounty

Boone County Faces Higher Total Crime Rates

Boone County reports a total crime rate of 2772.7 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This activity results in a safety score of 95.6, indicating more frequent incidents than the national baseline.

Below the Missouri Safety Average

With a safety score of 95.6, Boone County falls below the state average score of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 2772.7 also tracks higher than the typical Missouri county average of 1926.2.

Safer than Neighbors to the East

Boone County is notably safer than neighboring Callaway County, where the crime rate reaches 3576.2. While Boone deals with urban crime challenges in Columbia, it maintains a better overall safety profile than some of its immediate neighbors.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 2361.9 that sits above the national 2,015.7 average. Violent crime, however, is closer to national norms at 410.8 per 100,000 residents.

Focusing on Theft Prevention

Since property crime drives most local incidents, residents should prioritize porch security and vehicle safety. Smart cameras and alarm systems are effective deterrents in higher-density neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boone County

via HealthByCounty

Boone excels with top-tier life expectancy

At 78.3 years, Boone's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 79 years and ranks among Missouri's healthiest counties. Only 15% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 18%—reflecting a population with sustained wellness advantages.

Boone dominates Missouri health rankings

Boone ranks in Missouri's top tier with a life expectancy 4 years above the state average and a below-average poor/fair health rate of 15%. This Boone County achieves one of the state's lowest uninsured rates at just 8.4%—2.1 percentage points below Missouri's 12.5% average.

Clear health advantage over peer counties

Boone outpaces nearby Callaway County by 2.3 years in life expectancy and maintains 3.1 times more primary care providers (118 vs. 38 per 100K). Its 458 mental health providers per 100K far exceeds regional peers, making Boone a healthcare access leader in central Missouri.

Robust provider networks ensure access

Boone residents benefit from 118 primary care providers per 100K—a regional benchmark that ensures relatively quick appointments and preventive care access. The county's 458 mental health providers per 100K provide comprehensive behavioral health support, backed by low uninsured rates of 8.4%.

Keep coverage strong year-round

With Boone's low uninsured rate, most residents maintain steady coverage through employers or marketplace plans—but coverage can change with life events. Check Healthcare.gov or your employer plan annually to ensure continuous protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boone County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Hub for Education

Boone County operates a massive educational network of 56 public schools serving 24,730 total students across six districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 30 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 10 high schools, and four specialized facilities.

Strong Investment and Steady Outcomes

The county spends $6,696 per pupil, exceeding the Missouri state average of $6,334. This investment supports a 91.2% graduation rate, which aligns with state standards and remains well above the 87% national benchmark.

Columbia 93 Dominates the Landscape

Columbia 93 is the powerhouse district here, managing 36 schools and nearly 18,800 students. While no charter schools operate in the county, major facilities like David H. Hickman High and Rock Bridge Senior High each serve over 2,000 students.

A Mix of Urban Energy and Rural Space

The county offers a diverse locale mix with 30 schools in city settings and 21 in rural areas, resulting in an average school size of 467 students. Large campuses like Battle High School contrast with the five town-based schools, providing families with various learning environments.

Locate Your Family Near Top Districts

Prospective homeowners often look to the Columbia 93 or Centralia R-VI districts for their established reputations and varied school sizes. School quality remains a primary driver for real estate value in this growing educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boone County

via RiskByCounty

Boone faces above-average disaster risk

Boone County's composite risk score of 85.75 exceeds the national average and earns a Relatively Moderate rating. The county confronts meaningful exposure across multiple hazard categories, from tornadoes to earthquakes.

Among Missouri's highest-risk counties

Boone's score of 85.75 ranks it well above the state average of 50.56, placing it in the upper tier of Missouri counties for disaster risk. This elevated profile demands homeowner preparedness and awareness.

Boone leads regional risk comparison

Boone County's score of 85.75 significantly exceeds Callaway County (63.93) to the west and Buchanan County (74.36) to the north. It stands as the riskiest county among its immediate neighbors.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate hazards

Boone residents face a tornado risk score of 92.27, the county's single biggest threat, paired with a substantial flood risk of 87.82. Earthquakes (86.96) round out the trio of major concerns.

Flood and tornado insurance essential

With flood risk at 87.82 and tornado risk at 92.27, standard homeowners policies fall short for most Boone residents. Secure a standalone flood policy and review your coverage annually as part of comprehensive disaster preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boone County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the National Median

Boone County averages 56.1°F annually, making it warmer than the typical U.S. county. This central Missouri hub experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal shifts.

Central Missouri Heat

The county's average temperature of 56.1°F sits 1.2 degrees above the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It receives 42.2 inches of rain annually, which is slightly less than the state's 43.8-inch norm.

A Typical Central Missouri Climate

Boone is warmer on average than northern neighbors like Buchanan County. Its 42.2 inches of annual precipitation aligns closely with other counties in the central corridor.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 38 days of extreme heat above 90°F during summers that average 76.9°F. Winters bring a manageable 16.9 inches of snow and a 34.0°F average temperature.

Prepare for Five Weeks of Heat

High-efficiency cooling systems are essential to handle over a month of 90-degree days. Standard snow removal gear is sufficient for the modest 16.9-inch seasonal snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boone County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soil in Boone County

Boone County features an average pH of 6.61, which sits slightly above the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this pH level is nearly ideal for a wide variety of Missouri plants.

High Silt for Better Texture

The soil composition is dominated by 63.4% silt and 20.2% clay. This high silt content makes the earth feel smooth and enhances its ability to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Water Retention Beats State Averages

The county's available water capacity of 0.196 inches per inch exceeds the state average of 0.183. Although the 2.59% organic matter is lower than the Missouri average, the soil remains highly productive with a score of 71.7.

Managing Saturated Soil Conditions

The dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, implying that these soils often remain saturated or are located in low-lying areas. Proper site selection and raised beds can help mitigate drainage challenges for home gardeners.

Thriving in the Heart of Missouri

Hardiness zone 6b provides a long enough growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and various ornamental shrubs. The high water capacity ensures your garden stays hydrated even during dry summer spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boone County

via LawnByCounty

Boone County's Favorable Lawn Score

Boone County scores a 66.5 for lawn difficulty, outperforming both the state average of 63.7 and the national median of 50.0. This 6b hardiness zone provides a balanced environment that is relatively easy for local homeowners to manage.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 42.2 inches of rain annually, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. While 38 extreme heat days challenge grass, the 4,248 growing degree days support a robust and active growing season.

Near-Perfect Soil pH Levels

A soil pH of 6.61 is nearly ideal for Missouri lawns, requiring very little chemical amendment to keep grass healthy. Although specific texture data is limited, the subaqueous drainage class suggests a need for careful monitoring of moisture levels.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

The county faced 25 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. However, with 0% in severe drought, moderate supplemental watering is usually enough to maintain a healthy green appearance.

Seeding for Success in Boone

Cool-season grasses like tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this zone when planted during the cooler windows. Aim to finish fall seeding after the October 31 frost or start spring projects before the April 7 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boone County's county score?
Boone County, Missouri has a composite county score of 39.5 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 Boone County rank among counties in Missouri?
Boone County ranks #103 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 Boone County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Boone County is $2,232, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Boone County a tax score of 46.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boone County?
The median household income in Boone County, Missouri is $69,913 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boone County earns an income score of 66.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boone County, Missouri a good place to live?
Boone County scores 39.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #103 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Boone 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 Boone County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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