CountyScore

Boone County

Missouri · MO

#105 in Missouri
65.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Boone County, Missouri

Boone exceeds national livability benchmarks

Boone County's composite score of 68.5 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, marking it as a more livable-than-average county. However, it scores slightly below Missouri's state average of 74.8, suggesting regional competition in the state.

Boone performs slightly below state average

At 68.5, Boone County scores 6.3 points below Missouri's state average of 74.8, placing it in the middle range of Missouri counties. This reflects trade-offs between higher incomes and elevated housing costs typical of university-centered regions.

Higher incomes drive economic advantage

Boone County's Income Score of 29.0 and median household income of $69,913 rank among the strongest in this county cohort, reflecting economic opportunities tied to institutional anchors. Its Tax Score of 77.6 and effective tax rate of 0.878% remain competitive statewide.

Housing costs significantly exceed affordability benchmarks

A median home value of $254,100 and median gross rent of $1,060 per month place housing well above the affordability levels of peer counties, reflected in a Cost Score of 71.6. Those prioritizing affordability may find better options elsewhere.

Perfect for educated professionals seeking opportunity

Boone County suits college-educated workers, young professionals, and families attracted to institutional jobs and amenities, willing to pay a premium for housing. The higher income potential and vibrant community culture justify costs for the right demographic.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.6Cost71.6SafetyComing SoonHealth75.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome29Risk14.3WaterComing Soon
🏛77.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡14.3
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 Boone County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Clinch County
Georgia
65.7
Median income: $55,549
Jo Daviess County
Illinois
65.7
Median income: $74,954
Porter County
Indiana
65.7
Median income: $85,828
Osage County
Kansas
65.7
Median income: $70,216
Kenton County
Kentucky
65.7
Median income: $79,421

Deep Dives

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.