countyscore
31.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 75.6Lawn Care 71.5

County Report Card

About Buchanan County, Missouri

Well Below the National Benchmark

Buchanan County registers a composite score of 31.1, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects systemic challenges in public safety and education that impact overall livability.

Low Ranking Within Missouri

The county struggles to keep pace with the Missouri average of 50.3, trailing by nearly 20 points. It ranks among the lower-scoring counties in the state due to specific social and environmental indicators.

Clean Water and Moderate Taxes

Infrastructure is a bright spot, featuring a high Water Score of 86.0. The county also maintains a respectable Tax Score of 53.2, supported by a 0.800% effective tax rate that remains competitive.

Critical Safety and Education Needs

Safety scores are near the bottom at 2.3, and the School Score of 12.9 highlights a need for educational investment. Environmental or economic risk also remains a concern with a Risk Score of 25.6.

A Value Play for Industry Workers

Buchanan County is best suited for individuals working in established local industries who prioritize low-cost utilities and manageable taxes. It offers an affordable entry point for those less concerned with school district rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax53.2Cost42.6Safety2.3Health35.3Schools12.9Income37.3Risk25.6Water86Weather49
🏛53.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓12.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.5
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

Doniphan County
Kansas
59.6
Atchison County
Kansas
48.6
Andrew County
Missouri
53.8
Platte County
Missouri
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Clinton County
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DeKalb County
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Leavenworth County
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Holt County
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Deep Dives

Buchanan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Buchanan County

via TaxByCounty

Buchanan County sits near national average

At 0.800%, Buchanan County's effective tax rate sits above the national median of 0.733%, placing it in the middle-upper range of U.S. counties. Residents pay $1,253 annually on a median home of $156,600—less than half the national median property tax.

Above-average taxing in Missouri

Buchanan's 0.800% rate surpasses Missouri's 0.733% state average by 9%, making it a higher-taxed county statewide. The median annual tax of $1,253 runs 5% above Missouri's $1,199 median.

Northwest Missouri's tax comparison

Buchanan County (0.800%) sits above Caldwell County (0.785%) but below Boone County (0.878%) regionally. Home to St. Joseph, Buchanan's moderate tax rate reflects its mid-sized urban character in northwest Missouri.

Buchanan homeowners' annual tax bill

Owners of a median-valued $156,600 home in Buchanan pay $1,253 per year in property taxes—roughly $104 monthly. Those with mortgages average $1,299 annually when escrow is included.

Buchanan County: Check your assessment

Overassessments affect homeowners at every tax rate. In Buchanan County, filing an appeal could reduce your taxable valuation and save hundreds annually if market data supports a lower figure.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Buchanan County

via CostByCounty

Buchanan residents stretch to afford rent

At 17.9%, Buchanan County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average and Missouri's 15.6% state norm. Median rent of $889 monthly eats into household income of $59,423, creating affordability headwinds for renters.

Second-worst affordability in Missouri

Buchanan County ranks second-worst in this group with a 17.9% rent-to-income ratio, trailing only Boone County's college-town spike. The median rent of $889 runs $121 above the state average, squeezing renters with below-average income.

Costlier than nearby Callaway

Buchanan County renters pay $889 monthly (17.9% of income) compared to Callaway's more manageable $850 (14.0%), despite similar household incomes. The $111 annual rent premium adds up—and so does the affordability gap versus Caldwell County at just 12.1%.

Split down the middle

Buchanan County households earn $59,423 annually, with renters paying $889 monthly (17.9%) and homeowners facing $890 in monthly costs on median homes worth $156,600. Owner and renter burdens are nearly identical, indicating steady—if constrained—affordability across tenure types.

Buchanan works if you prioritize location

If you're relocating to Buchanan County, budget for the second-highest housing costs in this region at 17.9% of income. Nearby Callaway and Caldwell offer significantly better affordability for similar employment and quality of life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buchanan County

via IncomeByCounty

Buchanan trails national income standard

Buchanan County's median household income of $59,423 falls about $15,300 below the national median of $74,755, representing a 20% income gap. The county ranks below the national average, indicating lower earning capacity than the typical U.S. community.

Slightly above Missouri average

At $59,423, Buchanan's median household income nearly matches Missouri's state average of $59,503—placing the county close to the state middle. The county's per capita income of $32,930 exceeds the state average of $31,011, suggesting broader wealth distribution.

Midrange earner in region

Buchanan's $59,423 income positions it between higher-earning Boone County ($69,913) and lower-earning Butler County ($49,213). The county's economy reflects its role as a manufacturing and regional services hub in northwest Missouri.

Reasonable housing affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.9%, Buchanan households spend a manageable share of earnings on rent, leaving room for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $156,600 aligns well with local income levels, making homeownership achievable.

Capture employer retirement benefits

Buchanan residents should prioritize claiming any employer 401(k) match—essentially free money—before funding other savings goals. Consistent contributions to retirement and emergency accounts build resilience against economic downturns common in manufacturing-dependent regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Buchanan County

via CrimeByCounty

Buchanan County Challenges National Averages

Buchanan County reports a total crime rate of 4553.8 per 100,000, nearly doubling the national average of 2,385.5. This elevated activity gives the county a safety score of 92.8, indicating significant public safety concerns.

High Crime Relative to Missouri Norms

The county's total crime rate of 4553.8 is more than double the Missouri state average of 1926.2. Its safety score of 92.8 ranks it well below the state's average safety benchmark of 97.0.

A Sharp Contrast to Caldwell County

Buchanan County sees significantly more crime than neighboring Caldwell County, which has a remarkably low rate of 416.9. The urban density of St. Joseph contributes to a much more active crime landscape than surrounding rural areas.

Elevated Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime stands at 667.1, far exceeding the national 369.8 average. Property crime is even more prevalent at 3886.7, creating a frequent risk for local homeowners and businesses.

Essential Security for Urban Residents

With property crime nearly double the national average, professional monitoring and reinforced locks are highly recommended. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity help mitigate these frequent risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Buchanan County

via HealthByCounty

Buchanan trails national health benchmarks

Residents live to 73.4 years on average—5.6 years below the U.S. average of 79 years. Nearly 20% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 18%, indicating sustained healthcare challenges in this northwest Missouri county.

Below-average outcomes within Missouri

Buchanan's 73.4-year life expectancy falls short of Missouri's 74.3-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 12.1% uninsured rate runs just below the state average, but the 19.8% poor/fair health rate signals ongoing wellness disparities.

Moderate provider access amid regional variation

Buchanan's 66 primary care providers per 100K fall below Boone County's 118 but exceed rural peers like Caldwell County's 11. At 223 mental health providers per 100K, Buchanan offers mid-range behavioral health access compared to its surrounding counties.

Decent provider access masks health gaps

While Buchanan maintains 66 primary care providers per 100K and reasonable mental health support at 223 per 100K, the 12.1% uninsured rate still leaves about 1 in 8 residents without coverage. These gaps correlate with the county's elevated poor/fair health reports.

Find affordable coverage for your family

Buchanan's 12% uninsured rate suggests many are navigating coverage gaps—marketplace plans with tax credits are available annually starting November. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore options that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Buchanan County

via SchoolsByCounty

The St. Joseph Education Corridor

Buchanan County's educational landscape is comprised of 34 public schools serving 11,954 students within three districts. This system includes 16 elementary schools, 9 high schools, and specialized alternative and special education facilities.

Challenges in Graduation and Funding

The county's graduation rate currently stands at 81.2%, trailing both the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national 87% benchmark. Spending is also leaner than state norms, with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,963 compared to the $6,334 state average.

St. Joseph District Serves the Majority

The St. Joseph school district is the largest by far, overseeing 25 schools and 10,568 students. Central High is the county's flagship school with 1,728 students, while no charter schools are available to local families.

Urban Hub with Rural Pockets

With 25 schools located in city settings and 9 in rural areas, the county feels distinctly urban with an average school size of 412 students. Oak Grove Elementary serves a large primary population of 842 students, making it one of the busiest elementary campuses in the region.

Diverse Housing Near Large Districts

Homebuyers in Buchanan County typically gravitate toward the St. Joseph area for proximity to the county's largest schools. For those seeking a quieter pace, the Mid-Buchanan Co. R-V district offers a smaller rural alternative for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buchanan County

via RiskByCounty

Buchanan faces moderate disaster exposure

Buchanan County's composite risk score of 74.36 sits above the national average with a Relatively Low rating. The county experiences meaningful natural disaster risk, particularly from tornadoes and flooding.

Moderate risk among Missouri counties

At 74.36, Buchanan's score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56 by nearly 24 points, placing it in the higher-risk group statewide. This elevated exposure warrants active homeowner preparation.

Higher risk than western peers

Buchanan's score of 74.36 exceeds Callaway County (63.93) to the south but trails Butler County (83.11) to the southeast. The county sits in the middle range for its region.

Tornadoes and floods lead threats

Tornado risk registers at 89.73, making severe weather the dominant concern, while flood risk of 68.51 poses a secondary threat. Earthquakes score 45.04, a notably lower concern than regional peers.

Prioritize flood and tornado coverage

With tornado risk at 89.73 and flood risk at 68.51, Buchanan residents need comprehensive coverage beyond standard homeowners insurance. A separate flood policy and regular safety drills for severe weather are practical investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Buchanan County

via WeatherByCounty

Tracking the National Average

With an annual average of 53.7°F, Buchanan County tracks very close to the national median temperature. It features the classic four-season cycle common in the American heartland.

Cooler and Drier Than Missouri Norms

The county runs over a degree cooler than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. Its 34.8 inches of annual rain is significantly lower than the state average of 43.8 inches.

Northwest Missouri Weather Patterns

Buchanan shares a similar temperature profile with Carroll County to the east. However, its 34.8 inches of rain makes it much drier than the more central regions of the state.

Brisk Winters and Hot July Days

Summers reach a July average of 77.7°F with 39 days of extreme heat annually. While official snowfall data is limited, the 30.1°F winter average ensures plenty of freezing conditions.

Prioritize Insulation and Summer Cooling

Homeowners should focus on winter insulation for temperatures that average nearly 5 degrees colder than the state norm. Summer planning must account for 39 days of temperatures topping 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Buchanan County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Buchanan County

Buchanan County maintains a pH of 6.58, almost perfectly aligning with the national median of 6.5. This balanced chemistry creates an inviting environment for most traditional garden crops and row agriculture.

Fine-Textured Soils for Water Storage

With 26.7% clay and 60.6% silt, these soils are quite heavy and fine-textured. The low sand content of 12.4% means the soil can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

Top-Tier Soil Quality Scores

Buchanan earns an impressive soil score of 75.6, well above the state average of 64.2. Its available water capacity of 0.199 ensures that crops have access to steady moisture throughout the growing season.

Inland Stability and Hydrology

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are limited for this region, the high clay content suggests slow permeability. Gardeners should monitor moisture levels closely to avoid root rot in these heavy soils.

Success in Hardiness Zone 6a

The slightly cooler zone 6a environment is perfect for cool-season crops like kale and peas. Utilize the county's high-scoring soil to start a productive backyard vegetable patch this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Buchanan County

via LawnByCounty

Buchanan Leads in Growing Ease

Buchanan County enjoys a high lawn difficulty score of 71.5, making it significantly easier to maintain than the average Missouri county. The 6a hardiness zone is well-suited for hearty turfgrasses that can handle slightly cooler winters.

Manageable Heat and Steady Rain

Annual precipitation of 34.8 inches is lower than the state average of 43.7 but remains sufficient for healthy lawns. Residents face 39 extreme heat days, which is slightly higher than the state average, requiring attentive irrigation during peak summer.

Excellent Soil pH Foundation

With a soil pH of 6.58, Buchanan County sits squarely in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient availability. The soil contains 26.7% clay, which helps retain moisture even when rainfall is below the state average.

Resilient Against Severe Drought

Buchanan County saw only 17 weeks of drought over the last year, which is far lower than many of its neighbors. While 92.7% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the absence of severe drought makes it easier to keep turf hydrated.

Timing Your 6a Zone Growth

Planting hardy cool-season grasses ensures your lawn can survive the 3,861 growing degree days. Plan your work around the last spring frost on April 19 or wait for the fall cooling that follows the October 17 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buchanan County's county score?
Buchanan County, Missouri has a composite county score of 31.1 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 Buchanan County rank among counties in Missouri?
Buchanan County ranks #114 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 Buchanan County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Buchanan County is $1,253, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Buchanan County a tax score of 53.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Buchanan County?
The median household income in Buchanan County, Missouri is $59,423 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buchanan County earns an income score of 37.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buchanan County, Missouri a good place to live?
Buchanan County scores 31.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #114 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Buchanan 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 Buchanan 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.