countyscore
39.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 73.1Lawn Care 70.5

County Report Card

About Callaway County, Missouri

Below the National Benchmark

Callaway County's composite score of 39.7 falls about ten points short of the national median of 50.0. Strong income levels are offset by lower scores in safety and public school metrics.

Trailing the Missouri Average

The county's score of 39.7 sits below the Missouri average of 50.3. While it remains economically active, it struggles to balance growth with public safety and educational performance.

High Incomes and Clean Water

Callaway County features a robust Income Score of 73.1, supported by a strong median household income of $72,645. It also maintains excellent infrastructure with a Water Score of 86.0.

Safety and School Obstacles

Safety is a major challenge with a score of 4.8, and the School Score of 36.9 indicates room for improvement. The Cost Score of 42.0 reflects moderate housing prices that are rising relative to local services.

Suited for High-Earning Commuters

This county is best for professionals who want higher wages and can navigate the local safety and school trade-offs. It appeals to those who value economic opportunity and reliable utilities over traditional suburban metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax54.1Cost42Safety4.8Health49Schools36.9Income73.1Risk36.1Water86Weather55.5
🏛54.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.5
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

Boone County
Missouri
39.5
Osage County
Missouri
67.2
Cole County
Missouri
54.9
Montgomery County
Missouri
53.4
Audrain County
Missouri
51.2
Moniteau County
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59.1
Gasconade County
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59.2
Howard County
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52.4

Deep Dives

Callaway County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Callaway County

via TaxByCounty

Callaway County taxes above national median

At 0.789%, Callaway County's effective tax rate surpasses the national median of 0.733%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay $1,549 annually on a median home of $196,200—57% below the national median property tax.

Above-average within Missouri

Callaway's 0.789% rate runs 8% above Missouri's 0.733% state average, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. The median annual tax of $1,549 exceeds Missouri's median of $1,199 by 29%.

Central Missouri's tax comparison

Callaway (0.789%) virtually matches Caldwell County (0.785%) but falls notably below Boone County (0.878%) in the region. This mid-Missouri county sits in the moderate-to-higher tax bracket regionally.

What Callaway homeowners pay annually

On a median home valued at $196,200, Callaway residents pay $1,549 per year in property taxes—roughly $129 monthly. Homeowners with mortgages average $1,616 annually when escrow is included.

Callaway residents: Check your assessment

Property tax overassessments can persist for years without challenge. Callaway County homeowners should review their assessed value against recent comparable sales and file an appeal with the county assessor if they believe it's too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Callaway County

via CostByCounty

Callaway balances income and affordability

Callaway County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio sits below the state average of 15.6% and reflects the region's second-highest household income at $72,645. At $850 monthly, rent remains manageable despite income still trailing the national average of $74,755.

Above-average income, solid affordability

Callaway County ranks third in this group for affordability with a 14.0% rent-to-income ratio, benefiting from above-average household income of $72,645. This combination places it among Missouri's more livable counties.

Middle ground between comfort and value

Callaway County's $850 rent and 14.0% ratio strike a balance: better than pricey Boone (18.2%) and Buchanan (17.9%), though not as cheap as Caldwell (12.1%). It offers strong household income ($72,645) second only to Boone County.

Solid earnings support housing costs

Callaway County households earn $72,645 annually, paying $850 monthly rent (14.0% of income) or $981 for ownership on median homes valued at $196,200. Both pathways remain affordable thanks to incomes above the county group average.

Callaway offers comfort and value

Relocating to Callaway County provides a sweet spot: above-average income potential ($72,645), a manageable 14.0% rent-to-income ratio, and reasonable home values at $196,200. It's an ideal choice if you want affordability without sacrificing earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Callaway County

via IncomeByCounty

Callaway nears national income level

Callaway County's median household income of $72,645 comes within $2,100 of the national median of $74,755, placing it nearly at parity with the U.S. average. The county ranks solidly in the upper-middle range nationally, reflecting strong regional economic performance.

Missouri's top earners

Callaway County ranks among Missouri's highest-income counties with a median household income of $72,645—exceeding the state average of $59,503 by more than $13,100. The county's economic strength positions it in the top tier statewide.

Regional income leader

Callaway's $72,645 median income tops most neighboring counties, surpassing Boone County's $69,913 and significantly exceeding Caldwell County ($62,520), Buchanan County ($59,423), and Bollinger County ($57,286). The county's diverse economy and proximity to regional job centers drive strong earnings.

Strong income, moderate housing costs

Callaway's rent-to-income ratio of 14.0% indicates excellent affordability, with housing consuming only a small portion of household earnings. The median home value of $196,200 is reasonable relative to local incomes, supporting both rental and homeownership stability.

Maximize retirement and investment accounts

Callaway's higher incomes enable meaningful contributions to tax-advantaged retirement accounts—aim to maximize 401(k) and IRA limits where possible. With secure housing costs and strong earnings, residents are well-positioned to build investment portfolios and long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Callaway County

via CrimeByCounty

Callaway County Faces High Incident Rates

Callaway County has a total crime rate of 3576.2 per 100,000, which is about 50% higher than the national average. This leads to a local safety score of 94.4.

Struggling to Match State Averages

The county's safety score of 94.4 trails the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate is also much higher than the state average of 1926.2 per 100,000.

More Crime than Neighboring Boone

Callaway's total crime rate of 3576.2 is higher than neighboring Boone County's rate of 2772.7. Residents here face a more active crime environment than those in surrounding counties.

A Breakdown of Local Risks

Violent crime in Callaway is 577.3, while property crime is quite high at 2998.9 per 100,000. These statistics indicate that property theft is a significant concern for the local community.

Active Defense Against Property Crime

With property crime near 3000 per 100,000, homeowners should consider comprehensive security systems. Motion sensors and secure fencing can help protect against the high rate of local property incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Callaway County

via HealthByCounty

Callaway approaches national health benchmarks

At 76.0 years, Callaway's life expectancy sits 3 years below the U.S. average of 79 but ranks among Missouri's upper-tier counties. The 20% poor/fair health rate matches the national average, indicating baseline wellness comparable to many U.S. regions.

Callaway exceeds state averages across metrics

Callaway's 76.0-year life expectancy ranks 1.7 years above Missouri's 74.3-year average, and its 9.8% uninsured rate is 2.7 points below the state's 12.5% average. This central Missouri county performs solidly on coverage and lifespan measures.

Competitive health standing among peers

Callaway's 76.0-year life expectancy falls short of Boone County's 78.3 but exceeds Buchanan County's 73.4 by nearly 2.5 years. With 38 primary care providers per 100K, Callaway has modest access compared to better-resourced counties but significantly more than rural Caldwell.

Solid coverage with room for improvement

Callaway's 9.8% uninsured rate and 38 primary care providers per 100K provide reasonable foundational care access for most residents. However, 192 mental health providers per 100K suggests potential gaps for residents seeking behavioral health support or counseling.

Maintain strong coverage year to year

With Callaway's already-low uninsured rate, focus on maintaining continuous coverage through annual plan reviews and employer updates. If you're among the 10% uninsured, marketplace plans with subsidies are available—visit Healthcare.gov during open enrollment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Callaway County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Versatile Education Network

Callaway County supports 5,380 students through 25 public schools and five school districts. The county features 11 elementary schools, nine high schools, and multiple specialized centers for alternative and special education.

Solid Performance with Efficient Spending

The county's 91.7% graduation rate slightly exceeds the Missouri state average of 91.3%. This is achieved with an efficient per-pupil spend of $5,851, which is roughly $500 less than the state average per student.

Fulton 58 Leads Local Districts

The Fulton 58 district is the area's largest, managing six schools and 2,246 students. Fulton Senior High stands as the biggest campus with 678 students, while North Callaway County R-I also serves a significant population of 1,013 learners.

A Diverse Mix of School Settings

Callaway offers a unique geographic mix with 12 rural schools, 12 town-based schools, and one suburban campus. The average school size is 245 students, providing a mid-sized learning environment that balances community feel with diverse resources.

Choose Your Perfect School Environment

From the town-based schools in Fulton to the rural settings of North Callaway, this county offers options for every family. High graduation rates and a variety of district sizes make Callaway County a top choice for Missouri homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Callaway County

via RiskByCounty

Callaway faces moderate risk exposure

Callaway County's composite risk score of 63.93 exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating. The county experiences meaningful but not severe exposure across multiple natural hazard categories.

Mid-range risk among Missouri counties

At 63.93, Callaway's score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56 by about 13 points, placing it in the upper-middle tier for state disaster risk. Preparedness is warranted but not urgent.

Moderate risk relative to region

Callaway's score of 63.93 sits between lower-risk Buchanan County (74.36) to the north and lower-risk Caldwell County (14.41) to the west, while Camden County (88.39) to the south carries substantially higher risk.

Floods and wildfires lead hazards

Callaway residents face flood risk of 68.35 and wildfire risk of 66.19, the two most significant threats. Tornadoes score 61.64, rounding out a trio of moderate concerns across the county.

Flood policy strongly recommended

With flood risk at 68.35, a standalone flood insurance policy is essential for Callaway homeowners, as standard policies exclude water damage. Review your coverage annually and consider wildfire mitigation for your property's defensible space.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Callaway County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Continental Climate Hub

Callaway County mirrors the national median almost exactly with an average temperature of 54.8°F. It experiences the distinct seasonal shifts of the humid continental climate type.

Right on the State Average

The county sits almost perfectly at the Missouri average of 54.9°F. Its 42 inches of annual rain is also very close to the state benchmark of 43.8 inches.

High Snowfall for the Region

While it matches the temperature of neighboring Cass County, Callaway sees significantly more snow. Its 18.9 inches of annual snow is among the highest for its neighbors.

Snowy Winters and Five-Week Heats

Winters are active with 18.9 inches of snow and a 33.0°F average. Summers bring 35 days of extreme heat and a July peak of 77.2°F.

Invest in a Reliable Snowblower

Homeowners should prepare for higher-than-average snowfall for this region. Cooling systems should be ready to handle about five weeks of extreme heat above 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Callaway County

via SoilByCounty

Callaway's Productive Silty Entisols

Callaway County is dominated by Entisols with a silty clay loam texture. The average pH of 6.38 is very close to the national median of 6.5, offering a balanced start for most growers.

The Silt-Heavy Profile

Silt makes up 62.7% of the soil, providing a smooth texture that is highly fertile. With 19.4% clay and 17.4% sand, the soil provides a middle-ground approach to drainage and nutrient retention.

Exceptional Water Storage Potential

The available water capacity of 0.196 is higher than the Missouri average of 0.183. Although organic matter is lower at 2.27%, the overall soil score of 69.1 reflects a very capable agricultural landscape.

Reliable Drainage and Runoff

The soil is classified as well drained, belonging to hydrologic group C. This ensures that while water moves through the profile, the soil still poses a moderate runoff risk during intense storms.

Thrive in Hardiness Zone 6b

Callaway's climate and soil are perfect for everything from sweet corn to flower gardens. Use the county's high water capacity to your advantage by planting moisture-loving summer annuals.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Callaway County

via LawnByCounty

Callaway County's Strong Lawn Potential

Callaway County earns a solid lawn difficulty score of 70.5, placing it above the Missouri state average of 63.7. The 6b hardiness zone provides a versatile environment where many common grass types can flourish with standard care.

Balanced Rain and Cooling Cycles

Annual precipitation of 42.0 inches keeps the ground well-hydrated without reaching excessive levels. With 35 extreme heat days, the county stays slightly cooler than the state average, helping cool-season grasses survive the peak of summer.

Well-Drained Silty Clay Loam

The soil is well-drained with a healthy pH of 6.38, falling right in the target zone for most Missouri turf. Silty clay loam provides a stable base for roots, effectively balancing moisture retention and drainage.

Managing Abnormally Dry Conditions

While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, severe drought levels have remained at 0%. After 24 weeks of drought in the past year, homeowners should focus on consistent watering to avoid lawn dormancy.

Optimal Planting Times for Callaway

Tall fescue remains the top choice for this region due to its durability. Schedule your planting for after the April 10 spring frost or following the first fall frost on October 26 for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Callaway County's county score?
Callaway County, Missouri has a composite county score of 39.7 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 Callaway County rank among counties in Missouri?
Callaway County ranks #102 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 Callaway County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Callaway County is $1,549, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Callaway County a tax score of 54.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Callaway County?
The median household income in Callaway County, Missouri is $72,645 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Callaway County earns an income score of 73.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Callaway County, Missouri a good place to live?
Callaway County scores 39.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #102 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Callaway 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 Callaway 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.