countyscore
48.5
County Score
Property Tax 85.8Weather & Climate 61.3Lawn Care 60.3

County Report Card

About Camden County, Missouri

Competitive With the National Median

Camden County scores a 48.6, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. Its profile is unique, defined by very low taxes but elevated environmental and safety risks.

Mirroring the Missouri Average

At 48.6, the county is just slightly below the Missouri average of 50.3. It performs as a middle-of-the-road county for the state, though it leads in specific financial categories.

Top-Tier Tax Benefits

The county boasts an exceptional Tax Score of 85.8, thanks to a very low effective tax rate of 0.500%. School performance is also respectable at 49.5, coupled with decent water quality at 49.9.

High Risk and Safety Concerns

The Risk Score of 11.6 is very low, suggesting exposure to natural or economic volatility. Safety also lags with a score of 28.8, which is lower than many of its state neighbors.

A Retreat for the Tax-Savvy

Camden County is the perfect spot for retirees or investors who want to minimize their tax burden above all else. Its lake-focused lifestyle appeals to those who accept higher environmental risks for significantly lower property taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax85.8Cost46.1Safety28.8Health47.2Schools49.5Income47.9Risk11.6Water49.9Weather61.3
🏛85.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.3
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

Miller County
Missouri
54.3
Morgan County
Missouri
53.7
Laclede County
Missouri
43.7
Dallas County
Missouri
59
Pulaski County
Missouri
49.8
Benton County
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Hickory County
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Cole County
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54.9

Deep Dives

Camden County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Camden County

via TaxByCounty

Camden has Missouri's lowest tax rate

At 0.500%, Camden County boasts one of Missouri's lowest effective tax rates, sitting well below the national median of 0.733%. Despite having a median home value of $270,700—nearly equal to the national median—Camden residents pay just $1,354 annually, far below the national median property tax of $2,690.

Missouri's most tax-friendly county

Camden's 0.500% rate is dramatically lower than Missouri's 0.733% state average, making it the state's most attractive option for property tax savings. At 13% below the state median tax, Camden offers a significant advantage for homeowners seeking lower annual burdens.

Lake of the Ozarks advantage

Camden (0.500%) dramatically undercuts all regional neighbors, from Callaway (0.789%) to Cape Girardeau (0.674%). This low-tax county benefits from a unique assessment environment that shields homeowners from higher rates seen elsewhere statewide.

Camden homeowners' exceptional tax savings

With a median home valued at $270,700 and only a 0.500% effective rate, the typical Camden homeowner pays just $1,354 annually—approximately $113 monthly. This is the lowest tax burden among comparable-priced homes across Missouri.

Camden residents: Protect your advantage

Camden's low-tax status is a major selling point for this Lake of the Ozarks community. Even here, reviewing your assessed value annually and appealing if overassessed ensures you maintain this competitive advantage for the long term.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Camden County

via CostByCounty

Camden's affordable rents, pricey homes

Camden County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Missouri's 15.6% average, despite moderate rent at $838 monthly. However, median home values of $270,700—the highest in this group—signal strong property appreciation and potential wealth-building for owners.

Mid-range affordability, top-tier homes

Camden County ranks fourth in this group with a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, but stands out for median home values of $270,700, far exceeding all neighbors. This split reflects both a desirable rental market and appreciated housing stock.

Pricier homes, steady rents

Camden County's $838 rent falls between Caldwell ($628) and Boone ($1,060), but its $270,700 median home value significantly exceeds all regional peers—including Boone at $254,100. This home-value advantage appeals to aspiring owners seeking appreciation.

Rental comfort, ownership investment

Camden County households earn $62,927 annually, spending $838 monthly on rent (16.0%) or $918 for ownership on homes worth $270,700. Owners face higher monthly costs but build equity in the region's most valuable properties.

Camden for homeowners and appreciators

If you're relocating to Camden County as a homeowner, you're investing in the highest-value properties in this region at $270,700 median—excellent for long-term appreciation. Renters should note the 16.0% burden is slightly above state average, though homes offer strong equity potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Camden County

via IncomeByCounty

Camden moderately below national median

Camden County's median household income of $62,927 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $11,800, a 16% gap. The county ranks in the lower-middle range nationally, though its strong per capita income of $37,111 suggests concentrated wealth pockets.

Above Missouri average

Camden's median household income of $62,927 exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by approximately $3,400, placing the county in the upper half statewide. The county's per capita income of $37,111 substantially exceeds the state average of $31,011, indicating higher individual earnings.

Mid-range regional earner

Camden's $62,927 income positions it between Cape Girardeau County ($68,912) and Caldwell County ($62,520), representing solid middle-ground performance. The county's lakeside economy and tourism sector contribute to its moderate prosperity.

Rental affordability with higher home costs

Camden's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% is favorable, suggesting rental affordability; however, the median home value of $270,700 represents a premium relative to county income. Homebuyers should carefully assess mortgage affordability relative to household earnings.

Balance homeownership and investing

Camden's strong per capita income suggests opportunities for wealth-building beyond homeownership; residents should consider diversifying with investment accounts and retirement contributions. Consulting a financial advisor helps balance mortgage debt with long-term investment growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Camden County

via CrimeByCounty

Camden County is Safer than Average

Camden County reports a safety score of 97.3, placing it above national norms. Its total crime rate of 1711.9 per 100,000 is significantly better than the national 2,385.5 average.

Matching the Missouri Safety Benchmark

With a score of 97.3, Camden County slightly exceeds the state average safety score of 97.0. Its total crime rate is also lower than the Missouri average of 1926.2.

Regional Safety Near the Lake

Camden County maintains a competitive safety profile compared to other tourism-heavy regions in Missouri. Its 1711.9 crime rate reflects a well-managed environment despite high seasonal visitor numbers.

Lower Violent Crime than National Average

The violent crime rate is 275.3, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1436.6, also falling well below the national mark of 2,015.7.

Protecting Seasonal and Year-Round Homes

Since property crime is the more frequent issue, vacation homeowners should use smart locks and remote monitoring. Consistent lighting and secure perimeters help maintain the county's strong safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Camden County

via HealthByCounty

Camden ranks among Missouri's healthiest

At 76.8 years, Camden's life expectancy sits 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 79 but ranks high within Missouri. Only 18.5% report poor or fair health—below the national average of 18%—indicating relatively strong population wellness.

Strong lifespan, mixed coverage challenges

Camden's 76.8-year life expectancy exceeds Missouri's 74.3-year average by 2.5 years, ranking it in the state's healthier half. However, its 13.9% uninsured rate runs above the state average of 12.5%, suggesting coverage gaps despite overall health strength.

Top-tier life expectancy with solid providers

Camden's 76.8-year life expectancy edges Callaway (76.0 years) and Cape Girardeau (75.8 years), reflecting strong community health management. With 76 primary care providers per 100K and 211 mental health providers per 100K, Camden offers mid-tier access across the region.

Strong health outcomes mask uninsured gaps

Camden's solid life expectancy and low poor/fair health rate (18.5%) are offset by its 13.9% uninsured rate—the region's highest. This disparity suggests that some residents lack consistent preventive care access despite the county's overall good health trajectory.

Close the coverage gap today

Camden's relatively high uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 7 residents lack basic protection—even in a generally healthy county. Explore Healthcare.gov marketplace plans and subsidies to ensure you and your family don't fall through coverage cracks.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Camden County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Around the Lake

Camden County serves 4,969 students across 16 public schools within four districts. The system is well-distributed with seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools catering to the region's needs.

Strong Academic Outcomes for Students

The county reports a high 93.7% graduation rate, outperforming the state's 91.3% average. Local districts spend an average of $6,224 per pupil, staying very close to the Missouri state average and achieving a solid composite school score of 53.8.

Camdenton R-III Anchors the Region

Camdenton R-III is the primary district, educating 3,910 students across nine schools. The district includes the county's largest campus, Camdenton High, which serves 1,322 students and serves as a major community hub.

Rural Schools with Suburban Amenities

Thirteen of the county's 16 schools are in rural locales, yet the average school size of 331 students is quite robust. Large facilities like Dogwood Elementary (649 students) provide a high-energy primary education within a broader rural landscape.

Relocate Near High-Achieving Schools

Families looking for homes in Camden County often prioritize the Camdenton R-III district for its comprehensive facilities and high graduation rates. The area's strong school performance continues to be a major draw for families moving to the Lake of the Ozarks region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Camden County

via RiskByCounty

Camden ranks among highest-risk counties

Camden County's composite risk score of 88.39 substantially exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Moderate rating. The county confronts above-average natural disaster exposure across nearly every hazard type.

Among Missouri's highest-risk counties

Camden's score of 88.39 ranks it among the most at-risk counties in Missouri, well above the state average of 50.56. This elevated profile places Camden in the top tier of disaster-prone areas statewide.

Highest risk in its immediate area

Camden's score of 88.39 significantly exceeds Callaway County (63.93) to the north and Cape Girardeau County (85.69) to the south. It stands as the riskiest county in its region.

Floods top a risky mix of hazards

Camden residents face an exceptionally high flood risk of 93.26, the county's dominant threat, paired with wildfire risk of 81.84. Earthquakes (79.23) and tornadoes (83.94) round out a formidable quartet of major hazards.

Comprehensive insurance is essential

With flood risk at 93.26, a standalone flood policy is non-negotiable for Camden homeowners, whether in or out of mapped flood zones. Add earthquake coverage given the 79.23 score, and review all policies annually given the county's multiple serious threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Camden County

via SoilByCounty

Camden County's Acidic Ozark Soil

Camden County soils average a pH of 5.87, making them notably more acidic than the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, this profile is typical of the rugged Ozark terrain.

A Grittier Silt Foundation

The soil contains 22.2% sand and 59.5% silt, offering a more porous structure than many Missouri counties. With only 15.7% clay, the soil is easier to work but may lose nutrients faster.

Lower Capacity in Rugged Terrain

The available water capacity of 0.162 is below the state average, indicating the soil dries out more quickly. A 2.54% organic matter level means gardeners may need to add compost to boost fertility.

Understanding Local Water Movement

Dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, which often means the land is prone to saturation in specific low spots. Planning for proper drainage is essential when building or planting in these areas.

Ozark Gardening in Zone 6b

Despite a lower soil score of 49.7, zone 6b allows for a great variety of native Missouri plants. Focus on drought-tolerant species to accommodate the lower water capacity of the local earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Camden County

via LawnByCounty

Camden County's Average Lawn Outlook

Camden County’s lawn difficulty score of 60.3 is slightly below the state average but still above the national median of 50.0. This 6b hardiness zone requires a moderate amount of maintenance to overcome local soil and drought challenges.

Typical Missouri Heat and Rain

The county receives 43.4 inches of rain annually, matching the state average almost exactly. With 36 extreme heat days, the summer climate is standard for Missouri and requires regular irrigation to keep turf from drying out.

Correcting Acidic Soil Conditions

A soil pH of 5.87 is slightly acidic, meaning a lime application is often necessary to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil features 22.2% sand, which helps with drainage but may require more frequent fertilization to keep nutrients in place.

Steady Water Use Required

Camden County has endured 22 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining deep-root watering habits is the best way to help your lawn survive without long-term damage.

Grass Types for the Lake Region

Fine fescue and tall fescue are excellent choices for the 6b climate in Camden County. While specific frost dates vary, aim for early fall seeding to give your lawn time to establish before the winter dormancy begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Camden County's county score?
Camden County, Missouri has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Camden County rank among counties in Missouri?
Camden County ranks #67 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 Camden County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Camden County is $1,354, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Camden County a tax score of 85.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Camden County?
The median household income in Camden County, Missouri is $62,927 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Camden County earns an income score of 47.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Camden County, Missouri a good place to live?
Camden County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Camden 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 Camden 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.