CountyScore

Camden County

Missouri · MO

#86 in Missouri
68
County Score

County Report Card

About Camden County, Missouri

Camden ranks well above national livability median

Camden County's composite score of 75.8 markedly exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it among the top-performing counties nationwide. It also surpasses Missouri's state average of 74.8, reflecting strong regional desirability.

Camden leads Missouri's county rankings

At 75.8, Camden County edges above Missouri's state average of 74.8, placing it among the most desirable counties in the state. This strong ranking demonstrates genuine competitive advantage statewide.

Lowest tax burden with strong income potential

Camden County features the lowest effective tax rate in this group at just 0.500%, reflected in a Tax Score of 88.2—the highest here. A median household income of $62,927 and Income Score of 24.5 provide solid economic footing.

Higher housing costs offset affordability gains

Despite strong tax advantages, median home values of $270,700—the highest in this cohort—create housing barriers for some families, reflected in a Cost Score of 79.4. Complete information on schools, safety, and health would enhance the livability picture.

Perfect for tax-conscious families with means

Camden County suits affluent families and retirees seeking minimal tax burden and recreational lifestyle opportunities, willing to pay premium home prices. Its exceptional tax advantage makes it compelling for upper-income households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.2Cost79.4SafetyComing SoonHealth65.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.5Risk11.6WaterComing Soon
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.6
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 Camden County with another county →

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Early County
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Deep Dives

Camden County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.