countyscore
48.9
County Score
Property Tax 87.4Weather & 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.

2040608010087.445.328.847.249.552.911.649.961.3Tax87.4Cost45.3Safety28.8Health47.2Schools49.5Income52.9Risk11.6Water49.9Weather61.348.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average2 below average

Camden County DNA

Foverall

How Camden County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Camden County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (11.6/100), though Property Tax (87.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.4+35.400000000000006
Cost
45.3
Safety
28.8-26.2
Health
47.2
Schools
49.5
Income
52.9
Risk
11.6-35.4
Water
49.9-8.100000000000001
Weather
61.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Camden County

Whether buying or refinancing in Camden County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$305,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$876/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$305,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,387/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Camden County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Camden County's county score?
Camden County, Missouri has a composite county score of 48.9 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 #66 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 $1,426, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Camden County a tax score of 87.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Camden County?
The median household income in Camden County, Missouri is $66,387 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Camden County earns an income score of 52.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Camden County, Missouri a good place to live?
Camden County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.