countyscore
58.1
County Score
Lawn Care 81.6Safety 78.3Soil Quality 73.1

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Missouri

A Strong Stand Against the National Median

Carroll County earns a composite score of 58.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds half of the counties in the United States. Its balanced performance across multiple sectors makes it a competitive rural option on the national stage.

Exceeding the Missouri State Average

With a score of 58.1, Carroll County outperforms the Missouri state average of 50.3. It stands as one of the more resilient counties in the region, particularly when compared to its urban neighbors. This score highlights its ability to provide better-than-average amenities and stability within the state.

Safe Streets and Attainable Housing

Safety is the county's hallmark, boasting an impressive safety score of 78.3. This is complemented by a cost score of 69.8, driven by a modest median gross rent of just $785. Residents enjoy a high level of security and affordability that is increasingly rare elsewhere.

Closing the Gap in Local Infrastructure

Infrastructure and health present the primary hurdles, with a water score of 34.6 and a health score of 42.0. Improving access to specialized medical care and upgrading water systems would bolster the county's overall ranking. Additionally, the income score of 44.3 suggests that wage growth trails the housing market slightly.

A Haven for Safety-Conscious Families

Carroll County is an ideal fit for families and retirees prioritizing safety and low-cost housing. With home values averaging $110,500, it offers a path to homeownership that is both accessible and secure. It suits those who value a quiet, protected lifestyle over proximity to major metropolitan health systems.

Score breakdown

Tax49.4Cost69.8Safety78.3Health42Schools49.2Income44.3Risk67.4Water34.6Weather49.7
🏛49.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.6
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

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Livingston County
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Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll taxes well below national average

Carroll County's effective tax rate of 0.844% sits significantly below the national median of 0.93%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay just $933 annually in property tax on a median home valued at $110,500, compared to the national median of $2,690 on homes worth $281,900.

Slightly above Missouri's average rate

Carroll County ranks in the middle of Missouri's 114 counties with its 0.844% effective rate, outpacing the state average of 0.733% by about 0.11 percentage points. The median tax bill of $933 falls well below Missouri's state median of $1,199, reflecting the county's lower home values rather than higher rates.

More expensive than surrounding counties

Carroll County's 0.844% rate exceeds nearby Carter County (0.443%) and Cedar County (0.587%), but trails Clark County's 0.969% across the region. On comparable $110,000-$120,000 homes, Carroll's tax burden sits in the middle of its peer group.

A $933 annual bill on typical home

The typical Carroll County homeowner with a $110,500 home pays $933 in annual property tax, or about $78 per month. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $945 as escrow includes insurance and other levies.

Appeal if assessed above market value

Many Missouri homeowners discover they're assessed significantly higher than their homes' actual market value. If your property assessment seems out of line with recent sales in your area, you have the right to appeal—a free process that could lower your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll's rent burden sits below national average

Carroll County renters spend 15.3% of their income on rent, slightly below the national median of roughly 16%. With a median household income of $61,712 against the national average of $74,755, residents here earn about 17% less than their U.S. counterparts but manage a more favorable rent-to-income ratio.

Mid-range affordability across Missouri

Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% places it just below Missouri's state average of 15.6%, indicating slightly better than typical housing affordability for the region. The median rent of $785 exceeds the state average of $768 by just $17, suggesting Carroll sits in the middle tier of Missouri's housing market.

More affordable than northern peers

Carroll County renters face lower burdens than neighboring Clay County (17.0% rent-to-income) but slightly higher costs than Chariton County to the east (10.2%). At $785 monthly, Carroll's median rent falls between Clark County's $589 and Cass County's $1,147, reflecting its position in Missouri's housing spectrum.

Where Carroll's housing dollars go

On a median income of $61,712, Carroll renters pay $785 monthly (15.3% of income) while homeowners spend $680 monthly toward ownership costs. Together, these patterns show that housing consumes roughly one-sixth of household income in Carroll, leaving adequate room for other expenses.

Consider Carroll for moderate costs

If you're weighing relocation options, Carroll County offers below-national-average rent burdens without the premium prices of Cass or Clay counties. Compare these costs against your own income expectations—Carroll's $785 median rent suits households earning $50,000 to $75,000 particularly well.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll County trails the nation

Carroll County's median household income of $61,712 falls $13,043 short of the national median of $74,755. This ranks the county in the lower-middle tier nationally, reflecting rural Missouri's economic challenges compared to prosperous coastal and tech-hub regions.

Above average for Missouri

At $61,712, Carroll County earns $2,209 more than Missouri's average median household income of $59,503, placing it in the upper half of the state's 114 counties. This modest advantage reflects the county's more stable employment base relative to rural peers.

Mixed fortunes in mid-Missouri

Carroll County ($61,712) outpaces Cedar County ($45,577) and Clark County ($51,458) but trails the prosperous KC suburbs like Cass County ($87,413) and Clay County ($86,150). Neighboring Chariton County ($63,307) represents comparable economic standing in the region.

Rent is manageable here

Carroll County households spend just 15.3% of income on rent—below the national affordability threshold of 30% and well below stressed counties like Cedar County at 20.6%. With a median home value of $110,500, homeownership remains accessible for many families.

Build wealth through planning

Carroll County's above-average rent-to-income ratio creates room to invest. With per capita income at $33,666, households can direct savings into retirement accounts, home equity, or diversified investments to grow long-term wealth beyond the regional median.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County ranks among the nation's safest

With a total crime rate of 516.9 per 100K people, Carroll County sits far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county an exceptional safety score of 99.2 out of 100.

A top-tier safety performer in Missouri

The county's safety score of 99.2 significantly outpaces the Missouri state average of 97.0. Residents experience a total crime rate that is nearly four times lower than the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K.

Setting the standard for local safety

Carroll County remains considerably safer than neighboring Chariton County, which reports a crime rate of 1,065.1 per 100K. Its safety profile makes it one of the most secure jurisdictions in the central Missouri region.

Violent crime remains rare locally

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 70.5 per 100K, which is just a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 446.4 per 100K, though this remains very low by national standards.

Keep Carroll County secure

While crime rates are low, property theft still represents the majority of local offenses. Simple steps like installing motion-activated lighting can further deter the few property crimes that do occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll County's life expectancy edges ahead

At 74.8 years, Carroll County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, a small but meaningful advantage. The county's 19.3% poor or fair health rating beats the national average of 21%, suggesting residents report better day-to-day health despite modest population size.

Above Missouri's average lifespan

Carroll County ranks in the healthier half of Missouri counties with a life expectancy 0.5 years above the state average of 74.3 years. The county's 19.3% poor/fair health rate is notably better than many peer Missouri counties, positioning it as a relatively healthy rural community.

Competitive health metrics regionally

Carroll County's life expectancy of 74.8 years falls between neighboring Chariton County (75.6 years) and Carter County (71.5 years), showing moderate regional variation. With 19.3% reporting poor or fair health, Carroll performs better than Cedar County (24.1%) but slightly worse than Cass County (14.8%).

Decent primary care, fair coverage

Carroll County's uninsured rate of 11.7% is below Missouri's 12.5% average, meaning most residents have some health coverage. The county offers 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—modest for rural Missouri—with 60 mental health providers per 100,000, suggesting reasonable access to behavioral health services.

Explore your coverage options today

With 11.7% of Carroll County residents uninsured, checking healthcare.gov or contacting Missouri's Medicaid office could unlock affordable coverage. Even small gaps in insurance leave families vulnerable to medical debt—take 15 minutes today to see what plans match your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Five School Districts

Carroll County operates 12 public schools serving a total of 1,329 students across five unique districts. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and six high schools to support the community's youth. This spread ensures local access to education across the county's various rural townships.

Steady Performance with Higher Local Investment

The county's 88.1% graduation rate surpasses the national average of 87% but falls short of the Missouri state average. Carroll County spends $7,775 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $6,334 but below the national benchmark of $13,000. Its composite school score of 54.2 remains slightly above the state average of 52.8.

Carrollton R-VII Leads the County

Carrollton R-VII is the largest district by far, managing four schools and 855 students, or over 60% of the county's total enrollment. Smaller districts like Bosworth R-V and Hale R-I provide intimate learning environments with fewer than 110 students each. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Setting

With an average school size of just 121 students, Carroll County offers highly personalized instruction. The 12 schools are split between rural and town locales, with Carrollton Elementary being the largest at 342 students. Tina-Avalon Elementary represents the smaller end of the spectrum with just 85 students.

Root Your Family in a Tight-Knit Community

Families seeking small class sizes and a rural lifestyle will find Carroll County's schools an attractive draw. Consider exploring homes near the Carrollton R-VII district to be close to the county's primary educational hub. School quality remains a stable foundation for property values in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County's low risk rating

With a composite risk score of 32.60, Carroll County ranks as Very Low risk nationally—well below the state average of 50.56. This protective position reflects generally modest exposure to major natural hazards across the county.

Missouri's safest counties

Carroll County is among Missouri's lowest-risk counties, scoring significantly below the state average. The county's balanced hazard profile means residents face less frequent and intense disaster threats than most Missourians.

Safer than most neighbors

Carroll County's 32.60 score beats nearby Chariton County (29.42) and Cedar County (26.05), making it a stable middle ground in a relatively safe region. Its tornado risk of 56.84 is notably higher than flood risk (45.39), reflecting regional weather patterns.

Tornado risk leads the list

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat with a risk score of 56.84, while flooding (45.39) and wildfire (43.86) present secondary concerns. Spring and early summer bring the highest tornado likelihood, making severe weather preparedness essential for residents.

Focus on tornado coverage

Standard homeowners insurance covers some wind damage but may exclude severe tornado losses—consider adding guaranteed replacement cost endorsements. Review your safe room options and maintain a family disaster plan, especially during tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical American Heartland Weather

Carroll County averages 53.7°F, aligning closely with the national median temperature. It experiences the balanced four-season pattern typical of the Midwest.

Cooler Than the State Average

It is over a degree cooler than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. The county's 40.3 inches of annual rain is slightly drier than the state norm of 43.8 inches.

Snowier Than Its Neighbors

Carroll shares almost identical temperature stats with Buchanan County. However, its 13.4 inches of annual snowfall is significantly higher than its western neighbors.

Warm Summers and Cold Winters

Summers reach 90°F or higher about 38 times a year. Winters are cold, with a 30.4°F average and 13.4 inches of snow between December and February.

Plan for Snow and Heat

Winter gear should be ready to handle over a foot of annual snowfall. Shaded outdoor spaces are helpful to mitigate the five weeks of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Carroll’s Well-Balanced Entisols

Carroll County features silty clay loam Entisols with an average pH of 6.45. This figure is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5 and is less acidic than the Missouri state average of 6.09.

Silt-Heavy Foundation for Growth

The soil composition consists of 56.2% silt and 27.0% clay, which provides excellent stability and nutrient retention. With only 16.8% sand, these soils can be dense but offer great workability for traditional Missouri agriculture.

Superior Water Retention Power

Organic matter sits at 2.72%, which is higher than the national average but below the Missouri state average of 4.74%. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in outperforms the state average of 0.183 in/in, offering plants a steady supply of moisture.

Well Drained with Runoff Considerations

The land is classified as well-drained, though its Hydrologic Group C status suggests slower infiltration during intense rain. This combination is ideal for crops that dislike soggy roots but requires careful management of surface runoff.

Reliable Growing in Zone 6a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this high-scoring soil is famous for supporting robust corn and soybean yields. Residents should feel confident planting a home vegetable garden in these productive, moisture-holding silty loams.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Prime conditions for a lush Carroll County lawn

With a lawn difficulty score of 81.6, Carroll County offers one of the easiest environments for turf in Missouri. This score sits well above the state average of 63.7 and the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 6a find that grass flourishes here with relatively minimal intervention.

Steady rain and moderate heat support growth

The county receives 40.3 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy lawns. While residents face 38 extreme heat days per year, the 3838 growing degree days provide a robust window for established turf to thrive. Mowing schedules remain consistent from spring through late autumn.

Healthy silty clay loam provides a strong base

The local soil features a near-ideal pH of 6.45, falling right in the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for nutrient uptake. This well-drained silty clay loam contains 27.0% clay, providing excellent moisture retention without becoming waterlogged. Most lawns require little more than standard aeration to maintain this natural balance.

Short drought windows keep grass green

Carroll County experienced only 6 weeks of drought over the past year, far fewer than many neighboring regions. Currently, only 27.2% of the county is abnormally dry, and there is no severe drought recorded. To maintain this resilience, deep and infrequent watering helps roots reach deeper into the soil.

Start seeding after the mid-April frost

Cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this 6a zone. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 16 or prepare for fall renovation before the first frost on October 23. These dates define a reliable window for establishing a thick, weed-resistant lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Missouri has a composite county score of 58.1 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Missouri?
Carroll County ranks #28 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 Carroll County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $933, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 49.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Missouri is $61,712 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 44.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Missouri a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.

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