countyscore
57.5
County Score
Property Tax 91.1Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.9

County Report Card

About Carter County, Missouri

Ranking High Above the National Median

Carter County achieves a composite score of 57.5, comfortably outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county offers a lifestyle profile superior to the majority of American counties. It performs exceptionally well in fiscal health and environmental utility.

A Leader in State Affordability

The county's 57.5 score is significantly higher than Missouri's average composite of 50.3. It stands out in the state for its minimal tax burden and robust water infrastructure. This makes it a top-tier choice for Missourians looking to maximize their purchasing power.

Unmatched Tax Benefits and Water Quality

Carter County excels in tax favorability with a score of 91.1, featuring a very low effective tax rate of 0.443%. Housing is also highly accessible, as evidenced by a cost score of 83.9 and a water score of 86.0. These factors create an incredibly low-overhead lifestyle for residents.

Addressing Health and Economic Headwinds

The county faces significant economic challenges, marked by an income score of 7.4 and a health score of 21.4. Median household income sits at $45,083, which is considerably lower than national averages. These metrics suggest a need for more diverse local employment and better medical access.

Perfect for Retirees and Fixed Incomes

Carter County is a premier destination for retirees or those on fixed incomes who want to stretch their dollars. The combination of low taxes and high water quality provides a stable foundation for those not reliant on the local job market. It offers peace and financial breathing room in a beautiful rural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax91.1Cost83.9Safety44.9Health21.4Schools55.4Income7.4Risk46.1Water86Weather57.5
🏛91.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.8
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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49.8
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Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carter County

via TaxByCounty

Carter has Missouri's most affordable tax rate

Carter County's effective tax rate of 0.443% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.93%. Homeowners pay just $654 annually in property tax on a median $147,600 home, less than one-quarter the national median tax bill.

Lowest rate in Missouri by far

Carter County holds the distinction of having the lowest effective property tax rate among all 114 Missouri counties at 0.443%, significantly undercutting the state average of 0.733%. This translates to the lowest median tax bill in the state at just $654.

Dramatically lower than nearby counties

Carter County's 0.443% rate is less than half that of Cedar County (0.587%) and Carroll County (0.844%), making it the clear tax bargain of the eastern region. Even compared to Clark County's 0.969%, Carter residents enjoy a substantially lighter property tax burden.

Just $654 annually for median home

A typical Carter County homeowner with a $147,600 home pays only $654 in annual property tax, or roughly $55 per month. The difference between tax-with-mortgage ($874) and without ($556) reflects how servicers estimate related costs.

Even at low rates, assessments warrant review

Low tax rates don't mean your assessment is fair—Carter County homeowners should still verify their property is assessed at or below market value. A simple appeal could save you hundreds over time, regardless of where your county ranks statewide.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carter County

via CostByCounty

Carter's affordability crisis exceeds national norms

Carter County residents face a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio—one of the highest in the region—compared to a national average near 16%. With a median household income of just $45,083, well below the national median of $74,755, Carter households earn about 40% less than the U.S. average while paying a disproportionate share toward rent.

Among Missouri's least affordable counties

Carter County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's least affordable areas, exceeding Missouri's 15.6% average by two percentage points. This gap reflects the county's lower median income relative to its rental costs, placing it in a precarious affordability zone statewide.

Higher burden than surrounding rural counties

Carter County renters shoulder a heavier burden (17.6%) than nearby Cedar County (20.6% represents a crisis-level ratio), yet significantly more than Clark County (13.7%) to the north. At $661 monthly, Carter's rent undercuts most peers, but low incomes make even modest rents stretch thin.

Low income, stretched housing budget

Median households earning $45,083 annually spend $661 monthly on rent (17.6% of income) or $654 on mortgage costs. This leaves Carter families with limited flexibility for healthcare, education, and savings—typical warning signs of housing-cost stress.

Carter demands careful financial planning

Relocating to Carter County requires honest income assessment; the $661 median rent suits households earning $37,000–$50,000, but current residents struggle even then. Compare Carter's low cost against limited job markets and services—cheap housing alone doesn't guarantee affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carter County

via IncomeByCounty

Carter County lags significantly

Carter County's median household income of $45,083 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $30,000—a 40% gap. This places the county among the most economically challenged areas in the nation, reflecting persistent rural poverty.

Among Missouri's poorest counties

Carter County ranks in the lower 10% of Missouri counties, with median household income $14,420 below the state average of $59,503. The county's per capita income of $27,115 is nearly 13% below Missouri's average, indicating widespread income constraints.

Poorest in its region

Carter County ($45,083) ranks below Cedar County ($45,577) and significantly below Clark County ($51,458), making it the most economically stressed Ozark county in this analysis. The gap widens dramatically against affluent neighbors like Cass ($87,413) and Clay ($86,150).

Housing costs strain budgets

Carter County households spend 17.6% of income on rent—above the affordable threshold and double Chariton County's 10.2%. Though the median home value of $147,600 exceeds the county income, most households lack the resources to purchase.

Start small, think long-term

With limited surplus income, Carter County families benefit from employer 401(k) matches and low-cost index funds even in small amounts. Building an emergency fund of $1,000 first creates a foundation for future wealth-building as income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carter County

via CrimeByCounty

Carter County maintains high overall safety

The county reports a total crime rate of 1,226.6 per 100K, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns Carter County a strong safety score of 98.1 out of 100.

Outperforming the Missouri safety average

Carter County's safety score of 98.1 exceeds the state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,226.6 per 100K is also significantly lower than the Missouri average of 1,926.2.

Mixed results compared to nearby counties

Carter County is safer than Cedar County, which has a higher crime rate of 1,767.5 per 100K. However, it experiences more reported incidents than Carroll County's exceptionally low rate of 516.9.

Violent crime trends above national averages

The local violent crime rate of 585.0 per 100K is higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 641.6 is much lower than the national figure of 2,015.7, suggesting a unique local risk profile.

Focus on personal and home security

Higher violent crime rates suggest that residents should stay alert to their surroundings. Investing in a smart doorbell or security system provides peace of mind while protecting your property from theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carter County

via HealthByCounty

Carter County trails national health benchmarks

At 71.5 years, Carter County's life expectancy falls 3 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years, signaling significant health challenges. The county's 22.7% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 21%, with residents reporting notably worse day-to-day health outcomes.

Missouri's lowest life expectancy county

Carter County ranks among Missouri's unhealthiest communities, with a life expectancy of 71.5 years that's nearly 3 years below the state average of 74.3 years. The county faces steeper health challenges than most Missouri peers, requiring sustained community and policy focus.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Carter County's 71.5-year life expectancy lags significantly behind neighboring counties like Cass (77.0 years) and Christian (77.2 years), a gap of 5-6 years. With 22.7% reporting poor or fair health—the worst among its regional neighbors—Carter faces distinct health disparities.

Limited primary care, strong mental health access

Carter County's uninsured rate of 13.2% exceeds Missouri's 12.5% state average, leaving more residents without coverage. The county has only 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among Missouri's lowest, though 151 mental health providers per 100,000 suggests strong behavioral health infrastructure.

Insurance matters in Carter County

With 13.2% uninsured—above state average—checking healthcare.gov is especially important for Carter County residents. Given limited primary care access (19 per 100K), having insurance coverage ensures you can navigate the healthcare system and reach available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Schools Serving Two Primary Districts

Carter County's education landscape is streamlined into two school districts serving 1,168 total students. The system consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This concentrated infrastructure focuses on providing core educational services to a 100% rural student population.

High Graduation Rates and Strong Results

Carter County boasts a 92.9% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 91.3% and the national average of 87%. The county invests $6,913 per pupil, which exceeds the Missouri state average of $6,334. These investments yield a school score of 54.9, placing it ahead of the state's median performance.

East Carter and Van Buren Districts

The East Carter Co. R-II district is the largest in the county, educating 652 students across three schools. Van Buren R-I serves the remaining 516 students in two schools. Neither district hosts charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus for the community.

Small Schools in a Purely Rural Locale

All five schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment. The average school size is 234 students, with East Carter Co. R-II Elementary being the largest at 327 students. This scale ensures that students and teachers maintain close, multi-year relationships.

Find Home in the Ozarks

With graduation rates exceeding state levels, Carter County is an excellent choice for families prioritizing academic success. Homes in the Van Buren or East Carter districts offer proximity to well-regarded rural schools. The area's high educational performance makes it a standout choice for residential investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carter County

via RiskByCounty

Carter County's moderate risk profile

Carter County scores 53.94—slightly above Missouri's state average of 50.56—reflecting Relatively Low overall risk nationally. However, one hazard stands out dramatically: earthquake risk of 82.19 significantly exceeds typical American county levels.

Middle-of-the-pack Missouri risk

Carter County ranks near the state median for overall disaster risk, though its earthquake exposure is among the highest in Missouri. Residents face above-average seismic hazard compared to neighboring counties.

Earthquake risk sets it apart

Carter County's 82.19 earthquake score far exceeds nearby Carroll County (36.48) and Cedar County (43.67), reflecting proximity to the Ozark seismic zone. Flooding (60.59) and wildfire (47.46) present moderate secondary risks across the region.

Earthquakes and flooding dominate

Earthquakes rank as Carter County's top hazard at 82.19, while flooding (60.59) presents a secondary threat that affects low-lying properties and riverfront areas. Though rare, seismic events can cause structural damage; floods damage foundations and basements regularly.

Earthquake insurance is critical

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage—you must purchase separate coverage, especially given Carter County's 82.19 score. Secure heavy furniture and appliances, and ensure flood insurance covers basement areas vulnerable to rising water.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Carter County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Carter County

Carter County soils are notably acidic with an average pH of 5.16, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This unique chemistry results in a lower soil score of 39.8, as many regional taxonomic data points remain unclassified.

High Organic Silt Mix

The soil contains 35.8% silt and 17.9% sand, creating a light texture despite the lack of a dominant formal classification. A low clay content of 7.9% means these soils may struggle with structural stability compared to the state's heavier clays.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

The county boasts an extraordinary organic matter content of 27.23%, dwarfing the state average of 4.74%. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.109 in/in, meaning water passes through quickly despite the rich carbon content.

Challenges of Subaqueous Drainage

Classified as subaqueous, these soils are often saturated or influenced by nearby water bodies. This drainage class requires specialized management for any construction or traditional farming efforts to avoid persistent dampness.

Gardening in Warmer Zone 7a

Carter County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than its northern neighbors. Acid-loving plants like blueberries or azaleas will thrive in this naturally low-pH environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carter County

via LawnByCounty

A challenging landscape for Carter County turf

Carter County presents a difficult environment with a lawn difficulty score of just 22.8, significantly lower than the Missouri average of 63.7. Maintaining a lawn in Hardiness Zone 7a requires extra effort compared to the national median of 50.0. Local growers must navigate unique environmental hurdles to keep grass alive.

Limited climate data complicates seasonal planning

Specific local precipitation and heat data are currently unavailable for this region. Without precise growing degree day metrics, homeowners should monitor local weather stations closely to time their mowing and watering. This lack of data makes adaptive lawn management essential for success.

Acidic soils require significant lime amendments

The soil pH in Carter County sits at a very acidic 5.16, well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. Because the drainage class is subaqueous and the soil lacks a standard texture profile, proper aeration and heavy liming are necessary. Improving the 7.9% clay content with organic matter will help stabilize the growing foundation.

Severe drought demands strict water conservation

The county has faced 30 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently suffers from severe drought conditions. Turf grass is under extreme stress, making water conservation a top priority for any homeowner. Focus on keeping the grass alive in a dormant state rather than pushing for green growth during these dry spells.

Select hardy varieties for Zone 7a

In Hardiness Zone 7a, heat-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are often more resilient than traditional cool-season mixes. While specific frost dates are not recorded, local wisdom suggests waiting for consistently warm soil before sodding. Persistence is key when starting a lawn in these demanding conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carter County's county score?
Carter County, Missouri has a composite county score of 57.5 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 Carter County rank among counties in Missouri?
Carter County ranks #30 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 Carter County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Carter County is $654, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 91.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Missouri is $45,083 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 7.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Missouri a good place to live?
Carter County scores 57.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Carter 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 Carter 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.