CountyScore

Carter County

Missouri · MO

#46 in Missouri
70.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Carter County, Missouri

Carter stands 57% above national baseline

Carter County's composite score of 78.6 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. This top-tier ranking reflects exceptional affordability and tax efficiency.

Missouri's most tax-efficient county shines

Carter ranks above Missouri's state average of 74.8, making it one of the state's strongest-performing counties by the composite measure. Its standout position is driven by extraordinarily low tax rates.

Unbeatable tax rates and housing costs

Carter's tax score of 89.8 is the highest among all eight counties, with an effective tax rate of just 0.443%—less than half the state norm. Combined with a cost score of 86.7, median rent of $661, and median home values of $147,600, housing affordability is exceptional.

Lower incomes are the trade-off

An income score of 12.8 reflects a median household income of just $45,083, making Carter the lowest-income county in this group. Additional data on safety, schools, and health care would help complete the livability assessment.

Perfect for retirees and thrifty movers

Carter County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and anyone seeking maximum purchasing power in a low-tax environment. It prioritizes affordability above all—best for those not dependent on local wage employment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.8Cost86.7SafetyComing SoonHealth58.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.8Risk46.1WaterComing Soon
🏛89.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46.1
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 Carter County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elmore County
Alabama
70.9
Median income: $75,553
Randolph County
Arkansas
70.9
Median income: $52,838
Wilcox County
Georgia
70.9
Median income: $48,036
Putnam County
Illinois
70.9
Median income: $77,526
Greene County
Iowa
70.9
Median income: $59,159

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.