countyscore
45.4
County Score
Property Tax 75.8Disaster Risk 74Cost of Living 67.7

County Report Card

About Cedar County, Missouri

A Moderate National Standing

Cedar County carries a composite score of 45.4, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it is more affordable than many US counties, it is held back by low wage growth. It represents a typical rural American profile with a mix of high stability and low economic intensity.

Consistent with Rural Missouri Norms

The county's score of 45.4 is just below the Missouri average of 50.3. It maintains a competitive edge in tax policy and disaster resilience compared to other parts of the state. It offers a quieter alternative to Missouri's faster-paced regions.

Low Taxes and Natural Stability

Cedar County shines in fiscal policy with a tax score of 75.8 and an effective tax rate of 0.587%. It also enjoys a strong risk score of 74.0, indicating low vulnerability to natural disasters. These factors make it a predictable and low-stress place to own property.

Improving Wages and Infrastructure

The county faces a steep climb in income, with an income score of 7.9 and a median household income of $45,577. Water infrastructure is also a weak point at 19.2, alongside a safety score of 27.2. Bridging these gaps is essential for improving the county's long-term appeal.

A Quiet Retreat for the Self-Sufficient

Cedar County is a great fit for those with remote income or modest needs who value low taxes and environmental safety. With a median home value of $162,500, it is an attainable destination for property owners seeking peace. It favors a self-reliant lifestyle over high-speed suburban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax75.8Cost67.7Safety27.2Health26.1Schools36.3Income7.9Risk74Water19.2Weather58.5
🏛75.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.1
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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Deep Dives

Cedar County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cedar County

via TaxByCounty

Cedar's tax rate trails national average

Cedar County's effective tax rate of 0.587% sits well below the national median of 0.93%, placing it in the lower tier of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $953 annually on a $162,500 median home, less than one-third the national median tax bill.

Below Missouri's statewide average

Cedar County ranks in the lower half of Missouri's 114 counties with a 0.587% effective rate, nearly 0.15 percentage points below the state average of 0.733%. The median tax of $953 is significantly below Missouri's median of $1,199, despite Cedar having slightly higher home values.

Lower tax burden than surrounding areas

Cedar County's 0.587% rate undercuts Carroll (0.844%) and Chariton (0.757%), though it exceeds only Carter County (0.443%) in its immediate peer group. For a $162,500 home, Cedar residents enjoy a lighter tax load than most regional neighbors.

About $953 yearly on median home

The typical Cedar County homeowner with a $162,500 home pays $953 in annual property tax, roughly $79 per month. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,042 as escrow captures insurance and other property-related costs.

Assessment appeals help even lower-tax areas

Cedar County's below-average rates shouldn't discourage you from checking your assessment against comparable home sales in your neighborhood. Many homeowners are still overassessed; a simple appeal could further reduce your tax burden at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cedar County

via CostByCounty

Cedar faces severe affordability crisis

Cedar County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's worst, far exceeding the national average near 16%. With a median household income of just $45,577 against the national median of $74,755, Cedar residents earn roughly 39% less while devoting more than one-fifth of income to rent alone.

Missouri's most unaffordable county housing

Cedar County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, making it one of the state's most strained housing markets. This gap reveals the county's acute mismatch between wages and housing costs, positioning Cedar in a critical affordability zone.

Worst burden in rural Missouri cluster

Cedar County's renters face the heaviest burden among its rural peers: 20.6% versus Carter's 17.6%, Chariton's 10.2%, and Clark's 13.7%. At $783 monthly, Cedar's rent actually sits near the state average, but low incomes transform modest costs into an unaffordable crisis.

Majority of income consumed by housing

Cedar County's median household income of $45,577 means $783 monthly rent claims 20.6% of earnings, while mortgage payments reach $703. This leaves families with under $3,000 monthly for food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare—a precarious situation by any standard.

Cedar demands extraordinary caution

Cedar County housing is only viable for those with household incomes exceeding $50,000 and secure employment; the county's limited job market amplifies already-severe affordability stress. Relocate to Cedar only after confirming stable, well-paying work—low rent masks a deeper economic challenge.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cedar County

via IncomeByCounty

Cedar County struggles nationally

Cedar County's median household income of $45,577 lags the national median of $74,755 by $29,178—a 39% shortfall. This deeply rural Ozark county ranks among America's most economically stressed communities.

Bottom tier in Missouri

Cedar County ranks in Missouri's lowest income quartile with median household income $13,926 below the state average of $59,503. The per capita income of $30,047 slightly exceeds state average, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Second-poorest in comparison set

Cedar County ($45,577) edges out Carter County ($45,083) but trails Clark County ($51,458) and all other peer counties by significant margins. The 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among comparison counties, signaling acute housing stress.

Housing costs squeeze families

Cedar County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% exceeds the 30% stress threshold by itself and leaves little margin. With median home values at $162,500 and household incomes at $45,577, homeownership remains inaccessible for most families.

Invest in skills first

Given limited liquid income, Cedar County residents should prioritize education and vocational training as wealth-building tools. Community college programs and employer training reimbursement can raise earning potential more effectively than traditional investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cedar County

via CrimeByCounty

Cedar County remains safer than average

With a total crime rate of 1,767.5 per 100K, Cedar County stays well below the national average of 2,385.5. It currently holds a safety score of 97.2, indicating a secure environment for residents.

Slightly ahead of state safety norms

The county's safety score of 97.2 is just above the Missouri average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,767.5 per 100K also performs better than the statewide average of 1,926.2.

A regional leader in public safety

Cedar County is significantly safer than Christian County, where the crime rate is nearly eight times higher at 13,278.1. It provides a more tranquil alternative to the busier counties in the region.

Property crime outpaces violent incidents

The local property crime rate stands at 1,306.4 per 100K, which is much lower than the national 2,015.7 average. However, the violent crime rate of 461.1 is slightly higher than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Safeguard your Cedar County property

Most local incidents involve property, so basic deterrents like deadbolts and window locks are essential. Stay aware of neighbors and report suspicious activity to one of the three local reporting agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cedar County

via HealthByCounty

Cedar County faces significant health challenges

At 74.7 years, Cedar County's life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 74.5 years, but the county's 24.1% poor or fair health rate substantially exceeds the national average of 21%. Residents report worse day-to-day health despite similar lifespans, signaling quality-of-life concerns.

Among Missouri's least healthy counties

Cedar County ranks near the bottom of Missouri health outcomes with a 24.1% poor/fair health rate—one of the state's worst. Though life expectancy at 74.7 years is near the state average of 74.3, residents report significantly worse health status than peers statewide.

Worst health outcomes in region

Cedar County's 24.1% poor/fair health rate is the worst among its neighbors, surpassing Carter County (22.7%) and Carroll County (19.3%). At 74.7 years life expectancy, Cedar trails Cass (77.0) and Christian (77.2) counties by notable margins.

High uninsured rate, good primary care access

Cedar County's uninsured rate of 14.7% is the highest in this county cohort and well above Missouri's 12.5%, leaving many residents without coverage. The county offers 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above average—and 89 mental health providers, showing decent infrastructure despite access barriers.

Cedar County needs healthcare coverage

At 14.7% uninsured, Cedar County residents face above-average risk of medical debt and delayed care—visit healthcare.gov to explore plans. With decent provider availability in the county, having insurance ensures you can actually access the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cedar County

via SchoolsByCounty

Seven Schools Across Two Key Districts

Cedar County provides a focused educational system for 2,144 students through seven public schools. Two districts manage a mix of two elementary, two middle, and two high schools, along with one specialized facility. This structure ensures every grade level is supported in both the Stockton and El Dorado Springs areas.

Spending Above State Average for Results

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average but lags behind the Missouri state average of 91.3%. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending at $7,016, which is nearly $700 higher than the state average. This investment supports a composite school score of 52.0.

Stockton and El Dorado Springs Centers

El Dorado Springs R-II is the slightly larger district, enrolling 1,172 students, while Stockton R-I serves 972 students. Together, these two districts manage all public education in the county with zero charter schools present. Both districts are central to the social and academic life of their respective communities.

A Traditional Town and Country Feel

The school locales are split between four rural and three town settings, reflecting the county's geography. Schools average 306 students, with El Dorado Springs Elementary being the largest campus at 580 students. In contrast, Stockton Middle is more intimate with 277 students.

Join a Community That Values Education

With spending levels higher than the state average, Cedar County demonstrates a clear commitment to its students. Families looking for homes will find a welcoming environment in the Stockton or El Dorado Springs districts. Education quality here is a key factor in the area's enduring appeal.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cedar County

via RiskByCounty

Cedar County's very low risk

Cedar County scores just 26.05 on the composite risk scale—significantly below Missouri's state average of 50.56—earning a Very Low national rating. The county represents one of Missouri's safest jurisdictions for natural disaster exposure.

Missouri's safest counties

Cedar County ranks among the lowest-risk counties statewide, with exposure well below the state median. Residents enjoy substantially lower disaster risk compared to most Missourians.

Safer than surrounding area

Cedar County's 26.05 score edges out even Clark County (21.82) and Chariton County (29.42), making it a low-risk pocket in central Missouri. Nearby Cass County (74.90) and Christian County (66.48) face far greater hazards, highlighting Cedar's relative safety.

Tornado risk highest concern

Tornadoes represent Cedar County's primary hazard with a 63.30 score, though this remains moderate compared to neighboring counties. Wildfire (49.40) and earthquake (43.67) pose secondary threats, while flooding (24.75) is minimal across the county.

Basic storm coverage sufficient

Given Cedar County's low overall risk, standard homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage provides adequate protection for most properties. Review flood insurance only if your property lies near rivers or creeks; spring tornado drills remain a sensible precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cedar County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Cedar County's annual average temperature of 56.9°F sits well above the national median. This humid subtropical climate stays warmer than many Midwestern peers throughout the year.

Toasty by Missouri standards

The county ranks warmer than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. It is consistently one of the warmer counties in the southwestern portion of the state.

Wetter and milder than northern neighbors

With 45.7 inches of rain, Cedar is wetter than the state average and neighboring northern counties. It receives just 5.4 inches of snow, significantly less than the 12.2 inches seen in Chariton County.

Long summers and mild winters

Residents face 43 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the summer months. Winter stays relatively mild for the region, with a January average of 32.5°F.

Managing humidity and heat

Invest in high-efficiency cooling to manage the six weeks of extreme summer heat. Gardeners should favor plants that handle both high humidity and the 45.7 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cedar County

via SoilByCounty

Cedar County’s Acidic Entisols

Cedar County is dominated by Entisols with an average pH of 5.85, indicating a more acidic profile than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical of the region and falls slightly below the state average of 6.09.

Silty Clay Loam Texture

With a composition of 58.9% silt and 22.7% sand, these soils are categorized as silty clay loams. The 16.7% clay content is relatively low for Missouri, which can improve drainage while maintaining enough structure for farming.

Steady Growth Potential

The soil's available water capacity of 0.185 in/in is almost exactly in line with the Missouri state average. Organic matter levels at 2.94% provide a solid biological foundation, even if they don't reach the high state average of 4.74%.

Reliable Natural Drainage

These soils are well-drained and belong to Hydrologic Group C. This means while the soil moves water well, there is still a risk of runoff during heavy Ozark thunderstorms, requiring erosion control measures on sloped land.

Zone 7a Growing Success

The mild winters of Zone 7a combined with well-drained silty loams make Cedar County excellent for orchard fruits. Get your garden started with confidence, as these soils provide a stable environment for most Missouri-native species.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cedar County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate effort required in Cedar County

With a lawn difficulty score of 53.1, Cedar County is slightly more challenging than the Missouri state average of 63.7. However, it remains easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 7a should expect a mid-tier maintenance schedule to keep lawns healthy.

High heat days test turf endurance

The county averages 43 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 37 days. While 45.7 inches of precipitation provide ample water, the 4331 growing degree days mean grass grows quickly and requires frequent mowing. Irrigation is often necessary during the peak of summer to combat the high temperatures.

Well-drained soil with slightly acidic pH

The local soil is a well-drained silty clay loam with a pH of 5.85, just slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Adding a light application of lime can help neutralize the acidity and unlock soil nutrients. The 22.7% sand content aids in drainage, preventing the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Recovering from a year of dry spells

Cedar County endured 28 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Fortunately, none of the county is currently in severe drought, allowing for a focused recovery plan. Increasing the mowing height during dry weeks protects the soil from the sun and preserves moisture.

Utilize a long window for warm-season grass

The growing season begins after the last frost on April 8 and extends until October 30. Given the heat, transition-zone grasses like Zoysia or heat-tolerant Fescue perform very well here. Starting your lawn in early spring ensures the root system is established before the 43 days of extreme heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cedar County's county score?
Cedar County, Missouri has a composite county score of 45.4 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 Cedar County rank among counties in Missouri?
Cedar County ranks #76 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 Cedar County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Cedar County is $953, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Cedar County a tax score of 75.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cedar County?
The median household income in Cedar County, Missouri is $45,577 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cedar County earns an income score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cedar County, Missouri a good place to live?
Cedar County scores 45.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Cedar 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 Cedar 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.