CountyScore

Chariton County

Missouri · MO

#4 in Missouri
75.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Chariton County, Missouri

Chariton scores 57% above national baseline

Chariton County's composite score of 78.3 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the nation's most livable counties. This exceptional performance is anchored by outstanding housing affordability.

Third-best among Missouri counties surveyed

Chariton's 78.3 score ranks above Missouri's state average of 74.8 and sits among the state's top-performing counties. It demonstrates that rural Missouri can deliver strong livability.

Unmatched housing affordability

Chariton's cost score of 89.6 is the highest in this group, with median rent of just $540 monthly and median home values of $118,900. These costs create exceptional affordability for renters and homebuyers alike.

Income levels limit earning potential

An income score of 24.7 reflects a median household income of $63,307, placing it mid-range among these counties. Schools, safety, health services, and environmental quality data are not yet available for a fuller assessment.

Sweet spot for value-seeking homebuyers

Chariton County is perfect for families seeking maximum housing affordability without sacrificing decent incomes or tax rates. It's ideal for those building equity on modest means or planning a slower-paced lifestyle.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81Cost89.6SafetyComing SoonHealth69.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.7Risk70.6WaterComing Soon
🏛81
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.6
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 Chariton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Dallas County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $44,694
Perry County
Arkansas
75.4
Median income: $60,078
Nemaha County
Kansas
75.4
Median income: $77,375
Jackson Parish
Louisiana
75.4
Median income: $43,345
Grant County
Minnesota
75.4
Median income: $72,957

Deep Dives

Chariton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chariton County

via TaxByCounty

Chariton taxes well below U.S. median

Chariton County's effective tax rate of 0.757% falls short of the national median of 0.93%, placing it in the lower half of American counties. With a median tax of $900 on a $118,900 home, Chariton homeowners pay less than one-third the national median.

Slightly above Missouri's average rate

Chariton County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Missouri's 114 counties with a 0.757% rate, about 0.024 percentage points above the state average of 0.733%. Its $900 median tax bill sits well below Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting modest home values in the county.

Mid-range rate among peer counties

Chariton County's 0.757% rate sits between Cedar County (0.587%) and Carroll County (0.844%), placing it squarely in the regional middle. On similar $120,000 homes, Chariton's tax burden is moderate compared to its neighboring counties.

A $900 annual bill on typical home

The typical Chariton County homeowner with a $118,900 home pays $900 in annual property tax, or about $75 per month. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to $956 as escrow includes insurance and related expenses.

Review your assessment to lower taxes

Even in moderate-tax counties like Chariton, many homeowners discover they're assessed above market value. A free appeal process allows you to challenge your assessment if it exceeds comparable property sales—potentially saving hundreds over the life of your ownership.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chariton County

via CostByCounty

Chariton's exceptional affordability stands out

Chariton County boasts a 10.2% rent-to-income ratio, among the lowest in the nation and well below the national average near 16%. With a median household income of $63,307 paired against modest $540 monthly rent, Chariton residents enjoy the region's most favorable housing-cost balance.

Missouri's affordability leader

Chariton County's 10.2% rent-to-income ratio sits dramatically below Missouri's 15.6% state average, making it one of the state's most affordable counties. At $540 monthly median rent—$228 below the state average—Chariton offers genuine affordability across income levels.

Clear winner among regional counties

Chariton's 10.2% rent burden beats every neighboring county: Carroll (15.3%), Clark (13.7%), and Cedar (20.6%) all pay significantly higher percentages of income toward housing. With rents 30% below the state average, Chariton stands apart as a rural affordability oasis.

Housing leaves room to breathe

On a median income of $63,307, Chariton households spend just $540 monthly on rent (10.2%) or $617 on ownership costs. This unusually low burden—compared to the national guideline of 30%—leaves residents with substantial income for savings, healthcare, and quality-of-life investments.

Chariton's affordability attracts relocators

If you prioritize housing affordability above all, Chariton County delivers: $540 rent paired with median incomes of $63,307 create genuine wiggle room. Weigh Chariton's low costs against job availability and services—but for those finding remote work or flexible employment, few Missouri counties offer better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chariton County

via IncomeByCounty

Chariton County moderately below national

Chariton County's median household income of $63,307 falls $11,448 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle-lower income range nationally. The county reflects typical rural Midwestern economics, neither prosperous nor deeply distressed.

Above-average for the state

Chariton County exceeds Missouri's median household income of $59,503 by $3,804, ranking solidly in the state's upper half. The county's per capita income of $29,562 runs slightly below the state average, suggesting income concentration in households rather than individuals.

Strong performer regionally

Chariton County ($63,307) trails only the Kansas City suburbs—Cass ($87,413) and Clay ($86,150)—and outperforms all other peer counties. Carroll County ($61,712) matches Chariton's prosperity, reflecting comparable small-city economies in mid-Missouri.

Rent extremely affordable

Chariton County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.2% is the lowest among all comparison counties and well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $118,900 align closely with household income, making homeownership achievable for many families.

Capitalize on low housing costs

Chariton County's exceptional rent-to-income ratio of 10.2% frees substantial income for savings and investment. Households should prioritize building a 6-month emergency fund, then channel surplus income into diversified retirement accounts and home equity to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Chariton County

via HealthByCounty

Chariton County exceeds national health average

At 75.6 years, Chariton County residents live 1.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, enjoying a modest longevity advantage. The county's 16.6% poor or fair health rate beats the national average of 21%, with residents reporting better overall health status.

Above-average health for Missouri

Chariton County ranks in Missouri's healthier half with a life expectancy of 75.6 years—1.3 years above the state average of 74.3. The county's 16.6% poor/fair health rate is well below the state median, positioning it as a relatively healthy rural community.

Top performer among regional peers

Chariton County's 75.6-year life expectancy is the highest among its neighbors, exceeding Carroll County (74.8 years) and Cedar County (74.7 years). At 16.6% poor/fair health, Chariton outperforms most regional comparators, signaling strong community health.

Good coverage, limited primary care access

Chariton County's uninsured rate of 10.9% is notably below Missouri's 12.5%, meaning most residents have healthcare coverage. However, the county has only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest—though 68 mental health providers per 100,000 provide some behavioral health support.

Maintain your health insurance

Chariton County's low uninsured rate shows strong coverage, but with limited primary care providers (14 per 100K), having insurance is crucial for navigating care. Verify your coverage at healthcare.gov to ensure continuity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chariton County

via RiskByCounty

Chariton County's very low risk

Chariton County scores 29.42, placing it well below Missouri's state average of 50.56 with a Very Low national risk rating. The county's balanced hazard exposure means residents face below-average disaster threats compared to most Americans.

Among Missouri's safest

Chariton County ranks in the lowest tier of Missouri counties for natural disaster risk, sitting comfortably below the state median. Few Missouri residents enjoy comparable safety from major hazards.

Low-risk regional cluster

Chariton County (29.42) joins Carroll County (32.60) and Cedar County (26.05) in a relatively safe region, with all three scoring well below 50. This trio represents some of Missouri's most stable areas for disaster risk.

Tornado risk most significant

Tornadoes present the primary hazard with a 50.64 score, though this remains moderate by state standards. Wildfire (48.19) and flooding (44.15) pose secondary concerns, while earthquakes (42.05) and hurricanes (21.32) are minimal threats.

Standard insurance serves well

Chariton County's low-risk profile means comprehensive homeowners coverage with wind protection covers most disaster scenarios adequately. Seasonal tornado watches warrant a family emergency plan, but the county does not justify specialized hazard policies for typical properties.

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.