countyscore
61.3
County Score
Cost of Living 90Lawn Care 79.8Soil Quality 73.8

County Report Card

About Chariton County, Missouri

Outperforming the Majority of U.S. Counties

Chariton County boasts an impressive composite score of 61.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a highly favorable quality of life that is rare for a rural area. Its balance of cost, school quality, and safety puts it in a high national percentile.

A Top Performer in the Show-Me State

Scoring a 61.3, Chariton County significantly exceeds the Missouri average of 50.3. It ranks as one of the most livable counties in the state, offering a blend of stability and affordability. It is a standout performer that sets a high bar for its neighbors.

Exceptional Affordability and Solid Schools

The county's cost score of 90.0 is remarkable, supported by a median gross rent of only $540. It also scores well in risk management (70.6) and school quality (57.2). These strengths provide a high level of security and value for every dollar spent.

Critical Gaps in Water Infrastructure

The primary drawback is a water score of 19.1, which suggests a need for significant utility investment. While other scores are balanced, its income score of 49.1 shows there is still room for wage growth. Addressing these infrastructure issues would solidify its status as a premier rural hub.

The Ultimate Choice for Budget-Conscious Families

Chariton County is a dream for young families looking to maximize their lifestyle on a modest budget. With home values at $118,900 and strong schools, it offers a high-quality environment that is incredibly affordable. It is a top-tier option for those who want a safe, stable, and low-cost community.

Score breakdown

Tax56.9Cost90Safety52.6Health54.5Schools57.2Income49.1Risk70.6Water19.1Weather56
🏛56.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.8
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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Compare Chariton County with Henry County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Henry County
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Bracken County
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Floyd County
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Dukes County
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Shannon County
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Nearby counties

Saline County
Missouri
42.8
Carroll County
Missouri
58.1
Randolph County
Missouri
49.9
Linn County
Missouri
61.9
Howard County
Missouri
52.4
Macon County
Missouri
52.6
Livingston County
Missouri
52.7
Cooper County
Missouri
56.7

Deep Dives

Chariton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Chariton County

via CrimeByCounty

Chariton County offers strong national safety

The county's total crime rate of 1,065.1 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a high safety score of 98.3, reflecting a low-risk environment.

Beating the Missouri average for safety

Chariton County's safety score of 98.3 outranks the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its crime rate is also notably lower than the state's average of 1,926.2 per 100K residents.

Safe, but with room for improvement

While Chariton County is very safe, its crime rate of 1,065.1 is higher than neighboring Carroll County's rate of 516.9. Five local reporting agencies work together to maintain this secure atmosphere.

Lower property crime, typical violent rates

The property crime rate of 714.6 is impressively low compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is recorded at 350.5 per 100K, which is nearly identical to the national average of 369.8.

Maintain a secure home perimeter

Since property crime remains the most common threat, simple security upgrades can make a big difference. Lighting up dark areas around your home helps deter potential intruders and keeps the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Chariton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Eight Schools in Four Dedicated Districts

Chariton County's 1,022 students are served by eight public schools across four districts. The system is split evenly between four elementary and four high schools, creating a direct path from primary to secondary education. This rural infrastructure is designed to keep schools close to the small communities they serve.

Excellent School Scores and High Spending

Chariton County achieves a strong school score of 56.0, well above the state average of 52.8. The county invests $8,427 per student, which is over $2,000 more than the Missouri state average of $6,334. Its 88.9% graduation rate also beats the national average of 87%.

Salisbury and Brunswick Lead the Way

Salisbury R-IV and Brunswick R-II are the primary educational engines for the county, with Salisbury High being the largest school. Smaller districts like Northwestern R-I and Keytesville R-III provide highly localized education for under 200 students each. The county currently hosts no charter schools, focusing resources on traditional districts.

One Hundred Percent Rural Learning

Every school in Chariton County is classified as rural, offering a quiet and safe environment for learning. The average school size is just 128 students, ensuring that no child is lost in the crowd. Salisbury High is the largest at 242 students, while Northwestern Elementary serves only 97.

Invest in High-Scoring Rural Schools

For families seeking high academic scores and significant per-pupil investment, Chariton County is a top-tier choice. Homes in the Salisbury or Brunswick areas offer a short commute to the county's leading schools. The strong graduation rates and school scores make this a smart location for home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Chariton County

via WeatherByCounty

A typical humid continental climate

Chariton County matches the national median with an annual average temperature of 54.0°F. The climate features clear seasonal shifts characteristic of the American Heartland.

Cooler than the state average

The county sits just below the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It represents the transition into the cooler climate found in the northern half of the state.

Drier rain but heavier snow

Chariton receives 12.2 inches of snow, more than double what Cedar County sees to the south. Its 40.2 inches of annual rain makes it drier than the state average of 43.8 inches.

Distinct winters and warm summers

Summer peaks with a July average of 77.6°F, while winters dip to a chilly 27.8°F in January. The area experiences 30 days of extreme heat where temperatures top 90°F.

Prep for snow and freezes

Keep snow removal tools ready for the 12.2-inch annual snowfall average. Ensure home insulation is robust enough to handle the 27.8°F January freeze.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chariton County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Alfisols of Chariton

Chariton County features high-quality Alfisols with an average pH of 6.59. This slightly exceeds the national median of 6.5, making it one of the most chemically balanced soil profiles in the state.

Productive Silt Loams

The soil is a classic silt loam, comprised of 57.2% silt and 25.3% clay. This provides an ideal balance of nutrient-holding capacity and workability, earning the county a high soil score of 73.8.

High-Efficiency Water Storage

The available water capacity is a robust 0.200 in/in, which is well above the Missouri state average. Even with organic matter at a modest 2.55%, the soil remains highly fertile due to its superior texture and moisture management.

Excellent Water Movement

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group B, these soils move water more efficiently than many neighboring areas. This makes the land less prone to flooding and more suitable for early-season planting.

Prime Zone 6a Conditions

Zone 6a is perfect for growing diverse grains and leafy greens in these premium silt loams. Your garden will thrive here thanks to the near-perfect pH and excellent drainage properties of the local soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chariton County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal conditions for Missouri lawn lovers

Chariton County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 79.8, making it one of the premier locations for growing grass in the state. This score is significantly higher than the national average of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 6a, the environment is naturally suited for lush, green landscapes.

Cooler summers lead to less turf stress

The county sees only 30 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 37. With 40.2 inches of annual precipitation, the weather provides a consistent water supply without excessive heat-related evaporation. This combination results in a healthy 3923 growing degree days for consistent development.

Perfectly balanced silt loam soil

The soil pH is an impressive 6.59, falling right in the middle of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. As a well-drained silt loam with 25.3% clay, it offers the perfect balance of moisture retention and air circulation. Most lawns here will thrive with only minimal fertilization and standard maintenance.

Strong resilience against current dry conditions

Only 12 weeks of drought occurred over the last year, and 0% of the county is in severe drought today. While 63.2% of the area is abnormally dry, the well-drained soil and moderate rainfall make the region highly resilient. Simple water conservation practices are usually enough to keep the turf vibrant.

Ready for growth between April and October

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are a great fit for the local 6a climate. The last spring frost ends around April 12, and the first fall frost usually hits October 29. These dates offer a generous and predictable window for seeding or aeration projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chariton County's county score?
Chariton County, Missouri has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Chariton County rank among counties in Missouri?
Chariton County ranks #13 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 Chariton County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Chariton County is $900, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Chariton County a tax score of 56.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chariton County?
The median household income in Chariton County, Missouri is $63,307 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chariton County earns an income score of 49.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chariton County, Missouri a good place to live?
Chariton County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Chariton 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 Chariton 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.