countyscore
38.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.1Health 57.6

County Report Card

About Christian County, Missouri

Falling Short of the National Median

Christian County's composite score of 38.5 puts it behind the national median of 50.0. While it features high incomes, it is dragged down by poor safety and high relative costs. It currently sits in the lower third of counties across the country.

Struggling Against the State Average

With a score of 38.5, Christian County fails to meet the Missouri average of 50.3. Despite being a growing region, it faces systemic issues that lower its overall livability ranking. It serves as a reminder that high growth does not always equate to high composite scores.

Strong Incomes and Excellent Water

High household earnings are a major draw, reflected in an income score of 85.1 and a median income of $81,245. The county also excels in utility infrastructure with a water score of 86.0. Residents benefit from a modern utility backbone and a prosperous local economy.

Significant Hurdles in Safety and Cost

The county faces a major challenge in safety, where it scores an alarming 0.4. Housing affordability is also an issue, with a cost score of 23.6 and median home values reaching $249,700. These factors create a high-pressure environment for many residents.

A Magnet for Young Professionals

Christian County is a strong match for upwardly mobile professionals who prioritize high-paying jobs and reliable infrastructure. While safety and costs are concerns, the high median income provides the means to navigate these challenges. It is a county in transition that rewards those with career ambition.

Score breakdown

Tax57.4Cost23.6Safety0.4Health57.6Schools43.9Income85.1Risk33.5Water86Weather56.1
🏛57.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.3
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

Christian County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Christian County

via TaxByCounty

Christian's rate sits below national median

Christian County's effective tax rate of 0.752% trails the national median of 0.93%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. At $1,878 annually on a $249,700 median home, Christian homeowners pay about 70% of the national median tax bill.

Slightly above state average, lower-end homes

Christian County ranks in the middle-upper tier of Missouri's 114 counties with a 0.752% rate, just 0.019 percentage points above the state average. Despite having higher home values than most Missouri counties, its $1,878 median tax remains below the state median of $1,199—a reflection of better home affordability.

Competitive rate across the region

Christian County's 0.752% rate compares favorably to Carroll (0.844%) and Cass (0.879%), though it trails Cedar (0.587%) and Carter (0.443%). On mid-range homes worth $250,000, Christian offers moderate tax exposure versus surrounding counties.

Nearly $1,900 yearly for median home

A typical Christian County homeowner with a $249,700 home pays $1,878 in annual property tax, or about $157 per month. With a mortgage, escrow increases that to $1,890, bundling insurance and other levies.

Challenge high assessments on higher-value homes

Christian County homeowners with $250,000+ properties should carefully verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. On higher-value properties, even modest overassessment errors translate to substantial annual overpayments—and appeals are free.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Christian County

via CostByCounty

Christian's wealth supports premium housing

Christian County residents earn a median of $81,245, about 9% above the national median of $74,755, and face a 14.5% rent-to-income ratio—below the national average near 16%. This combination positions Christian as an affluent county where premium housing costs remain comfortably affordable relative to household earnings.

Above-average income, below-average burden

Christian County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio falls below Missouri's 15.6% state average, despite median rent of $979 exceeding the state's $768. Higher incomes here make above-average housing costs manageable, reflecting Christian's position as one of Missouri's more prosperous regions.

Springfield-area prosperity reflected in costs

Christian County renters face lower burden (14.5%) than Clay County (17.0%) but higher rents than rural peers like Carroll (15.3%) and Clark (13.7%). At $979 monthly, Christian's rent sits between Cass County's premium $1,147 and rural county averages, reflecting the county's suburban-affluent character.

Premium housing, premium incomes align

Christian County's median household income of $81,245 supports monthly housing costs of $979 for rent (14.5%) or $1,230 for mortgages. At these income levels, even above-average housing costs consume less than one-fifth of household income, leaving robust resources for other needs.

Christian suits Springfield-area professionals

If you earn $75,000 or more and seek Springfield-area living, Christian County offers attractive schools and suburban amenities with manageable affordability ratios. Compare Christian's $979 rent and $249,700 median home value against your household income—professional couples and established families typically thrive here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Christian County

via IncomeByCounty

Christian County surpasses national average

Christian County's median household income of $81,245 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $6,490, placing it in the top income quartile nationwide. The county benefits from Springfield's economic pull and proximity to affluent exurban development.

Top-tier Missouri county

Christian County ranks among Missouri's wealthiest with median household income of $81,245, topping the state average by $21,742. Per capita income of $38,535 also exceeds Missouri's average by 24%, indicating broad prosperity across the county.

Strong performer near peers

Christian County ($81,245) trails only Cass County ($87,413) and Clay County ($86,150), while substantially outperforming all remaining comparison counties. The county represents Springfield's prosperous suburbs, reflecting the region's stable employment and growing professional class.

Housing comfortably affordable

Christian County households spend just 14.5% of income on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold and among the lowest in the county set. With median home values at $249,700, higher-income households can build equity through homeownership.

Build wealth through diversification

Christian County's strong household incomes and low housing ratios create ideal conditions for wealth accumulation. Families should leverage retirement accounts, taxable investment accounts, and real estate equity to create multi-generational wealth beyond the county median.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Christian County

via CrimeByCounty

Christian County exceeds national crime rates

The county reports a total crime rate of 13,278.1 per 100K, which is over five times the national average of 2,385.5. This high frequency of crime results in a safety score of 79.0 out of 100.

Lower safety than the Missouri average

The county's safety score of 79.0 falls well below the state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 13,278.1 is also much higher than the Missouri statewide average of 1,926.2.

Safer than Cass, but higher than others

Christian County is significantly safer than Cass County, which has a rate of 33,157.5. However, it is much less secure than nearby Cedar County, which reports a rate of only 1,767.5.

Heavy property and violent crime volume

Property crime dominates the data at 10,435.6 per 100K, while violent crime is also very high at 2,842.5. Both figures greatly exceed national benchmarks for a county of this size.

Take active steps to secure your home

High property crime rates make alarm systems and security cameras essential for Christian County residents. Ensure your vehicles are locked and valuables are never left in plain sight to reduce theft risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Christian County

via HealthByCounty

Christian County leads national health rankings

At 77.2 years, Christian County residents live 2.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years—a substantial health advantage. The county's 17.5% poor or fair health rate significantly outperforms the national average of 21%, with residents enjoying excellent day-to-day health outcomes.

Among Missouri's healthiest counties

Christian County ranks in Missouri's top tier for health with a life expectancy of 77.2 years—nearly 3 years above the state average of 74.3. The county's 17.5% poor/fair health rate is well below the state median, making it a regional health leader.

Top regional health performer

Christian County's 77.2-year life expectancy ties Cass County for the region's longest, and its 17.5% poor/fair health rate is among the best. The county substantially outperforms neighbors like Cedar County (74.7 years) and Chariton County (75.6 years).

Strong coverage and healthcare access

Christian County's uninsured rate of 10.9% is notably below Missouri's 12.5%, meaning most residents have health coverage. The county provides 42 primary care providers and 112 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting both preventive and behavioral health access.

Keep coverage continuous in Christian County

Christian County's strong health outcomes reflect good insurance coverage and provider access—if uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore options. Continuous coverage protects your health and finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Christian County

via SchoolsByCounty

Thirty-Three Schools Serving a Growing Population

Christian County manages 33 public schools for 16,230 students across seven districts. The system is comprehensive, featuring 15 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 8 high schools, and 3 specialized facilities. This infrastructure supports one of the fastest-growing regions in Missouri.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

The county's 94.5% graduation rate is significantly higher than both the state (91.3%) and national (87%) averages. Interestingly, this is achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,381, which is roughly $1,000 less than the state average. The resulting school score of 52.4 reflects a highly efficient education system.

Nixa and Ozark Districts Lead the Region

Nixa Public Schools and Ozark R-VI are the county's giants, together educating over 12,700 students. These two districts manage 19 schools between them and are known for their academic and athletic programs. Despite their size, neither district utilizes charter schools.

Large Suburban Campuses and Rural Roots

The county offers a mix of 15 suburban schools and 18 rural schools, catering to different lifestyle preferences. While the average school size is 507, Nixa High serves 1,957 students, making it the county's largest institution. This diversity allows families to choose between a smaller town feel or a large-scale high school experience.

Join One of Missouri's Top-Performing Counties

Families looking for high graduation rates will find Christian County to be one of the best options in the state. Homes in Nixa or Ozark provide access to premier districts that consistently outperform state benchmarks. High school quality continues to drive the strong demand for housing in this area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Christian County

via RiskByCounty

Christian County faces elevated risk

Christian County's composite score of 66.48 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, reflecting Relatively Low national risk but with meaningfully higher exposure. The county shows elevated risk across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes (80.76) and earthquakes (70.96).

High-risk county in Missouri

Christian County ranks among Missouri's higher-risk jurisdictions, driven by significant tornado and wildfire exposure. Residents face notably greater disaster threats than the state average.

Multi-hazard risk concentration

Christian County's 66.48 score substantially exceeds nearby Cedar County (26.05) and Chariton County (29.42), with particular vulnerability to tornadoes (80.76), wildfire (70.39), and earthquakes (70.96). Only Clay County (89.79) faces comparably severe exposure in the region.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfire

Tornadoes represent the greatest threat at 80.76, followed closely by earthquakes (70.96) and wildfire (70.39)—an unusual concentration of high-impact hazards. Flooding (70.04) rounds out a diverse hazard profile requiring multifaceted preparation.

Comprehensive coverage essential

Christian County's multi-hazard exposure demands earthquake insurance, robust wind coverage, and wildfire mitigation (defensible space, fire-resistant materials). Ensure your homeowners policy includes guaranteed replacement cost and review coverage limits annually given the county's 66.48 risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Christian County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and moist subtropical climate

Christian County's 55.0°F annual average places it slightly above the national median. The region brings consistent warmth paired with significant annual moisture.

Matching the state average

The county mirrors the Missouri state average almost perfectly, coming in just 0.1 degrees higher than the 54.9°F benchmark. It serves as a climate bellwether for the state.

Leading the region in rainfall

At 46.5 inches of annual precipitation, Christian is wetter than neighboring Clay and Cole counties. It receives a moderate 11.8 inches of snow compared to the lighter totals further south.

Manageable heat and moderate winters

Summers are warm, averaging 74.7°F with 35 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters stay just above freezing on average, with a January mean of 32.1°F.

Prioritize drainage and dampness

Proper yard drainage is a priority given the 46.5 inches of annual rain. Residents should also prepare for 11.8 inches of snow during the fluctuating winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Christian County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and High-Carbon Soil

Christian County has a relatively acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.66. While this is lower than the national median of 6.5, the county’s soil score of 53.0 reflects a complex environment with high organic potential.

Light and Silty Texture

The composition is dominated by 59.0% silt and 20.5% sand, with a very low clay content of 14.2%. This creates a soil that is easy to till but may require supplemental nutrients due to lower clay-based cation exchange.

Rich in Organic Matter

The soil contains an impressive 6.08% organic matter, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 4.74%. However, the water capacity is lower at 0.151 in/in, so frequent watering may be necessary during dry Missouri summers.

Wetland Influences and Drainage

The dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, suggesting these soils often interact with high water tables or springs. Gardeners should prioritize raised beds or moisture-tolerant plants to manage these damp conditions effectively.

Lush Growth in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b offers a great climate for everything from berry bushes to root vegetables. Take advantage of that high organic matter by starting a home compost pile to keep your soil rich and productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Christian County

via LawnByCounty

A middle-ground challenge in Southwest Missouri

Christian County holds a lawn difficulty score of 54.3, which is slightly below the state average but above the national median. Located in Zone 6b, it requires more attention than the northern parts of the state. Homeowners should prepare for a moderate maintenance routine to achieve a healthy lawn.

Heavy rainfall meets standard summer heat

The county receives a generous 46.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 43.7. Extreme heat days total 35, which is typical for the region and manageable with proper hydration. The 3837 growing degree days provide ample time for turf to mature before winter.

Manage acidity and unique drainage needs

The soil pH is 5.66, meaning most lawns will require lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With subaqueous drainage and 14.2% clay, the soil foundation is unique and requires careful monitoring to avoid waterlogged roots. Adding organic matter can help improve the structure of the 20.5% sand-based soil.

Combatting persistent severe drought conditions

Christian County has faced a tough year with 32 weeks of drought, and currently, 100% of the county is under severe drought status. This makes efficient irrigation and water conservation essential for lawn survival. Avoid heavy fertilization during these periods to prevent burning the stressed grass.

Plant after the mid-April frost window

Tall Fescue is the recommended grass type for Zone 6b due to its deep root system and heat tolerance. The last spring frost typically occurs on April 15, and the first fall frost arrives by October 23. Plan your renovation projects around these dates for the best chance of establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christian County's county score?
Christian County, Missouri has a composite county score of 38.5 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 Christian County rank among counties in Missouri?
Christian County ranks #104 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 Christian County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Christian County is $1,878, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Christian County a tax score of 57.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Christian County?
The median household income in Christian County, Missouri is $81,245 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Christian County earns an income score of 85.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Christian County, Missouri a good place to live?
Christian County scores 38.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #104 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Christian 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 Christian 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.