countyscore
55.1
County Score
Cost of Living 92.8Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 78.2

County Report Card

About Clark County, Missouri

Holding a Steady National Position

Clark County earns a composite score of 55.1, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is more stable and affordable than many areas in the U.S. It offers a solid baseline of services and environmental safety.

Outpacing the Missouri Average

At 55.1, Clark County is a step ahead of the Missouri average score of 50.3. It differentiates itself through its remarkable affordability and resilience to natural risks. It is a reliable choice for Missourians seeking a low-risk, high-value living situation.

Unbeatable Housing Value and Water Quality

Affordability is the county's greatest asset, with a cost score of 92.8 and a median home value of just $117,600. It also scores highly in water quality (86.0) and natural risk management (78.2). These scores suggest a community that is well-prepared and very easy on the wallet.

Wage Growth and Tax Pressures

The local economy is limited, shown by an income score of 17.5 and a median household income of $51,458. Additionally, a tax score of 40.5 indicates a higher-than-average tax burden relative to the income levels. Balancing the budget requires careful planning for Clark County residents.

Ideal for Savvy Home Buyers

Clark County is perfect for those who want to own property without taking on significant debt. The high cost score and low risk profile make it a safe harbor for families looking to plant roots. It is a county where your dollar buys a lot of house and a lot of peace of mind.

2040608010040.592.848.841.442.217.578.28652Tax40.5Cost92.8Safety48.8Health41.4Schools42.2Income17.5Risk78.2Water86Weather5255.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Clark County DNA

Foverall

How Clark County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Clark County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (92.8/100) but notably weak in Income (17.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.5-11.5
Cost
92.8+44.8
Safety
48.8
Health
41.4-8.600000000000001
Schools
42.2-11.799999999999997
Income
17.5-33.5
Risk
78.2+31.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
52
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$117,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$589/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$117,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,458/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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55

Nearby counties

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Iowa
42.8
Hancock County
Illinois
58.6
Van Buren County
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60.6
Lewis County
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Scotland County
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Knox County
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Henry County
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Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark has one of Missouri's highest rates

Clark County's effective tax rate of 0.969% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.93%, putting it in the upper tier of American counties. Homeowners pay $1,139 annually on a modest $117,600 median home—a relatively heavy burden for the property values.

Second-highest rate statewide

Clark County ranks second among Missouri's 114 counties with a 0.969% effective rate, trailing only Clay County (1.099%) and far above the state average of 0.733%. Its median tax of $1,139 nearly matches Missouri's median despite having lower home values, indicating a substantially heavier tax load.

The heaviest burden in its region

Clark County's 0.969% rate exceeds all nearby counties: Carroll (0.844%), Cedar (0.587%), Carter (0.443%), and Chariton (0.757%). Only across the state do Clay (1.099%) and Clark match this elevated tax pressure.

Over $1,100 annually on typical home

A typical Clark County homeowner with a $117,600 home pays $1,139 in annual property tax, or about $95 per month. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,142 as escrow captures insurance and related costs.

High rates make assessment appeals critical

In high-tax counties like Clark, an overassessment directly drains your wallet year after year—making appeal actions especially worthwhile. If your assessed value seems inflated compared to what similar homes sold for recently, file a free appeal to challenge it.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County offers genuine rural affordability

Clark County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average near 16%, while median rent of just $589 ranks among Missouri's lowest. With median household income of $51,458, Clark residents earn substantially less than the national median of $74,755, yet their low housing costs deliver real affordability.

Below-average costs, below-average incomes

Clark County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio sits below Missouri's 15.6% state average, and its $589 median rent falls $179 beneath the state average of $768. This combination makes Clark one of Missouri's most affordable rural counties for renters specifically.

Competitive with region's cheapest rents

Clark County's $589 median rent undercuts most regional peers, exceeding only Chariton's exceptional $540 and matching Carter at $661. Its 13.7% rent burden sits between rural affordability champions Chariton (10.2%) and Carter (17.6%), positioning Clark as a solid middle-ground option.

Modest rent, modest income balance

On a median income of $51,458, Clark households spend $589 monthly on rent (13.7%) or $564 on mortgage costs. These low absolute costs mean Clark residents retain roughly $4,200 monthly after housing for food, transportation, and essentials—genuine financial breathing room for rural Missouri.

Clark rewards remote workers and retirees

Clark County's $589 rent suits households earning $40,000–$65,000, particularly those with flexible or remote employment. If you're relocating with stable income from outside the county, Clark's low costs and rural character offer exceptional value compared to Missouri's suburban and urban alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County trails national average

Clark County's median household income of $51,458 lags the national median of $74,755 by $23,297—a 31% shortfall. This rural northeast Missouri county ranks in the lower third nationally, reflecting limited economic opportunity outside agriculture.

Below-average for Missouri

Clark County's median household income of $51,458 falls $8,045 below Missouri's average of $59,503, ranking in the lower half of state counties. Per capita income of $26,904 runs 13% below the state average, indicating limited individual earning power.

Middle ground in region

Clark County ($51,458) outperforms Carter County ($45,083) and Cedar County ($45,577) but trails Carroll County ($61,712) and Chariton County ($63,307). The county represents typical rural Missouri income levels, above distressed areas but below small-city prosperity.

Rent modest but manageable

Clark County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, despite lower overall incomes. Median home values of $117,600 align well with household income, keeping homeownership within reach for many families.

Maximize every opportunity

Clark County's modest income and solid rent ratio create a narrow window for wealth-building. Residents should prioritize employer retirement matching, take advantage of tax-advantaged accounts, and consider real estate as a primary wealth vehicle given the affordable median home price.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Clark County is a national safety leader

The total crime rate in Clark County is just 1,150.4 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. This low incidence of crime earns the county a robust safety score of 98.2.

A reliable sanctuary in Missouri

Clark County's safety score of 98.2 sits comfortably above the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,150.4 per 100K is also significantly lower than the state average of 1,926.2.

Performing well against similar counties

Clark County maintains a similar safety profile to Chariton County, which has a crime rate of 1,065.1. Only two reporting agencies manage this vast, low-crime area effectively.

Remarkably low violent crime rates

The violent crime rate is just 44.8 per 100K, nearly eight times lower than the national average of 369.8. Most reported incidents are property-related, occurring at a rate of 1,105.6 per 100K.

Protect your property from theft

Because violent crime is so rare, focus your security efforts on preventing opportunistic property theft. Secure your outbuildings and farm equipment, as these are common targets in rural counties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Schools in a Unified District

Clark County simplifies its education through a single district, Clark Co. R-I, which serves 1,136 students. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and an early childhood center. This unified approach ensures a consistent curriculum and community focus from preschool through graduation.

Strong Graduation Rates in the Northeast

Clark County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, beating the Missouri state average of 91.3% and the national average of 87%. The county spends $6,141 per pupil, which is close to the state average but less than half the national average. These metrics contribute to a solid school score of 52.7.

The Power of One District

Clark Co. R-I is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 1,136 students. By centralizing resources into one district, the county maintains a cohesive community identity and efficient operations. No charter schools exist here, keeping the focus entirely on the local public system.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

All five schools are situated in rural locales, providing a tranquil environment for the county's youth. The average school size is 227 students, with Black Hawk Elementary being the largest at 365 students. This creates an environment where everyone knows their neighbors and teachers.

Find Your Place in a Cohesive Community

For those who value a single, unified school district, Clark County offers a rare and stable educational environment. Homes in Kahoka and the surrounding areas provide easy access to these well-performing rural schools. High graduation rates make this a safe bet for families and residential buyers alike.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County's minimal risk

Clark County scores just 21.82—Missouri's lowest recorded composite risk—placing it far below the state average of 50.56 with a Very Low national rating. The county represents one of America's safest jurisdictions for natural disaster exposure.

Missouri's safest county

Clark County holds the lowest composite risk score in Missouri at 21.82, significantly outpacing every other county statewide. Residents enjoy exceptional protection from major natural hazards.

Exceptional low-risk standing

Clark County's 21.82 score stands below even Cedar County (26.05) and Chariton County (29.42), creating a notably safe pocket in central Missouri. Nearby Cass County (74.90) and Christian County (66.48) face three times the hazard exposure.

Tornado presents primary concern

Tornadoes represent Clark County's highest risk at 25.60—still well below most counties—while wildfire (47.36) and flooding (30.50) remain minimal threats. The county's 21.82 composite score reflects balanced, low exposure across all hazard types.

Basic insurance provides security

Standard homeowners insurance with standard wind coverage adequately protects properties in Clark County's low-risk environment. A basic emergency kit and spring weather awareness complete preparedness; specialized hazard policies are unnecessary for typical properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clark County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record in Clark County

Clark County maintains a Grade A with zero health violations in its drinking water systems over five years. This stands in contrast to the state average of 81.5 violations per 100K residents.

Watershed Health Data Still Pending

Water bodies in Clark County have not yet been evaluated for the federal §303(d) impairment list. As a result, there is no official data on the share of assessed waters meeting Clean Water Act standards.

Active Chemical and Nutrient Monitoring

Five monitoring sites have provided 1,646 measurements over the past five years. Top measured groups include metals, inorganics, and nutrients, providing essential data on the Des Moines River basin.

Des Moines River Flowing at 69%

The Des Moines River at St. Francisville shows a discharge of 6790 cfs, roughly 69% of its typical flow. This is the healthiest flow percentage among neighbor counties, though still below the long-term mean.

Reliable Water with Moderate Flow Risk

Clark County residents benefit from excellent drinking water compliance and relatively stable river flows. Continued monitoring of inorganic compounds is recommended to ensure the Des Moines River remains a safe source.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clark County

via WeatherByCounty

A northern continental profile

While specific temperature data is limited, Clark County follows a northern continental pattern. The county receives 38.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is below the national median.

Drier than the state mean

Clark is drier than the Missouri average, receiving about 5 inches less rain than the state's 43.8-inch mean. It typically ranks among the cooler counties in the state's northern tier.

Lowest precipitation in the group

With 38.6 inches of rain, Clark is the driest among this group of Missouri counties. It lacks the higher moisture levels seen in southern counties like Christian.

Defined northern seasons

Limited local data exists for specific seasonal averages, but the region is known for distinct seasonal shifts. Residents expect significant winter snow and humid, warm summers.

Focus on water conservation

Plan for lower annual rainfall of 38.6 inches by choosing drought-resistant landscaping. Local residents should maintain flexible HVAC systems to handle northern Missouri's known temperature swings.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

Clark County’s Balanced pH

Clark County soils maintain an average pH of 6.30, placing them slightly above the Missouri state average of 6.09. This healthy pH level supports high biological activity and nutrient availability for local crops.

Sand and Silt Mix

The soil is notable for having 27.2% sand, which is higher than many surrounding counties, combined with 53.7% silt. This blend improves drainage and aeration compared to the heavy clay soils found elsewhere in the state.

Superior Moisture Reservoir

With an available water capacity of 0.204 in/in, this soil is one of the best in the state for moisture retention. While the 2.68% organic matter is below the state average, the county still earns a strong 73.1 soil score.

Deep Roots and Soil Health

While specific drainage and taxonomic classifications are not fully detailed in recent records, the high water capacity suggests deep, fertile profiles. These soils are generally well-regarded for their agricultural resilience.

Garden Readiness in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone is ideal for cool-season vegetables and hearty fruit trees. Your plants will benefit from the high moisture-holding capacity of these sandy-silt loams during the heat of August.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

Steady lawn prospects in the Northeast corner

Clark County features a lawn difficulty score of 65.0, placing it just above the Missouri state average. This makes it a relatively friendly environment for residential lawns in Hardiness Zone 6a. It offers a more favorable experience than the national median of 50.0.

Moderate rainfall supports seasonal growth

The county receives 38.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly lower than the state average but within the ideal range. While specific heat and growing degree data are not available, the precipitation levels provide a solid base for turf. Homeowners should watch for dry spells to supplement water when needed.

Slightly acidic soil with sandy characteristics

The soil pH is a manageable 6.30, which is very close to the ideal range for grass growth. With 27.2% sand and 19.1% clay, the soil likely drains well, though specific drainage class data is currently limited. This texture generally prevents the heavy compaction often found in higher-clay regions.

Lengthy drought history requires careful watering

The county has experienced 35 weeks of drought over the past year, and 16.8% of the area is in severe drought. Currently, 100% of the county is at least abnormally dry, necessitating proactive water management. Focus on deep-root watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Hardy varieties flourish in Zone 6a

In Hardiness Zone 6a, cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass are popular and effective choices. While specific frost dates are not recorded, late April is generally a safe time to begin spring projects. Start with a soil test to see if a small boost of nutrients is needed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, Missouri has a composite county score of 55.1 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 Clark County rank among counties in Missouri?
Clark County ranks #38 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 Clark County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $1,139, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 40.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, Missouri is $51,458 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 17.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, Missouri a good place to live?
Clark County scores 55.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.