countyscore
54.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 83.4Income & Jobs 74.5

County Report Card

About Cole County, Missouri

Outperforming the National Median

Cole County stands strong with a composite score of 54.8, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living for residents in the state's central region.

A Leader in Central Missouri

With a 54.8 composite score, Cole County significantly outpaces the Missouri state average of 50.3. It serves as an economic anchor for the region, offering a better quality of life than many surrounding rural areas.

Exceptional Safety and Strong Incomes

Safety is a hallmark of this county, which earns a high score of 83.4. Economic health is also robust, evidenced by a median household income of $73,273 and an income score of 74.5.

Struggling Schools and Environmental Risks

The county faces significant hurdles in education with a school score of just 9.0. Residents also contend with a risk score of 26.6, indicating higher susceptibility to environmental stressors.

Perfect for Safety-Conscious Professionals

Cole County is an excellent fit for government workers and professionals seeking high safety and strong pay. It offers a secure environment, though families may want to look closer at specific local school options.

Score breakdown

Tax52.7Cost48.7Safety83.4Health67.4Schools9Income74.5Risk26.6Water86Weather56.6
🏛52.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.8
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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Nearby counties

Osage County
Missouri
67.2
Miller County
Missouri
54.3
Moniteau County
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59.1
Callaway County
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Maries County
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Boone County
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Morgan County
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Camden County
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Deep Dives

Cole County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cole County

via TaxByCounty

Cole County Taxes Above U.S. Median

At 0.806%, Cole County's effective tax rate is significantly higher than the national median, where homeowners typically pay $2,690 annually. This places Cole County well above most U.S. counties, making property taxes a more substantial expense for local residents.

Missouri's Higher-Tax Counties

Cole County's effective rate of 0.806% exceeds Missouri's state average of 0.733%, positioning it firmly in the upper tier of Missouri counties. The median tax of $1,728 runs 44% above the state median of $1,199, reflecting elevated tax pressure.

Comparable to Clinton, Higher Than Others

Cole County (0.806%) closely mirrors Clinton County (0.861%) but substantially outpaces neighboring Cooper County (0.676%) and Crawford County (0.609%). In the regional context, Cole maintains a relatively high-tax profile.

Annual Tax Bill on Median Home

On a median home valued at $214,400, Cole County homeowners pay approximately $1,728 per year in property taxes—roughly $144 monthly. This cost climbs to $1,713 for homeowners with mortgages, creating a steady annual burden.

Assessment Appeals Can Reduce Your Tax

Many Cole County property owners overpay due to inflated assessed values that don't reflect current market conditions. Filing a tax appeal to challenge your assessment could potentially lower your annual bill and recover overpayments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cole County

via CostByCounty

Below-average rent burden statewide

Cole County renters spend just 13.2% of their income on housing, nearly 3 percentage points below the national average and well below Missouri's state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $73,273 and median rent of $804, the county offers one of Missouri's most balanced housing-to-income ratios.

Among Missouri's most affordable

Cole County ranks among the state's best performers on housing affordability, with a 13.2% rent-to-income ratio that beats the Missouri average by 2.4 points. The county's median rent of $804 falls below the state's $768 average, making it a notably accessible market.

Beats all nearby counties

Cole County's median rent of $804 and 13.2% rent-to-income ratio outperform every adjacent county, including DeKalb ($796 rent, 13.8% ratio) and Cooper ($763 rent, 13.6% ratio). This positions Cole as the affordability leader in its immediate region.

Housing takes 13.2% of income

The typical Cole County household earns $73,273 annually and pays $804 monthly for rent or $950 for ownership, consuming just 13.2% of gross income. This balance leaves renters and owners more breathing room for other expenses compared to state and national averages.

A solid affordability case

Cole County presents a compelling option for renters and homebuyers seeking reasonable housing costs without sacrificing income levels. The median household income of $73,273 combined with moderate rent and mortgage costs make this county one of Missouri's most livable markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cole County

via IncomeByCounty

Cole County nearly matches U.S. earnings

Cole County's median household income of $73,273 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $1,482, placing it squarely in the national mainstream. This near-parity reflects a healthy, competitive regional economy.

Missouri's income leader in this region

Cole County's median income of $73,273 surpasses Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 23.2%, making it one of the state's strongest-earning counties. This $13,770 edge signals robust employment and economic opportunity.

Cole County tops regional competition

Cole County ($73,273) leads Clinton County ($70,625) and DeKalb County ($69,093), establishing itself as the income powerhouse of central Missouri. This regional leadership reflects a diversified economy and stable employment base.

Rental costs are very manageable

Cole County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.2% is well below the 15% affordability benchmark, giving renters substantial financial breathing room. With a median home value of $214,400, homeownership remains within reach for typical households.

Strong income supports long-term planning

Cole County residents enjoy one of Missouri's best platforms for wealth building, with the financial capacity to invest aggressively in retirement and education. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged accounts and diversify investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cole County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety standards in Cole County

Cole County boasts an elite safety score of 99.4, placing it among the safest regions in the country. Its total crime rate of 390.1 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This data indicates a remarkably secure environment for all inhabitants.

A top-tier safety performer in Missouri

Cole County significantly outpaces the Missouri average safety score of 97.0 with its 99.4 rating. Its crime rate is nearly five times lower than the state average of 1,926.2 per 100,000. These numbers represent some of the strongest safety metrics in the state.

Cole County leads neighboring areas

The county's crime rate of 390.1 is substantially lower than DeKalb County's rate of 523.7. It also maintains a much safer profile than Cooper County, which sits at 1,361.5. Among its regional peers, Cole County stands out as a beacon of public safety.

Minimal violent and property crime rates

Violent crime is extremely rare here, with only 81.9 incidents reported per 100,000 people. Property crime is also low at 308.2, which is significantly better than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Residents live with very low statistical risk for most crime categories.

Maintaining a secure home environment

Even with elite safety scores, basic home security remains a wise investment for long-term peace of mind. Consider visible security cameras to discourage the small number of property crimes that occur. Community vigilance helps keep these impressive numbers stable year after year.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cole County

via HealthByCounty

Cole County outpaces national health benchmarks

Cole County's 77.1-year life expectancy ranks 3.4 years above the U.S. average of 73.7 years, placing it among America's healthier counties. Only 15.6% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 19.3%.

Missouri's health leader

Cole County has the highest life expectancy among these eight counties at 77.1 years—2.8 years above Missouri's state average of 74.3 years. An uninsured rate of 9.1% is the lowest in this group and significantly beats the state average of 12.5%.

Clear health advantage over peers

Cole County's 77.1-year life expectancy outpaces all neighboring counties in this analysis, including Cooper County at 77.3 years by comparison in some metrics. The county's 15.6% poor/fair health rate is the best among these eight, reflecting superior population wellness.

Exceptional mental health infrastructure

Cole County boasts an exceptional 252 mental health providers per 100K population—among the highest in the nation—ensuring robust access to behavioral health services. With 70 primary care providers per 100K and only 9.1% uninsured, residents enjoy comprehensive access to preventive and specialist care.

Keep your coverage strong

Cole County's strong insurance rates mean most residents are protected, but 1 in 11 still lack coverage. If you're uninsured or underinsured, explore Healthcare.gov plans to maximize your access to the excellent providers in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cole County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Hub of the State Capital

Cole County supports a large student population of 10,510 across 28 public schools and five districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 14 elementary schools, nine high schools, and specialized facilities including four alternative and one special education school.

Investment and Performance Challenges

The county reports a graduation rate of 74.8%, which trails the Missouri state average of 91.3%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,019, below both the state benchmark of $6,334 and the national average of $13,000.

Jefferson City District Dominates the Region

The Jefferson City school district is the largest by far, serving 8,683 students across 18 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, meaning traditional districts manage 100% of the public school enrollment.

An Urban and Rural Mix

Cole County offers a blend of 16 city schools and 11 rural schools, reflecting the geography of the state capital. Capital City High is the largest school with 1,404 students, contributing to a county-wide average school size of 457.

Find Your Place in Cole County

From the urban center of Jefferson City to quiet rural outskirts, this county offers diverse educational environments for every family. Consider the wide variety of specialized school programs when choosing your next neighborhood.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cole County

via RiskByCounty

Cole County Faces Elevated Risk

Cole County's composite risk score of 73.44 ranks it Relatively Low nationally, but substantially exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56 by 23 points. This elevation reflects genuine multi-hazard exposure that demands serious preparedness planning.

Among Missouri's Riskiest Counties

Cole County ranks in the upper tier of Missouri's 114 counties for overall disaster risk, driven by exceptionally high earthquake (82.32) and tornado (84.32) scores. Only a handful of Missouri counties face comparable seismic and severe weather threats.

Higher Risk Than Surrounding Areas

Cole County's 73.44 score significantly outpaces Cooper County (20.39), Dallas County (41.70), and Daviess County (30.06). This gap underscores Cole's unique vulnerability profile, particularly its elevated earthquake and tornado risk.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Dominate

Tornado risk of 84.32 ranks as Cole County's most pressing threat, while earthquake risk of 82.32 poses unusual seismic exposure for Missouri. Flood risk of 73.47 completes a trifecta of serious hazards requiring comprehensive household planning.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Strategy

Cole County residents need windstorm, flood, and earthquake coverage—an unusually comprehensive insurance package for Missouri. Retrofit a safe room or reinforced shelter to withstand both tornado and earthquake impacts, and ensure your homeowners policy covers each distinct peril.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cole County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced mid-continent temperatures

Cole County averages 55.4°F, placing it slightly above the national median for temperature. Its central location creates a balanced humid subtropical climate.

Warmer than the state average

It is half a degree warmer than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. This makes the state capital region slightly toastier than its northern neighbors.

Consistent central Missouri rain

With 43.6 inches of rain, Cole nearly mirrors the Missouri state average of 43.8 inches. Its 8.9 inches of snow is lower than the totals in Chariton or Clay.

Moderate winters and humid summers

The county sees 37 days of extreme heat and a July average of 78.3°F. Winters are moderate, with the December through February average holding at 33.4°F.

Ready for rain and heat

Balance HVAC systems for 37 days of extreme heat and nearly 9 inches of snow. Consistent 43.6 inches of rain requires well-maintained gutters and yard drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cole County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH and Alfisols

Cole County soils belong to the Alfisols order and maintain a pH of 6.37, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This pH level is more favorable for nutrient uptake than the state average of 6.09.

Silty Texture for Smooth Farming

A high silt content of 62.7% combined with 17.8% sand creates a silt loam that is easy to work. The 18.3% clay helps retain essential nutrients without making the soil too heavy or difficult to drain.

Resilient Water Storage

The soil features 2.23% organic matter, slightly above the national average of 2.0%. With an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, the land holds more moisture than the state average of 0.183 in/in.

Naturally Well Drained

This county benefits from a well-drained classification and belongs to hydrologic group C. These characteristics make it excellent for diverse agriculture and stable building foundations where water management is key.

Versatile Growth in Zone 6b

The 6b hardiness zone and a soil score of 66.5 support a wide range of vegetables and orchard fruits. Start your garden today with confidence, as these soils provide better-than-average stability for Missouri growers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cole County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Conditions for Cole County Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 65.8, Cole County is slightly easier to manage than the Missouri state average of 63.7. The region sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, providing a stable environment for various grass types. This score places the county well above the national median difficulty of 50.0.

Consistent Rain and Significant Heat

Cole County receives 43.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly identical to the state average and perfect for lawn health. However, the 37 extreme heat days and 4,107 growing degree days mean lawns require heavy irrigation during the peak of July. Mowing frequency increases in spring but must slow down during high-heat periods to prevent turf stress.

Well-Drained Silt Loam for Healthy Roots

The local soil is a well-drained silt loam with a healthy pH of 6.37, requiring minimal lime adjustments for most grass types. It contains an even balance of 18.3% clay and 17.8% sand, promoting both nutrient retention and efficient drainage. This combination creates an ideal foundation that supports deep, drought-resistant root growth.

Navigating Significant Drought Challenges

The county has spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. To combat this, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to search for deeper moisture. Currently, there are no severe drought conditions (D2+), making this a great time for preventative water conservation.

Planting for Success in Central Missouri

Tall Fescue is the recommended variety for Zone 6b, offering the best resistance to the 37 annual extreme heat days. With the first fall frost typically arriving around October 31, late August is the prime window for seeding. This schedule gives your new lawn about two months to mature before the winter dormancy begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cole County's county score?
Cole County, Missouri has a composite county score of 54.9 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 Cole County rank among counties in Missouri?
Cole County ranks #39 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 Cole County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Cole County is $1,728, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Cole County a tax score of 52.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cole County?
The median household income in Cole County, Missouri is $73,273 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cole County earns an income score of 74.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cole County, Missouri a good place to live?
Cole County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Cole 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 Cole 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.