countyscore
56.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 79.6Soil Quality 76.6

County Report Card

About Cooper County, Missouri

Steady Above the National Median

Cooper County achieves a composite score of 56.7, placing it well above the national benchmark of 50.0. This indicates a high overall quality of life relative to the average American county.

One of Missouri’s Top Performers

The county’s 56.7 score easily beats the Missouri state average of 50.3. It ranks as a premier choice for those looking for a balance of affordability and stability in the heart of the state.

Low Environmental Risk and Light Taxes

Environmental stability is a major win here, with a risk score of 79.6. Residents also benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.676%, which earns the county a strong tax score of 65.9.

Room to Improve Public Safety

Public safety represents the county's primary weakness, with a safety score of 40.2. While other metrics are high, this score suggests that local crime or infrastructure safety lags behind state leaders.

Ideal for Risk-Averse Homeowners

Cooper County is a great match for those prioritizing low taxes and a safe environmental profile. It offers affordable living with a median home value under $200,000.

Score breakdown

Tax65.9Cost60.8Safety40.2Health54.7Schools54.1Income60.4Risk79.6Water86Weather52
🏛65.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70
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

Howard County
Missouri
52.4
Moniteau County
Missouri
59.1
Boone County
Missouri
39.5
Saline County
Missouri
42.8
Pettis County
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Morgan County
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Cole County
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Randolph County
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Deep Dives

Cooper County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cooper County

via TaxByCounty

Cooper County Below National Tax Average

With a 0.676% effective tax rate, Cooper County is one of the more affordable property tax jurisdictions compared to the U.S. median of roughly 0.96% on a $282,000 home. Residents here pay substantially less than most American homeowners when it comes to property taxes.

Slightly Below Missouri Average

Cooper County's 0.676% rate sits just below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, placing it in the moderate-to-lower range statewide. The median tax of $1,332 is 11% above the state median of $1,199, suggesting a reasonable tax burden for the region.

Most Tax-Friendly in Its Region

Cooper County offers notably lower taxes than neighboring Clinton County (0.861%) and Cole County (0.806%), though it trades slightly higher rates than Crawford County (0.609%) and Dallas County (0.480%). For the broader mid-Missouri area, Cooper provides competitive property tax rates.

Median Annual Property Tax Payment

On Cooper County's median home value of $197,100, homeowners pay approximately $1,332 annually in property taxes—about $111 per month. This relatively moderate bill reflects Cooper's below-average tax burden within Missouri.

Check Your Assessment for Accuracy

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessment can occur, resulting in unnecessary tax payments for years. Cooper County homeowners should periodically review their assessments and appeal if values don't match local market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cooper County

via CostByCounty

Rents modest, income slightly lower

Cooper County renters spend 13.6% of their income on housing, comfortably below the national average and Missouri's state average of 15.6%. With median rent at $763 and household income at $67,548—somewhat below the national median of $74,755—the county balances lower costs with lower incomes effectively.

Top tier for affordability

Cooper County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio places it among Missouri's most affordable counties, beating the state average by 2 percentage points. The median rent of $763 sits just under the state's $768 average, making this a consistently accessible housing market.

Competitive with regional peers

Cooper County's median rent of $763 and 13.6% ratio compete favorably against nearby Cole County ($804 rent, 13.2% ratio) and DeKalb County ($796, 13.8% ratio). While Cole edges slightly ahead on affordability, Cooper remains firmly in the region's top tier for accessible housing.

Housing claims 13.6% of earnings

Households in Cooper County earn a median of $67,548 annually and allocate roughly $763 monthly to rent or $843 for ownership costs, representing 13.6% of gross income. This ratio leaves families adequate resources for savings and other expenses.

Affordable living in rural Missouri

Cooper County offers an appealing combination of low housing costs and a below-average cost of living, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families and retirees. The 13.6% rent-to-income ratio ensures your housing expenses won't dominate your household budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cooper County

via IncomeByCounty

Cooper County lags national income median

Cooper County's median household income of $67,548 falls 9.7% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it below the U.S. typical. Despite this gap, the county remains above many rural and post-industrial regions nationwide.

Solid performance within Missouri

Cooper County's median income of $67,548 exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 13.5%, positioning it well within the state's upper half. This $8,045 advantage reflects stronger local employment than many Missouri counties.

Competitive with regional peers

Cooper County ($67,548) trails Cole County ($73,273) and Clinton County ($70,625) but remains ahead of Crawford County ($56,345) and Daviess County ($60,665). This mid-range position reflects a stable, if modest, local economy.

Affordable housing supports stability

Cooper County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% indicates very affordable rental costs relative to household earnings, well below the 15% comfort threshold. The median home value of $197,100 remains accessible to working families earning near the county median.

Stretch your savings potential

Cooper County's moderate income levels require disciplined saving; aim to put 10–15% of earnings toward retirement and emergency funds. Local credit unions and community banks often offer affordable financial coaching to help residents build credit and start investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cooper County

via CrimeByCounty

Cooper County stays below national crime rates

Cooper County maintains a safety score of 97.9, reflecting a secure atmosphere for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,361.5 per 100,000 people is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This indicates that the county is statistically safer than many parts of the U.S.

Safe standing within Missouri

The county's safety score of 97.9 is higher than the Missouri average of 97.0. Additionally, its total crime rate of 1,361.5 is lower than the state's average of 1,926.2. Cooper County effectively keeps crime under control relative to state trends.

Comparative safety in the region

Cooper County has a crime rate of 1,361.5, which is higher than Clinton County's 1,063.6. However, it is notably safer than Dade County, which reports a rate of 2,329.6. It occupies a middle ground for safety within its regional peer group.

Analyzing the local crime mix

Property crime represents the bulk of local incidents at 1,207.6 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low, occurring at a rate of 153.9 per 100,000. These figures show that local law enforcement primarily deals with non-violent theft and burglary.

Practical steps for home safety

Since property crime is the main concern, securing outbuildings and garages is a smart strategy. Using motion-activated lighting can effectively deter unauthorized access to your property. Keeping valuables out of sight reduces the risk of opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cooper County

via HealthByCounty

Cooper County significantly outlives U.S. average

Cooper County residents live to 77.3 years on average, beating the U.S. life expectancy of 73.7 years by 3.6 years. However, 19.0% report poor or fair health status, slightly above the national rate of 19.3%, suggesting health gains mask underlying disparities.

Among Missouri's healthiest counties

At 77.3 years, Cooper County's life expectancy tops the state average of 74.3 years by a significant 3 years. The uninsured rate of 10.5% is better than Missouri's 12.5% average, though it exceeds rates in neighboring Cole and Clinton counties.

Strong longevity, tight provider network

Cooper County's 77.3-year life expectancy matches or beats all regional peers, but its 23 primary care providers per 100K is a critical gap compared to Clinton County's 61 and Cole County's 70. Mental health access at 124 per 100K is solid but below Cole County's exceptional 252.

High health expectations, limited access

Cooper County's 10.5% uninsured rate leaves about 1 in 9.5 residents without coverage, limiting their ability to access the county's restricted primary care network of just 23 providers per 100K. The 19.0% poor/fair health rate suggests gaps in preventive care reach despite strong life expectancy.

Secure coverage to access local care

With primary care access tighter than state averages, getting insured in Cooper County is critical for regular preventive care. Check Healthcare.gov today to find affordable plans and ensure you can reach the providers serving your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cooper County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Distributed Network of Local Schools

Cooper County manages 16 public schools across six different districts, serving a total enrollment of 2,343 students. The landscape is characterized by a high number of high schools relative to the population, with eight high schools and seven elementary schools.

High Graduation Rates and Competitive Funding

Cooper County achieves a 92.7% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. The $6,874 per-pupil expenditure is notably higher than the Missouri average of $6,334, reflecting a strong local investment in the classroom.

Boonville R-I Anchors the Community

Boonville R-I serves as the county's primary district, educating 1,584 students across five schools. Smaller districts like Otterville R-VI and Cooper Co. R-IV provide highly localized education with fewer than 220 students each.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

The learning environment is primarily rural, with 11 of the 16 schools located in rural areas and five in town settings. Boonville High is the largest school with 569 students, though the average school size across the county is a modest 180.

Relocate to Cooper County Schools

For families seeking a high graduation rate and smaller class sizes, Cooper County is a premier destination. Explore homes in the Boonville area to take advantage of the county's most comprehensive school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cooper County

via RiskByCounty

Cooper County Among America's Safest

Cooper County scores just 20.39 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and falling well below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This position places the county in the lowest-risk category for natural disasters nationally.

Missouri's Safest Counties

Cooper County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Missouri, with minimal exposure across nearly all hazard types. The county's score of 20.39 reflects one of the state's most favorable natural disaster profiles.

Significantly Safer Than Peers

Cooper County's 20.39 score substantially underscore nearby Cole County (73.44), Crawford County (54.99), and Dallas County (41.70). This dramatic difference makes Cooper a notably safer choice for residents concerned about natural disaster exposure.

Minor Tornado Exposure Only

Tornado risk of 50.76 represents Cooper County's most notable concern, though it remains relatively modest in statewide context. Flood, earthquake, and wildfire risks all score below 50, indicating low practical threat levels.

Standard Coverage Sufficient

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate baseline protection for Cooper County's low-risk environment. Confirm flood coverage if your home sits in a mapped floodplain, but specialized earthquake or windstorm policies are unlikely necessary here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cooper County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm summers and snowy winters

Cooper County’s 55.7°F annual average sits comfortably above the national median. This climate is characterized by intense summers and snowy, distinct winters.

Above the Missouri average

At 55.7°F, Cooper is roughly one degree warmer than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It ranks as one of the warmer counties in the central part of the state.

More extreme heat than neighbors

Cooper faces more extreme heat than its neighbors, with 50 days reaching 90°F or higher. It also sees 13.3 inches of snow, which is higher than nearby Cole County.

A summer of intense heat

Summers are intense, featuring a July average of 79.3°F and frequent heat spikes. Winters average 32.8°F, creating conditions for the 13.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for 50 hot days

Prepare for a long cooling season with 50 days of extreme heat impacting energy bills. Residents also need reliable snow removal equipment to manage the double-digit winter snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cooper County

via SoilByCounty

Near Neutral pH Profile

Cooper County boasts a soil pH of 6.47, nearly hitting the national target of 6.5 exactly. This near-neutral acidity level makes it one of the most chemically balanced soil profiles in the state of Missouri.

Dominated by Fine Silt

The soil is comprised of 65.4% silt and 19.5% clay, creating a dense but nutrient-rich environment for roots. While specific texture records are limited, the 14.7% sand suggests a soil that holds water and nutrients exceptionally well.

Top-Tier Water Capacity

At 0.210 in/in, the available water capacity is significantly higher than the state average of 0.183. Even with organic matter at 2.28%, the soil's ability to store water provides a massive advantage during the summer heat.

Substantial Moisture Potential

While official drainage and hydrologic group data are currently limited for this area, the high soil score of 76.6 indicates high productivity. Growers should monitor local moisture levels as the high silt content often leads to slow natural drainage.

Ready for Heavy Production

Sitting in zone 6b, this soil is perfect for moisture-loving crops like melons and leafy greens. With a soil score far exceeding the state average, Cooper County is a premier location to establish a productive family garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cooper County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growth Conditions in Cooper County

Cooper County earns a respectable lawn score of 70.0, indicating it is significantly easier to grow grass here than in many other parts of the country. This score surpasses the Missouri state average of 63.7, thanks to a balanced climate in Hardiness Zone 6b. Homeowners can expect a relatively straightforward maintenance routine compared to the national median.

Navigating High Heat and Steady Rains

The county averages 41.0 inches of precipitation annually, staying well within the ideal range for Missouri turf. However, 50 extreme heat days per year mean your lawn will face more stress than the state average of 37 days. With 4,238 growing degree days, the growing season is vigorous and demands consistent mowing from spring through fall.

Nutrient-Rich Foundation for Local Turf

The soil pH in Cooper County stands at 6.47, placing it in the sweet spot for nutrient availability and grass health. The soil contains 19.5% clay and 14.7% sand, providing a stable medium that holds onto fertilizers while allowing for some aeration. While texture and drainage data are less specific, the pH suggests a very hospitable environment for standard lawn mixes.

Protecting Lawns Through Dry Spells

Homeowners managed 19 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. To maintain a green lawn without wasting water, target early morning sessions to reduce evaporation losses. Avoid heavy fertilization during these dry weeks to prevent burning the stressed turf.

Timing Your Seeding for Zone 6b

Because of the high number of extreme heat days, heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is the best choice for this area. Your last spring frost usually occurs by April 5, providing a clear window for early spring renovation if needed. For the best results, wait for the fall cooling period before the October 29 frost to establish new sod.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cooper County's county score?
Cooper County, Missouri has a composite county score of 56.7 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 Cooper County rank among counties in Missouri?
Cooper County ranks #33 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 Cooper County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Cooper County is $1,332, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Cooper County a tax score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cooper County?
The median household income in Cooper County, Missouri is $67,548 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cooper County earns an income score of 60.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cooper County, Missouri a good place to live?
Cooper County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Cooper 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 Cooper 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.