countyscore
53.6
County Score
Lawn Care 83.9Soil Quality 76Cost of Living 74.6

County Report Card

About Daviess County, Missouri

Solid Performance Above the Median

Daviess County earns a composite score of 53.5, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that combines affordability with environmental resilience.

Surpassing the Missouri Average

The county's 53.5 composite score beats the state average of 50.3. It serves as a reliable option for Missourians seeking a more affordable rural lifestyle without sacrificing stability.

Affordable Housing and Safe Environment

With a cost score of 74.6, the county offers affordable housing where the median rent is $731. It also scores a high 70.0 for environmental risk, indicating it is safe from many natural disasters.

Health and Water Infrastructure

Healthcare access is a notable challenge with a health score of 31.6. Water quality and infrastructure also show room for improvement, as evidenced by a water score of 44.7.

Ideal for Young Rural Families

Daviess County is well-suited for families seeking their first home in a stable, low-risk environment. The median home value of $149,200 makes it one of the more accessible markets in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax62.2Cost74.6Safety51.8Health31.6Schools43.7Income41.1Risk70Water44.7Weather48.8
🏛62.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.9
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

DeKalb County
Missouri
55.9
Caldwell County
Missouri
64.7
Gentry County
Missouri
57.1
Grundy County
Missouri
51
Harrison County
Missouri
50.3
Livingston County
Missouri
52.7
Clinton County
Missouri
47.7
Mercer County
Missouri
62.8

Deep Dives

Daviess County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Daviess County

via TaxByCounty

Daviess County Taxes Below National Rates

With a 0.708% effective tax rate, Daviess County sits below the national median and ranks among more affordable property tax jurisdictions nationwide. This moderate rate means residents shoulder less tax burden than most U.S. homeowners.

Near Missouri's State Average

Daviess County's 0.708% rate closely aligns with Missouri's state average of 0.733%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's tax landscape. The median tax of $1,057 is 12% below the state median of $1,199, reflecting reasonable tax burden.

Mid-Range Taxes for the Area

Daviess County (0.708%) ranks higher than Dallas County (0.480%), Crawford County (0.609%), and Dade County (0.650%), but lower than DeKalb County (0.758%), Cooper County (0.676%), and Cole County (0.806%). It represents a balanced tax position within its region.

What You Pay on Median Home Value

On Daviess County's median home value of $149,200, homeowners pay approximately $1,057 per year in property taxes—about $88 monthly. This moderate bill sits below the state average, offering reasonable affordability.

Overassessment Could Cost You Thousands

If your Daviess County property is valued higher than comparable homes sold recently, you may be overpaying your taxes significantly. Filing an appeal to challenge your assessment could recover years of excess tax payments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Daviess County

via CostByCounty

Moderate income, reasonable rents

Daviess County renters spend 14.5% of their income on housing, sitting comfortably below both the national average and Missouri's state average of 15.6%. With a median household income of $60,665 and median rent of $731, the county balances below-average income with proportionally lower housing costs.

Above-average affordability

Daviess County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio beats Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it solidly in the top tier of affordable counties. The median rent of $731 sits slightly below the state's $768 average, creating a favorable housing market despite below-average incomes.

Solid middle-ground option

Daviess County's median rent of $731 and 14.5% ratio position it competitively among neighbors, outperforming Crawford County (17.2% ratio) and holding its own against Cole County (13.2%) and DeKalb County (13.8%). The county offers a balanced mix of rural affordability and reasonable housing access.

14.5% of income to housing

Households in Daviess County earn a median of $60,665 annually and allocate roughly $731 monthly to rent or $696 for ownership, consuming 14.5% of gross income. This ratio leaves families adequate resources for other essential expenses and savings.

Balanced affordability and accessibility

Daviess County offers a sensible middle ground for families seeking rural living with reasonable housing costs and moderate income requirements. The 14.5% rent-to-income ratio and modest median home value of $149,200 make this an attractive option for budget-conscious households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Daviess County

via IncomeByCounty

Daviess County moderately below national income

Daviess County's median household income of $60,665 trails the national median of $74,755 by 18.8%, placing it among lower-earning counties nationwide. Despite this gap, the county outperforms many rural regions facing steeper income declines.

Slightly ahead of Missouri average

Daviess County's median income of $60,665 exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by just 1.9%, reflecting modest local economic strength. This narrow margin suggests Daviess performs at the state median rather than leading.

Mid-tier performer regionally

Daviess County ($60,665) ranks in the middle of surveyed counties, exceeding Crawford County ($56,345), Dade County ($49,899), and Dallas County ($53,177) but trailing Clinton County ($70,625) and Cole County ($73,273). This position reflects a stable but modest local economy.

Rental costs are manageable

Daviess County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% falls well below the 15% affordability benchmark, giving renters reasonable financial cushion. The median home value of $149,200 remains relatively affordable for households earning near the county median.

Steady growth through consistent saving

Daviess County residents should aim to save 10–12% of household income toward retirement and long-term goals. Investigate employer retirement plans and community investment options to grow wealth steadily despite modest current earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Daviess County

via CrimeByCounty

Daviess County scores high on safety

With a safety score of 98.3, Daviess County is one of the safer areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,081.0 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents benefit from a low-crime environment that consistently beats national trends.

A leader in Missouri public safety

Daviess County’s safety score of 98.3 is well above the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its crime rate of 1,081.0 per 100,000 is also significantly lower than the state's average of 1,926.2. These metrics place the county in the top tier of Missouri's safest regions.

Daviess County compared to its peers

The county's crime rate of 1,081.0 is very similar to Clinton County’s 1,063.6. However, it is more than double the rate of DeKalb County, which sits at 523.7. Despite the higher rate than DeKalb, Daviess remains very safe by state standards.

A look at violent and property crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 332.6, which is just below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is much lower than the national average, standing at 748.4 per 100,000 residents. Most crimes reported are property-related rather than violent offenses.

Simple ways to enhance home security

Focusing on property security can help keep Daviess County’s theft rates low. Installing a simple alarm system or using smart doorbells can deter potential intruders. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity remain vital for local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Daviess County

via HealthByCounty

Daviess County edges above national life expectancy

At 75.9 years, Daviess County residents live 2.2 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.7 years. However, 22.6% report poor or fair health status, exceeding the national rate of 19.3%—suggesting pockets of significant chronic disease despite decent overall longevity.

Above-state longevity, below-state coverage

Daviess County's life expectancy of 75.9 years beats Missouri's 74.3-year average by 1.6 years, placing it among the healthier counties statewide. Yet the uninsured rate of 15.8% is the highest in this entire group, far exceeding the state average of 12.5%.

Good longevity masked by coverage crisis

Daviess County's 75.9-year life expectancy rivals Clinton County's 75.5 and DeKalb County's 75.7, but its 15.8% uninsured rate is the worst in this analysis. The county's 12 primary care providers per 100K and just 23 mental health providers per 100K represent tight capacity for a county facing such high uninsurance.

Coverage crisis in a healthy county

Daviess County presents a paradox: strong life expectancy of 75.9 years alongside the highest uninsured rate (15.8%) in this group—meaning roughly 1 in 6 residents lack protection. Limited primary care at 12 per 100K and minimal mental health services at 23 per 100K create access bottlenecks for the uninsured.

Don't let uninsurance derail your health

Daviess County's good life expectancy depends on early intervention—which requires insurance coverage. Healthcare.gov can help you find affordable plans and subsidies to ensure you're protected against unexpected health crises and can access preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Daviess County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Highly Localized School System

Daviess County manages 11 public schools across five districts, serving 1,131 total students. The infrastructure is divided primarily between five elementary and five high schools, emphasizing early childhood and secondary education.

High Investment per Student

The county invests $7,404 per pupil, significantly higher than the Missouri average of $6,334. This funding supports an 87.8% graduation rate, which aligns closely with the national average of 87%.

Gallatin R-V Anchors the County

Gallatin R-V is the largest district, serving 548 students across three schools. The county maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools, ensuring all 1,131 students remain within their local districts.

Small, Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Daviess County is situated in a rural locale, providing a consistent environment for all students. Classrooms are among the most intimate in the state, with an average school size of just 103 students.

Small-Town Values in Daviess County

If you are looking for a school system where every teacher knows every student’s name, Daviess County is the place to be. Invest in a home in the Gallatin area to benefit from the county's highest per-pupil spending.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Daviess County

via RiskByCounty

Daviess County's Low Risk Standing

Daviess County scores 30.06 on the composite risk scale, rated Very Low and substantially below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This positioning places the county in the safest tier for natural disaster exposure nationally.

Among Missouri's Safest Counties

Daviess County ranks in the lowest-risk tier of Missouri's 114 counties, with a composite score 20 points below the state average. The county maintains minimal exposure across most major hazard types.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Daviess County's 30.06 score falls well below Cole County (73.44) and Crawford County (54.99), matching Dallas County (41.70) and trailing only DeKalb County (16.03) and Cooper County (20.39) in the immediate region.

Modest Tornado Exposure Only

Tornado risk of 56.65 represents Daviess County's primary concern, though it remains below the state average. Wildfire risk of 51.72 and flood risk of 36.20 complete a relatively benign hazard profile.

Standard Homeowners Coverage Works

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for Daviess County's low-risk environment. Confirm your flood coverage if living in a designated floodplain, but specialized earthquake or windstorm policies are unnecessary for most properties here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Daviess County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

With an annual average of 51.6°F, Daviess County is cooler than many parts of the country. The climate is characterized by more pronounced winter cold and lower humidity than the South.

Chillier than the state average

The county is significantly cooler than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. It also receives less precipitation, falling nearly 4 inches short of the state’s 43.8-inch benchmark.

Parallel patterns with DeKalb County

Daviess closely mirrors neighbor DeKalb County with nearly identical 24.9°F January averages. However, Daviess is slightly drier, seeing 39.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Significant snow and cooler summers

Winters are vigorous with 19.1 inches of snowfall and cold 27.9°F average temperatures. Summers remain mild by Missouri standards, with only 29 days hitting 90°F.

Invest in winterizing your home

Focus on heavy-duty heating and insulation to combat the sharp 24.9°F January lows. Snow removal equipment is a priority for the 19.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Daviess County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Agricultural Land

Daviess County earns a high soil score of 76.0, reflecting its excellent agricultural potential. Its pH of 6.36 is very close to the 6.5 national median, making it one of the more balanced soils in the region.

Strong Clay Influence

The soil contains 27.3% clay and 57.5% silt, which is a heavier mix that excels at holding onto nutrients. With only 15.2% sand, this soil provides a firm, rich medium for deep-rooted crops.

Superior Water Storage

The organic matter level of 3.12% is robust compared to the national average. More importantly, the available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, offering great drought resistance.

Managed Saturated Conditions

While taxonomic data is sparse, the drainage is classified as subaqueous. This suggests that while the soil is highly productive, users must be mindful of high water tables and potential seasonal ponding.

Productive Zone 6a Gardening

The 6a hardiness zone is perfect for northern Missouri staples like apples and root vegetables. Take advantage of the high soil score and start a garden that benefits from some of the best water capacity in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Daviess County

via LawnByCounty

Superior Lawn Growth in Daviess County

Daviess County is a top performer with a lawn difficulty score of 83.9, one of the easiest regions for turf in Missouri. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 63.7 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 6a climate here provides a very hospitable environment for home gardeners.

Cooler Summers and Moderate Rainfall

With only 29 extreme heat days and 39.6 inches of rain, the climate is much milder than southern Missouri counties. The 3,461 growing degree days represent a shorter, more concentrated growing season that is easy to manage. This balance reduces the risk of heat-related dormancy and common summer turf diseases.

Stable Soil with Excellent pH

The soil pH of 6.36 is nearly ideal for a vibrant, green lawn without the need for heavy chemical adjustments. While the soil is subaqueous and contains 27.3% clay, its high nutrient capacity supports vigorous growth when drainage is managed. The 15.2% sand content provides just enough structure to prevent total soil compaction.

Minimal Drought Stress and High Resilience

Daviess County saw only 9 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently, only 37.7% of the area is abnormally dry. This makes it one of the most drought-resilient areas in the state, requiring less supplemental irrigation than its neighbors. Standard watering practices during the hottest weeks are usually sufficient to maintain health.

Lush Zone 6a Lawns are Within Reach

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in these cooler conditions and the rich soil of Daviess County. With the last spring frost on April 19 and the first fall frost on October 21, you have a reliable window for lawn projects. Fall is the best time for overseeding to keep your lawn dense and weed-resistant for the following year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Daviess County's county score?
Daviess County, Missouri has a composite county score of 53.6 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 Daviess County rank among counties in Missouri?
Daviess County ranks #48 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 Daviess County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Daviess County is $1,057, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Daviess County a tax score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Daviess County?
The median household income in Daviess County, Missouri is $60,665 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Daviess County earns an income score of 41.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Daviess County, Missouri a good place to live?
Daviess County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Daviess 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 Daviess County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.