With a composite score of 78.6, Dent County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 57% lead over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability that benefit residents across income levels.
2 / 5
Above-average performer in Missouri
Dent County scores 78.6, outpacing Missouri's state average of 74.8 and ranking among the state's stronger performers. This positions the county as a solid choice within Missouri's competitive livability landscape.
3 / 5
Exceptional tax rates and affordable housing
Dent County excels in affordability with a cost score of 87.7 and an exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.563%, well below typical state and local burdens. Median home values of $149,700 and rents averaging $615/month make this county highly accessible for budget-conscious families and retirees.
4 / 5
Limited income growth potential
The county's income score of 18.8 reflects a median household income of $54,306, which lags state and regional averages and limits wealth-building opportunities. Comprehensive data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unexplored.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious retirees and families
Dent County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high incomes and urban amenities. It's an excellent fit for retirees on fixed budgets and working families seeking to stretch their dollars further in a low-cost-of-living environment.
With a composite score of 78.6, Dent County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 57% lead over the national baseline reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability that benefit residents across income levels.
Above-average performer in Missouri
Dent County scores 78.6, outpacing Missouri's state average of 74.8 and ranking among the state's stronger performers. This positions the county as a solid choice within Missouri's competitive livability landscape.
Exceptional tax rates and affordable housing
Dent County excels in affordability with a cost score of 87.7 and an exceptionally low effective tax rate of 0.563%, well below typical state and local burdens. Median home values of $149,700 and rents averaging $615/month make this county highly accessible for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Limited income growth potential
The county's income score of 18.8 reflects a median household income of $54,306, which lags state and regional averages and limits wealth-building opportunities. Comprehensive data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unexplored.
Ideal for cost-conscious retirees and families
Dent County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high incomes and urban amenities. It's an excellent fit for retirees on fixed budgets and working families seeking to stretch their dollars further in a low-cost-of-living environment.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.563%, Dent County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in roughly the 20th percentile nationally—meaning homeowners here pay less than 80% of counties across the country. The median property tax bill of $843 annually is less than one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower rates and more modest home values in the region.
Dent ranks in bottom third statewide
Dent County's 0.563% effective rate is 23% below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $843 sits 30% below the state median of $1,199, signaling lower assessment burdens relative to other Missouri homeowners.
Lower taxes than most regional peers
Dent County homeowners pay notably less than neighbors in Franklin County (0.826%) and Greene County (0.722%), though slightly more than Douglas County's exceptionally low 0.409% rate. Among comparable rural Missouri counties, Dent sits in the middle-lower range for tax burden.
Your annual tax bill in Dent County
On a median home valued at $149,700, Dent County homeowners owe approximately $843 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest deductions, the effective cost climbs to $919 annually; without those deductions, it drops to $748—still quite manageable compared to national averages.
Verify your assessment to save more
Even in lower-tax counties like Dent, many homeowners are paying taxes on inflated property assessments. Consider reviewing your county assessment or consulting with a local tax professional to ensure you're not overpaying—appeals are relatively simple and could further reduce your annual bill.
At 13.6%, Dent County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than most Americans. The county's median household income of $54,306 is 27% lower than the national average of $74,755, yet affordable rents of $615/month help keep housing costs manageable.
Dent Leads Missouri on Affordability
Dent County ranks among Missouri's most affordable places to rent, with its 13.6% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 15.6% by 2 percentage points. The county's median rent of $615 is also $153 cheaper than the state median of $768, making it a bright spot in a state with mixed affordability.
Dent's Rental Market Edges Out Regional Peers
Compared to neighboring Gasconade County (12.4% ratio) and Douglas County (16.5%), Dent holds steady in the middle with reasonable rents and solid income levels. Renters in Dent pay $615/month versus $687 in Douglas, a meaningful $72 difference on modest rural incomes.
Rent and Ownership Both Light on Wallet
Dent renters dedicate roughly 13.6% of their $54,306 annual income to rent ($615/month), while homeowners spend about 14.3% on mortgage and property costs ($646/month). Both figures sit comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing leaves most households room for other necessities.
Rural Comfort: Consider Dent for Value
If you're relocating for lower housing costs without sacrificing too much on income, Dent County delivers: affordable rents, reasonable home values ($149,700 median), and an affordability ratio among Missouri's best. Compare Dent's $615 rent against pricier counties like Greene ($940) or Franklin ($874) to see the savings potential.
Dent County's median household income of $54,306 sits 27% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic patterns common to rural Missouri counties. This gap suggests fewer high-wage job opportunities compared to national averages.
Below-average income ranking statewide
At $54,306, Dent County earns about 9% less than Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the lower half of the state's 114 counties. Per capita income of $27,470 also falls short of the state's $31,011 average.
Outearning some Ozark neighbors
Dent County's median income exceeds nearby Grundy County ($53,839) and Douglas County ($49,828), but trails Gasconade County ($65,096) and Gentry County ($57,458). The variation reflects differences in local employment bases across the region.
Housing costs remain manageable here
Dent County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% is well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, suggesting most households can comfortably cover housing expenses. With a median home value of $149,700, homeownership remains accessible for middle-income families.
Build financial security in rural Missouri
Dent County's lower income levels make savings and investing even more critical—starting with an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses. Consider low-cost index funds or retirement accounts to maximize every dollar earned in this cost-conscious market.
Residents of Dent County live an average of 71.1 years—3.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. One in five residents (22.2%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 17.8%.
Among Missouri's lower-performing counties
At 71.1 years, Dent County's life expectancy lags the Missouri average of 74.3 years by 3.2 years. The county ranks in the lower half of Missouri's 115 counties on overall health outcomes.
Healthier than Dunklin, behind Gasconade
Dent's 71.1-year life expectancy surpasses Dunklin County (68.9 years) but trails nearby Gasconade County (72.3 years). The region shows significant health variation, with poor/fair health rates ranging from 17.2% to 24.4% across neighboring counties.
Provider shortage affects daily care
Dent residents face a 13.9% uninsured rate and only 28 primary care providers per 100,000 people—less than half the state average. Mental health providers are more accessible at 150 per 100K, though gaps remain in routine medical access.
Check your coverage today
With nearly 1 in 7 Dent residents uninsured, exploring options through Healthcare.gov or Missouri's Medicaid program could improve access to preventive care and specialists. Even temporary coverage protects against unexpected medical costs.
With a composite risk score of 52.54, Dent County ranks as relatively low risk—modestly higher than the national baseline but well-positioned within Missouri's landscape. This score reflects a blend of hazards, with earthquake risk being notably elevated at 78.21 compared to wildfire risk of 60.02.
Above middle of the pack in Missouri
Dent County's composite score of 52.54 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the middle range of the state's 114 counties. Most of this risk comes from seismic activity and wildfire potential rather than flood or tornado threats.
Riskier than nearby Douglas County
Douglas County, just across the way, scores just 23.70—among Missouri's lowest. Dent's earthquake risk (78.21) is nearly 25 points higher than Douglas's (63.36), making seismic preparedness a clearer priority for Dent residents.
Earthquakes and wildfires matter most here
Earthquake risk at 78.21 and wildfire risk at 60.02 are Dent County's primary concerns, while tornado risk (44.94) and flood risk (32.70) remain comparatively lower. Residents should focus earthquake preparedness—securing heavy furniture, knowing how to drop-cover-hold-on—and maintaining defensible space around homes during fire season.
Prioritize earthquake and wildfire coverage
Standard homeowners policies don't cover earthquake or wildfire damage in most cases; you need separate endorsements or policies. Given Dent County's elevated earthquake risk (78.21), earthquake insurance is worth reviewing, especially for older homes or those on unstable ground.