countyscore
55.5
County Score
Cost of Living 86.7Water Quality 86Property Tax 79

County Report Card

About Dent County, Missouri

Above the National Average

Dent County earns a composite score of 55.5, placing it comfortably ahead of the national median of 50.0. This ranking puts the county in the upper half of U.S. counties for overall livability.

A Missouri Leader

With a 55.5 score, Dent County outpaces the Missouri state average of 50.3. It offers a more balanced quality of life than many of its regional neighbors.

Exceptional Affordability and Resources

The county excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 86.7, supported by a low median rent of $615. Its water score of 86.0 also indicates high-quality local resources.

Growth in Health and Income

Health outcomes remain a challenge with a score of 20.0, well below the national baseline. Additionally, the income score of 23.7 reflects a median household income of $54,306, which trails wealthier Missouri districts.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Nature Lovers

Dent County is a perfect match for retirees or remote workers looking to minimize housing costs while maximizing access to natural resources. It offers a high standard of living for those who don't require high-tier healthcare proximity.

Score breakdown

Tax79Cost86.7Safety40.1Health20Schools52.9Income23.7Risk47.5Water86Weather56.4
🏛79
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62
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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Deep Dives

Dent County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dent County

via TaxByCounty

Dent County taxes rank among nation's lowest

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dent County

via CostByCounty

Dent's Rent Burden Beats National Odds

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dent County

via IncomeByCounty

Dent trails national income averages

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dent County

via CrimeByCounty

Dent County remains safer than national averages

Dent County reports a total crime rate of 1,364.7 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 97.8 out of 100. Local law enforcement maintains a high level of security relative to the rest of the country.

Safety scores exceed the Missouri state average

The county's safety score of 97.8 sits comfortably above the Missouri state average of 97.0. While Missouri experiences varying levels of public safety, Dent County ranks as one of the more secure regions in the state. Three reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a clear picture of local law enforcement activity.

Mixed results compared to regional Missouri neighbors

Dent County is safer than Dunklin County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2,236.1 per 100,000. However, it sees more activity than nearby Douglas County, where the rate drops to 965.8. Residents experience a middle-ground safety profile within this group of Missouri counties.

Property crimes drive most local law enforcement activity

Property crime accounts for 1,102.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains much lower at 261.9. This means citizens are far more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical threats. The violent crime rate is lower than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Focus on property security to stay safe

Since property crime is the primary concern in Dent County, home security upgrades offer the best protection. Installing motion-sensor lights and modern camera systems can effectively deter theft. Staying informed about local trends helps residents maintain their high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dent County

via HealthByCounty

Dent trails nation on life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dent County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Local Look at Dent County Education

Dent County operates a network of 9 public schools serving 2,245 students across 5 distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school to support the local community.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Funding

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the Missouri state average of 91.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Educators achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,742, which sits below the state average of $6,334.

Salem R-80 Leads the County

Salem R-80 is the largest district, managing 4 schools and educating 1,464 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school structure for all residents.

A Blend of Town and Rural Settings

Students attend schools in mostly town and rural locales, with an average school size of 249 students. Salem Senior High is the largest campus with 616 students, while the county also hosts specialized facilities like a dedicated special education school.

Strong Schools for Your New Home

With graduation rates among the highest in the state, Dent County is a compelling choice for families. Explore homes in the Salem area to take advantage of a school system that consistently outperforms national academic benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dent County

via RiskByCounty

Dent County's risk sits slightly above average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dent County

via WeatherByCounty

Aligning with national climate averages

Dent County’s 54.8°F annual average temperature is nearly identical to the national median. Residents experience a classic balanced climate with four distinct but moderate seasons.

Representing the Missouri state average

The county sits right on the Missouri average of 54.9°F for annual temperature. Its 45.3 inches of rain is also very close to the state average of 43.8 inches.

Low snowfall vs nearby counties

Dent County is an outlier for snow, recording just 1.3 inches annually compared to 9.0 inches in Dallas County. This makes it one of the less snow-prone areas in the region.

Rainy winters and pleasant summers

While snow is rare at 1.3 inches, winter remains chilly with a 34.5°F average. Summer features 33 extreme heat days and a July average of 75.8°F.

Focus on rain gear over snow

With 45.3 inches of rain and minimal snow, focus on waterproof outerwear and good tires for wet roads. High-quality air conditioning is recommended for the 33 days of 90°F heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dent County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soil Profiles in Dent County

Dent County soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.52, falling well below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data remains unclassified, the soil's acidity levels are significantly lower than the Missouri state average of 6.09.

Silt-Heavy Mix with Low Clay

The land consists of 46.8% silt and 23.9% sand, creating a silty texture that aids in general workability. With only 11.0% clay, these soils lack the heavy density found in other parts of the state, allowing for easier tilling.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter reaches a high 14.29%, which is triple the Missouri state average of 4.74%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.144 in/in, meaning the soil holds less moisture for plants than the state norm of 0.183.

Saturated Subaqueous Drainage Challenges

The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, indicating soil that remains saturated or under water for significant periods. This rare classification suggests limited drainage efficiency, impacting how residents plan foundations and farming cycles.

High-Organic Gardening in Zone 6b

The climate in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a variety of temperate crops and berries. With such high organic matter, your garden is already primed for nutrient-hungry vegetables if you manage the soil's natural acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dent County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Care for Dent County Lawns

Dent County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.0, placing it just below the Missouri state average of 63.7. While it is easier to grow grass here than the national median of 50.0, the USDA Hardiness Zone 6b environment requires specific attention to seasonal shifts. Homeowners can expect a relatively typical maintenance routine for the Ozark region.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Heat

The county receives 45.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for healthy turf. With 33 extreme heat days per year, Dent is slightly cooler than the state average of 37 days. Mowing schedules should track the 3775 growing degree days to ensure grass isn't cut too short during peak warmth.

Managing Acidic and Saturated Soils

The soil pH of 5.52 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, necessitating regular lime applications. Subaqueous drainage classes suggest that some areas may struggle with waterlogging despite a low 11.0% clay content. Adding organic matter can help balance the 23.9% sand content to improve nutrient retention.

Staying Green Through Periodic Dry Spells

Lawns in this area faced 20 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. With 13.6% of the area in severe drought, deep and infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep root growth. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps preserve vital moisture during these dry periods.

Best Growth Strategies for the Ozarks

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the top performers for this 6b climate zone. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 23 or prepare for fall growth before the October 18 first frost. Early autumn remains the premier window for establishing a resilient, lush lawn before winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dent County's county score?
Dent County, Missouri has a composite county score of 55.5 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 Dent County rank among counties in Missouri?
Dent County ranks #36 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 Dent County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Dent County is $843, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Dent County a tax score of 79/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dent County?
The median household income in Dent County, Missouri is $54,306 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dent County earns an income score of 23.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dent County, Missouri a good place to live?
Dent County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Dent 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 Dent County with other counties side by side.

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