countyscore
60.8
County Score
Property Tax 93.3Cost of Living 87.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Missouri

Strong National Standing

Douglas County achieves a composite score of 60.8, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high ranking highlights its status as a top-tier rural living destination.

Beating the State Average

The county's score of 60.8 is over 10 points higher than the Missouri average of 50.3. It stands out as one of the more livable rural areas in the state.

Very Low Tax Burden

The county boasts an incredible tax score of 93.3, driven by a low effective tax rate of just 0.409%. Housing costs are also a major strength, with a cost score of 87.5 and a median home value of $164,400.

Economic and Educational Gains

Economic prosperity lags with an income score of 14.1, reflecting a median household income of $49,828. Education and health scores of 34.1 and 30.2, respectively, show room for systemic improvement.

Best for Low-Overhead Living

This county is an excellent fit for individuals who prioritize keeping their fixed costs low, particularly property taxes. It suits self-sufficient families or retirees who value rural tranquility over urban convenience.

Score breakdown

Tax93.3Cost87.5Safety58Health30.2Schools34.1Income14.1Risk76.3Water86Weather58.3
🏛93.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.3
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

Wright County
Missouri
64.2
Ozark County
Missouri
60.2
Webster County
Missouri
50
Howell County
Missouri
49.1
Taney County
Missouri
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Christian County
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Marion County
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Texas County
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Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas County has the nation's lowest taxes

At 0.409%, Douglas County boasts an effective property tax rate among the absolute lowest in the nation—placing it in approximately the 5th percentile. The median annual property tax of just $673 is less than 25% of the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

Douglas is Missouri's most tax-friendly county

Douglas County's 0.409% effective rate is 44% below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, ranking it among the lowest-tax counties in the entire state. At just $673 in median annual taxes, Douglas homeowners pay 44% less than the state median of $1,199.

Significantly lower than surrounding counties

Douglas County's 0.409% rate undercuts virtually all nearby peers, including Dent County (0.563%), Dunklin County (0.694%), and Greene County (0.722%). This exceptional advantage makes Douglas one of the region's strongest draws for tax-conscious homeowners.

Your annual tax bill in Douglas County

On a median home valued at $164,400, Douglas County residents owe approximately $673 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest deductions factored in, the cost rises to $719 annually; without them, it drops to $632—offering genuine relief compared to statewide norms.

Review your assessment for extra savings

Even in Douglas County's ultra-low-tax environment, some homeowners may still be overassessed on their properties. A simple assessment review or appeal could further trim your annual bill—check your county assessor's office to learn the process and potential savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas Renters Stretch Paychecks Thin

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% exceeds the national baseline, signaling tighter affordability for renters earning a modest median household income of $49,828—one of the state's lowest. At $687/month for rent, Douglas households spend a larger portion of income on housing than the typical American.

Douglas Ranks Below Average Statewide

With a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio, Douglas County exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it among less affordable counties in the region. The median rent of $687 runs $81 higher than the state average despite the county's below-average income of $49,828.

Douglas Faces Rent Pressures vs. Similar Areas

Douglas County's $687 median rent ranks among the highest in its region—$72 more than Dent ($615) and $55 more than Gasconade ($671)—while household incomes lag. The combination pushes Douglas renters toward the affordability ceiling compared to nearby Dunklin County's 16.0% ratio.

Ownership More Accessible Than Renting Here

Douglas renters allocate 16.5% of their $49,828 annual income to rent, but homeowners fare better at only 13.8% for monthly owner costs ($573). This gap suggests that purchasing a median-valued home ($164,400) may offer better affordability than renting in Douglas.

Buy if You Can; Rent Budget Runs Tight

Douglas County suits buyers more than renters: homeownership costs ($573/month) are genuinely affordable, but rents ($687) strain the modest local income of $49,828. If relocating to Douglas, prioritize home purchase over renting to maximize your housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas significantly below national median

Douglas County's median household income of $49,828 ranks 33% below the U.S. median of $74,755, marking one of the lower-income counties in the state. This substantial gap reflects limited access to higher-wage employment sectors.

Among Missouri's lowest-income counties

At $49,828, Douglas County ranks well below Missouri's state average of $59,503—nearly $10,000 less per household. The county's per capita income of $29,926 nearly matches the state average, suggesting income is spread across more residents.

Lowest earner in the Ozark cluster

Douglas County's $49,828 median income trails all comparable neighbors, including Dent County ($54,306), Grundy County ($53,839), and Gasconade County ($65,096). Economic activity appears more limited here than in surrounding areas.

Rent demands growing pressure

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% remains below the 30% danger zone but is notably higher than state averages, signaling tighter household budgets. With median homes valued at $164,400, homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Strategic planning essential for growth

Lower incomes require disciplined budgeting to free up money for investment—consider automated savings transfers and employer retirement matching programs first. Exploring side income streams or skill development can help bridge the local wage gap over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Douglas County boasts an impressive national safety profile

With a total crime rate of just 965.8 per 100,000 residents, Douglas County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a high safety score of 98.5 out of 100. This data reflects a peaceful environment for local families and businesses.

Ranking high among Missouri's safest counties

Douglas County outperforms the Missouri average safety score of 97.0 by a notable margin. Its score of 98.5 places it among the state's more secure jurisdictions. Local law enforcement agencies maintain a strong presence that keeps crime rates consistently low.

Safer than most surrounding regional peers

Douglas County’s crime rate of 965.8 is significantly lower than Dent County’s 1,364.7. It also maintains a higher level of safety than Grundy County, which reports 1,204.7 incidents per 100,000. Residents benefit from one of the lowest crime footprints in the region.

Low violent crime rates define Douglas County

The violent crime rate sits at 211.8 per 100,000, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also relatively low at 754.0, which is nearly a third of the national property crime rate. These numbers suggest that serious incidents are infrequent occurrences for residents.

Enhance security to maintain low crime rates

Even in safe areas like Douglas County, visible security measures like alarm systems can discourage opportunistic property crimes. Smart locks and well-lit entryways provide an extra layer of defense for your household. Staying proactive ensures the county remains a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Douglas County

via HealthByCounty

Douglas life expectancy slightly below U.S. average

Douglas County residents live an average of 73.0 years, roughly 3.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About 21.4% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national benchmark of 17.8%.

Middling health outcomes within Missouri

Douglas County's 73.0-year life expectancy sits 1.3 years below Missouri's state average of 74.3 years. The county ranks in the middle range of Missouri's 115 counties for health outcomes.

Better than Dent, behind Franklin

Douglas's 73.0-year life expectancy outpaces Dent County (71.1 years) but trails Franklin County (74.9 years). The poor/fair health rate of 21.4% positions Douglas in the middle of its neighboring counties.

Limited primary care, modest insurance gap

Douglas has a 12.2% uninsured rate and only 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one of the lowest in the region. Mental health providers are available at 98 per 100K, leaving residents to travel for comprehensive medical services.

Protect yourself with coverage

Nearly 1 in 8 Douglas residents lack health insurance; visiting Healthcare.gov or calling Missouri's Medicaid office could connect you with affordable plans. Having coverage ensures access to the limited primary care providers available locally.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Douglas County’s Targeted Educational Network

Douglas County manages a streamlined system of 5 public schools across 3 school districts, serving a total of 1,571 students. The landscape features 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school.

Strong Outcomes on a Tight Budget

The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the Missouri state average and the 87.0% national average. This performance is notable as the per-pupil expenditure is just $4,888, significantly lower than the state average of $6,334.

Ava R-I Serves the Majority

The Ava R-I district is the primary provider in the county, enrolling 1,385 students across 3 schools. No charter schools operate in Douglas County, focusing all resources on the three local public districts.

Quiet Rural and Town Campuses

The educational experience is split between 3 town-based schools and 2 rural locations, with an average school size of 314 students. Ava Elementary is the largest school with 544 students, while Skyline Elementary offers a much smaller environment with only 87 students.

Finding Your Place in Douglas County

Families looking for high graduation rates and a close-knit community feel will find great value in Douglas County. Consider homes near the Ava R-I district to join a school system with a proven track record of student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas County ranks among Missouri's safest

At 23.70, Douglas County's composite risk score is substantially below the national baseline and puts it in the "very low" risk category. This makes it one of Missouri's least hazard-prone counties, though no area is completely without risk.

Well below average for Missouri

Douglas County's score of 23.70 is less than half of Missouri's state average (50.56), ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This favorable positioning reflects moderate hazard levels across all disaster types.

Safest in a relatively low-risk cluster

Neighboring Dent County scores 52.54—more than double Douglas's risk—while other nearby areas show similarly elevated hazard exposure. Douglas stands out as an exceptional safe haven in this part of the Ozarks.

Tornado risk slightly edges other hazards

Tornado risk (46.09) and wildfire risk (58.68) are Douglas County's most notable concerns, though both remain well-controlled compared to state averages. Flood risk (27.04) and earthquake risk (63.36) are also present but not acute threats.

Standard coverage likely sufficient here

Douglas County's very-low-risk profile means a basic homeowners policy with standard tornado and wind coverage should address your primary exposures. Consider a conversation with your agent about wildfire or earthquake risk only if your property sits in an especially exposed location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild warmth in the Ozarks

Douglas County averages 55.5°F annually, making it slightly warmer than the national median. This region is known for its high humidity and significant annual rainfall.

Above average state temperatures

At 55.5°F, the county is roughly 0.6 degrees warmer than the 54.9°F Missouri average. It is also wetter than the state norm, receiving 46.4 inches of annual precipitation.

Wetter than neighboring Dallas County

Douglas receives 46.4 inches of precipitation, about an inch more than nearby Dallas County. Both counties share a similar profile of 34 extreme heat days per year.

Hot summers and wet winters

July averages a warm 76.7°F, while January stays just above freezing at 32.9°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, the county sees 34 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F.

Prepare for wet weather year-round

With over 46 inches of annual precipitation, effective home drainage and moisture control are vital. Plan for 34 days of extreme heat by ensuring your HVAC system is efficient.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Douglas County's Distinct Acidic Character

The average pH here is 5.59, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.09 and the national benchmark of 6.5. While local taxonomic orders are not currently recorded, this low pH shapes the entire agricultural landscape.

Fine Silt Dominates the Landscape

The soil composition features a dominant 56.4% silt and 25.2% sand, providing a balanced but fine-grained texture. Because clay content is low at 11.7%, the soil remains relatively loose and workable compared to Missouri's heavier clay regions.

Strong Organic Matter, Low Water Storage

Douglas County boasts 5.96% organic matter, outperforming the state average of 4.74%. However, available water capacity is 0.148 in/in, indicating plants may face stress during dry Missouri summers more quickly than in neighboring counties.

Navigating Subaqueous Soil Conditions

The primary drainage class is subaqueous, which identifies soil that stays saturated for long durations. This classification requires careful management for any construction or gardening project that relies on dry root systems.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7a

As part of Hardiness Zone 7a, Douglas County enjoys a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. The rich organic matter supports robust vegetable production, making it a great place to start a backyard orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Douglas County

Douglas County scores a 54.3 for lawn difficulty, making it harder to maintain turf here than in most of Missouri. This score is significantly lower than the state average of 63.7, though it remains slightly easier than the national median. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7a, the county presents a unique mix of transition-zone obstacles.

Wet Climate with Transition Zone Heat

The county enjoys 46.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the Missouri average of 43.7 inches. However, 34 extreme heat days and 3921 growing degree days mean cool-season grasses may struggle in July and August. Careful irrigation is necessary to bridge the gap between heavy rains and high-temperature stress.

Addressing Soil Acidity and Texture

A soil pH of 5.59 indicates acidic conditions that likely require corrective liming to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil composition is relatively light, featuring 25.2% sand and 11.7% clay. Homeowners should monitor subaqueous drainage areas to prevent root rot during the heavy spring rains.

Enduring Long-Term Drought Cycles

Douglas County has endured 30 weeks of drought in the last year, with 25.6% of the area currently in severe drought. These conditions make water conservation critical, so residents should prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation. Raising mower blades during dry months helps shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Planting for Success in Zone 7a

Heat-tolerant tall fescue or warm-season Zoysia grass are excellent choices for Douglas County’s climate. Your primary growing window opens after the April 14 last frost and remains active until the first frost on October 25. Mid-to-late September is the ideal time to overseed to take advantage of cooling temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Missouri has a composite county score of 60.8 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Missouri?
Douglas County ranks #15 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 Douglas County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $673, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 93.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Missouri is $49,828 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 14.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Missouri a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas 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.