countyscore
59.7
County Score
Property Tax 90.3Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.9

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.

2040608010090.385.95830.234.16.676.38658.3Tax90.3Cost85.9Safety58Health30.2Schools34.1Income6.6Risk76.3Water86Weather58.359.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Douglas County DNA

Foverall

How Douglas County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Douglas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (90.3/100) but notably weak in Income (6.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.3+38.3
Cost
85.9+37.900000000000006
Safety
58
Health
30.2-19.8
Schools
34.1-19.9
Income
6.6-44.4
Risk
76.3+29.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
58.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Douglas County

Whether buying or refinancing in Douglas County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$168,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$700/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$168,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,985/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

59.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Chase County
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Pendleton County
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Clarke County
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Shelby County
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Nearby counties

Wright County
Missouri
63.8
Ozark County
Missouri
60.4
Webster County
Missouri
50.2
Howell County
Missouri
49.9
Taney County
Missouri
42.3
Christian County
Missouri
38.6
Marion County
Arkansas
50
Texas County
Missouri
50.8

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 59.7 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Missouri?
Douglas County ranks #20 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 $740, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 90.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Missouri is $45,985 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 6.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Missouri a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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