CountyScore

Douglas County

Missouri · MO

#5 in Missouri
75
County Score

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Missouri

Douglas County leads with top-tier composite score

Douglas County scores 79.8, nearly 60% above the national median of 50.0, ranking among the strongest counties in the nation for livability. This exceptional performance reflects particularly strong tax advantages and affordable housing across all market segments.

Missouri's highest-ranked county in this group

At 79.8, Douglas County outperforms Missouri's state average of 74.8 and represents one of the best composite scores in the state. It ranks as the top performer among the eight counties profiled here.

Lowest taxes and strong housing affordability

Douglas County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at just 0.409%, paired with a cost score of 87.5 that reflects median home values of $164,400 and rents averaging $687/month. This combination makes the county exceptional for residents seeking maximum take-home income and minimal housing expenses.

Lower incomes offset affordability gains

The income score of 15.9 and median household income of $49,828 represent the lowest in this group, indicating limited local wage opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains unavailable, leaving important quality-of-life dimensions unmeasured.

Perfect for tax-minimizers and rural seekers

Douglas County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families who prioritize low taxes and affordability over high local incomes. It's the top choice for those seeking maximum financial efficiency in a rural Missouri setting.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax90.8Cost87.5SafetyComing SoonHealth61.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.9Risk76.3WaterComing Soon
🏛90.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Douglas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boise County
Idaho
75
Median income: $77,349
Hardin County
Illinois
75
Median income: $57,155
Clay County
Indiana
75
Median income: $67,676
Nicholas County
Kentucky
75
Median income: $53,616
Stillwater County
Montana
75
Median income: $81,503

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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