countyscore
40.9
County Score
Cost of Living 84.9Property Tax 64Weather & Climate 62

County Report Card

About Dunklin County, Missouri

Trailing the National Median

Dunklin County carries a composite score of 40.9, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant socioeconomic challenges common in the Delta region.

Below State Benchmarks

At 40.9, the county trails the Missouri average of 50.3. Improving community safety and economic opportunity are key goals for matching the state's broader performance.

Unmatched Housing Value

Housing is extremely accessible with a cost score of 84.9 and a remarkably low median home value of $93,800. The tax score of 64.0 also suggests a relatively moderate burden for residents.

Economic and Safety Headwinds

The county faces hurdles in income and safety, scoring just 10.0 and 17.1 respectively. A risk score of 19.9 further indicates vulnerability to environmental or economic shocks.

For the Truly Budget-Driven

Dunklin County is most suitable for those who need the absolute lowest housing costs in Missouri. It attracts residents who are comfortable with trade-offs in local services in exchange for ultra-affordable living.

Score breakdown

Tax64Cost84.9Safety17.1Health14.6Schools29.6Income10Risk19.9Water38.1Weather62
🏛64
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.7
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

Clay County
Arkansas
55.7
Greene County
Arkansas
41.3
Pemiscot County
Missouri
34.6
Lake County
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47.1
Butler County
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New Madrid County
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Dyer County
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44.8
Mississippi County
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38.3

Deep Dives

Dunklin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dunklin County

via TaxByCounty

Dunklin County taxes slightly below national median

At 0.694%, Dunklin County's effective property tax rate is just below the national median of 0.87%, placing it roughly in the 40th percentile nationally. However, the median property tax of $651 is less than 25% the national median of $2,690, reflecting Dunklin's much lower median home values rather than an especially low tax rate.

Dunklin sits near Missouri's state average

Dunklin County's 0.694% effective rate is just 5% below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, making it fairly representative of typical Missouri tax burden. The median tax of $651 falls 46% below the state median of $1,199, a gap driven largely by significantly lower property values in the county.

Mid-range taxes among regional peers

Dunklin County's 0.694% rate falls between lower-tax counties like Dent (0.563%) and Douglas (0.409%), and higher-tax neighbors like Gentry (1.031%) and Grundy (1.022%). It's near Greene County's 0.722%, making Dunklin a reasonable middle-ground for tax burden in the region.

Your annual tax bill in Dunklin County

On a median home valued at just $93,800—well below state averages—Dunklin County homeowners owe approximately $651 per year in property taxes. With mortgage deductions, the effective cost reaches $751 annually; without them, it drops to $595—one of the lowest absolute bills in the state despite a mid-range tax rate.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

Property assessments in rural counties like Dunklin can sometimes miss recent market changes or undervalue improvements on your property. Filing an assessment appeal is straightforward—contact your county assessor to understand the review process and confirm you're being assessed fairly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dunklin County

via CostByCounty

Dunklin Renters Feel National Affordability Squeeze

Dunklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% edges above the national baseline, reflecting broader affordability pressures on working families with a median income of $47,368—nearly $27,400 below the national average. Monthly rents of $632 consume a meaningful chunk of already stretched household budgets.

Dunklin Slightly Above State Affordability Average

At 16.0%, Dunklin's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's 15.6% average, marking it as one of the state's tighter rental markets. The median rent of $632 runs $136 cheaper than the state average, but weak local incomes ($47,368) offset this advantage.

Dunklin's Rents Competitive in Southeast Region

Dunklin County's $632 median rent sits between Dent ($615) and Douglas ($687), offering a middle-ground rental cost in the region. However, Dunklin's median household income of $47,368 is the lowest among its peers, putting renters under greater financial strain.

Ownership and Renting Both Demand Most of Income

Dunklin renters spend 16.0% of their $47,368 annual income on $632 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 16.7% ($659/month) toward ownership costs. Both housing types consume a notably large share of household income, leaving residents with limited flexibility for savings and emergencies.

Dunklin: Affordable but Income-Dependent

Dunklin County offers the region's lowest median home value ($93,800), making it ideal for first-time buyers with limited down payments, but tight affordability ratios demand stable income. Relocate here only if your job prospects match or exceed the area's $47,368 median—otherwise, housing will strain your finances.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dunklin County

via IncomeByCounty

Dunklin faces significant income gap

Dunklin County's median household income of $47,368 falls 37% below the national median of $74,755, among the lowest in Missouri. This substantial shortfall reflects limited economic diversification in this southeast Missouri region.

State's lowest-income tier county

Dunklin County ranks among Missouri's lowest-earning counties at $47,368, nearly $12,000 below the state average of $59,503. Per capita income of $26,121 also trails the state average significantly, indicating broader economic challenges.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Dunklin County's $47,368 median income falls short of all nearby counties, including Douglas County ($49,828) and Dent County ($54,306). Agricultural dependence and limited job diversity appear to constrain local earning potential.

Budget tight but housing affordable

Although Dunklin County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% remains manageable, the low overall income leaves little cushion for unexpected expenses. Median home values of just $93,800 offer genuine affordability, though household incomes barely exceed $47,000.

Micro-investing and income diversification matter

In lower-income rural communities, fractional share investing and micro-investing platforms make wealth-building accessible starting with $1-5 contributions. Prioritize paying down any high-interest debt first, then steadily build savings as capacity allows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dunklin County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates approach the national average

Dunklin County reports 2,236.1 crimes per 100,000 residents, placing it just below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.5. Ten reporting agencies provide comprehensive coverage of the local public safety landscape.

Safety score falls slightly below state average

Dunklin County’s safety score of 96.5 is lower than Missouri’s state average of 97.0. While the county is not an outlier, it experiences more frequent reported incidents than many of its rural counterparts. Law enforcement remains active in managing these higher-than-average service volumes.

Highest crime rate among nearby rural counties

Dunklin County has a significantly higher crime rate than Greene County, which reports only 401.5 incidents per 100,000. It also sees more activity than Franklin County at 1,578.3. This makes Dunklin one of the busiest counties for law enforcement in this regional group.

Property theft is the primary safety concern

The property crime rate of 1,977.0 is much higher than the violent crime rate of 259.1. Violent crime actually remains lower than the national average of 369.8. Most residents are impacted by non-violent offenses like larceny or burglary rather than physical harm.

Secure your property against common thefts

Given the high property crime rate, homeowners should prioritize securing sheds, garages, and vehicles. Security cameras and neighborhood watch programs can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic. Investing in home defense creates a safer environment for everyone in the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dunklin County

via HealthByCounty

Dunklin faces the steepest health challenge

At 68.9 years, Dunklin County's life expectancy is 7.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—among the lowest in the nation. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.4%) experience poor or fair health, well above the national average of 17.8%.

Missouri's lowest life expectancy

Dunklin's 68.9-year life expectancy is 5.4 years below the Missouri average of 74.3 years, placing it among the state's worst-performing counties. The county's poor/fair health rate of 24.4% is also the highest among peer counties.

Significantly worse than surrounding counties

Dunklin's 68.9 years dramatically trails regional neighbors like Dent (71.1 years) and Gasconade (72.3 years), revealing a localized health crisis. The gap suggests systemic challenges beyond typical rural healthcare shortages.

High uninsured rate strains healthcare system

Dunklin's 13.3% uninsured rate compounds limited primary care access—only 25 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health providers are relatively plentiful at 248 per 100K, suggesting behavioral health is prioritized despite broader care gaps.

Coverage is your first step forward

With 1 in 7 Dunklin residents uninsured, exploring Missouri Medicaid or marketplace plans through Healthcare.gov is essential for breaking the cycle of delayed care. Even basic coverage connects you to the 25 available primary care providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dunklin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Reach in Dunklin

Dunklin County supports 4,972 students across 21 public schools and 7 districts. The diverse infrastructure includes 8 elementary schools, 8 high schools, and 2 middle schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the region.

Academic Progress and Investment

The county’s graduation rate stands at 89.7%, outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Local districts invest $5,868 per pupil, slightly below the state average of $6,334 but close to the regional norm.

Kennett 39 Leads the District Pack

Kennett 39 is the largest district in the county, operating 7 schools for 1,864 students. The county contains no charter schools, though it does offer specialized support through 2 special education schools.

A Rural-Town Educational Mix

With 12 schools in rural settings and 9 in town locales, the county offers a variety of environments for its average of 262 students per school. Kennett High is the largest facility with 497 students, while several smaller rural campuses provide intimate learning settings.

Settling Down Near Dunklin Schools

Dunklin County offers a wide range of school sizes and locations to fit any family's needs. When searching for a home, look toward the Kennett or Senath-Hornersville areas for established districts with strong community ties.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dunklin County

via RiskByCounty

Dunklin County's earthquake risk dominates

Dunklin County's composite score of 80.12 places it in the "relatively low" category nationally, but this masks an extremely high earthquake risk of 96.44—among the highest in Missouri. Tornado risk at 73.70 adds a secondary but significant threat.

Among Missouri's highest-risk counties

At 80.12, Dunklin County's composite score significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, putting it in the upper tier of the state's 114 counties. The earthquake risk alone places it in rare company within the state.

Seismic hotspot in regional comparison

Dunklin's earthquake risk (96.44) towers over neighboring counties—most Missouri neighbors score in the 60–80 range on seismic risk. This unusual seismic vulnerability stems from proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Earthquakes are the primary concern here

Earthquake risk at 96.44 is Dunklin County's defining hazard, with tornado risk (73.70) and hurricane risk (46.52) creating secondary exposure. The 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes reshaped the landscape here; modern versions could do the same.

Earthquake insurance is essential for Dunklin

Given an earthquake risk score of 96.44, standard homeowners insurance is not enough—you need earthquake coverage as a separate endorsement or policy. Seismic retrofit improvements (foundation bolting, chimney bracing) can lower premiums and improve safety significantly.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dunklin County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant warmth in the Bootheel

Dunklin County’s 59.7°F average temperature is much higher than the national median. This southern Missouri climate borders on subtropical with long, intense growing seasons.

One of Missouri’s warmest counties

The county is nearly 5 degrees warmer than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. It also receives 51.2 inches of rain, far exceeding the state norm of 43.8 inches.

The region’s leader in heat

Dunklin records a staggering 62 extreme heat days, far more than any other county in this group. It is also significantly wetter and warmer than its northern neighbors.

Intense heat and mild winters

July is very hot with an average of 80.9°F and 62 days above 90°F. Winters are mild with only 3.5 inches of snow and a January average well above freezing at 36.4°F.

Max out your cooling capacity

High-performance air conditioning is essential for the two months' worth of 90°F days. Winter needs are minimal, so focus your budget on humidity control and summer cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dunklin County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils of the Bootheel

Dunklin County features a pH of 6.05, which closely tracks the Missouri state average of 6.09. This level is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than many of its more acidic neighbors in the Ozarks.

Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The soil is comprised of 52.5% silt and 27.5% sand, giving it a light, versatile structure. Clay content sits at 20.0%, providing enough body to retain nutrients without becoming overly compacted or difficult to plow.

High Water Capacity, Low Organic Base

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.68%, falling below the state average of 4.74%. However, the available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is higher than the state norm, ensuring crops have better access to moisture during heat waves.

Subaqueous Soils in the Delta

Dunklin's subaqueous drainage class reflects its position in the low-lying Missouri Bootheel where water levels are naturally high. Traditional farming and building require specialized drainage management to handle this persistent saturation.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7b

With a 7b hardiness rating, this is one of the warmest spots in Missouri for gardening. The high water capacity makes it ideal for thirsty crops like melons or cotton; start your seeds early to take advantage of the warmth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dunklin County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in the Bootheel

Dunklin County is one of the toughest places in the state for lawn care, with a difficulty score of only 44.7. This falls well below the national median of 50.0 and the Missouri average of 63.7. The 7b Hardiness Zone introduces southern heat challenges that most Missourians don't have to face.

Extreme Heat and Heavy Rainfall

With a staggering 62 extreme heat days per year, Dunklin far exceeds the state average of 37 days. The county receives a plentiful 51.2 inches of rain, but the 4953 growing degree days signal an incredibly aggressive growing season. Grass types must be able to withstand prolonged periods above 90°F without going dormant.

Strong Soil Bases for Turf

The soil pH of 6.05 is the closest to the ideal range among neighboring counties, requiring less lime for nutrient uptake. A balanced texture of 20.0% clay and 27.5% sand provides a solid foundation for root development. Despite the good texture, subaqueous drainage classifications mean low-lying areas will need help with runoff.

Widespread Severe Drought Impacts

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought, compounding the stress of 24 weeks of drought over the past year. Under these conditions, lawn owners should avoid heavy fertilization which can lead to salt burn when water is scarce. Focus on maintaining a 3-inch grass height to protect the soil from the intense Bootheel sun.

Selecting Heat-Hardy Grass Types

Bermuda and Zoysia grasses thrive in this 7b zone because they can handle the 62 days of extreme heat. The long growing season begins early with a last frost on March 31 and extends until November 3. For the best results, establish warm-season lawns in late spring as the ground temperature rises.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dunklin County's county score?
Dunklin County, Missouri has a composite county score of 40.9 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 Dunklin County rank among counties in Missouri?
Dunklin County ranks #99 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 Dunklin County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Dunklin County is $651, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Dunklin County a tax score of 64/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dunklin County?
The median household income in Dunklin County, Missouri is $47,368 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dunklin County earns an income score of 10/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dunklin County, Missouri a good place to live?
Dunklin County scores 40.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Dunklin 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 Dunklin County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.