countyscore
57.2
County Score
Cost of Living 73.9Safety 72.2Disaster Risk 68.1

County Report Card

About Gasconade County, Missouri

Impressive National Performance

Gasconade County secures a composite score of 59.2, well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced and stable living environment.

Leading the State Pack

At 59.2, Gasconade County easily outperforms the Missouri state average of 50.3. It represents one of the stronger livability profiles in the central Missouri region.

Safe and Affordable Living

The county excels with a safety score of 72.2 and a cost score of 80.0. Residents enjoy a median gross rent of just $671, paired with high community stability.

Water and Health Gaps

Infrastructure needs attention, as the water score sits at 36.9. The health score of 37.0 also suggests that residents may travel elsewhere for specialized medical care.

A Haven for Families

This county is a top choice for families prioritizing safety and affordability above all else. It offers a secure, low-cost lifestyle for those who value community peace and financial predictability.

2040608010056.973.972.23741.146.368.136.952.1Tax56.9Cost73.9Safety72.2Health37Schools41.1Income46.3Risk68.1Water36.9Weather52.157.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Gasconade County DNA

Foverall

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

Gasconade County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (73.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (36.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.9
Cost
73.9+25.900000000000006
Safety
72.2+17.200000000000003
Health
37-13
Schools
41.1-12.899999999999999
Income
46.3
Risk
68.1+21.099999999999994
Water
36.9-21.1
Weather
52.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Gasconade County?

Many homeowners in Gasconade County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$179,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$743/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$179,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,232/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.8

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Gasconade County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gasconade County

via TaxByCounty

Gasconade County taxes match national average

At 0.733%, Gasconade County's effective property tax rate essentially matches the national median of 0.87%—placing it right around the 50th percentile. The median annual property tax of $1,238 is less than half the national median of $2,690, mainly due to Gasconade's lower median home values compared to the national norm.

Gasconade matches Missouri's state average exactly

Gasconade County's 0.733% effective rate is precisely aligned with Missouri's state average, positioning it as perfectly representative of typical tax burden statewide. The median property tax of $1,238 is just 3% above the state median of $1,199, confirming Gasconade as a true middle-ground county.

Right in the middle of regional tax rates

Gasconade County's 0.733% rate sits centrally among regional peers—higher than Dent (0.563%) and Douglas (0.409%), but lower than Gentry (1.031%), Grundy (1.022%), and Franklin (0.826%). It's virtually identical to Greene County's 0.722%, making Gasconade representative of the broader regional tax environment.

Your annual tax bill in Gasconade County

On a median home valued at $168,900, Gasconade County homeowners owe approximately $1,238 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest deductions, the cost stays nearly flat at $1,235 annually; without them, it rises slightly to $1,242—a stable, middle-range bill for the state.

Check your assessment to keep costs down

Even in a state-average-tax county like Gasconade, overassessments happen regularly and can inflate your annual bills unnecessarily. Request your property assessment from the county assessor and compare it to recent sales of similar homes in your area—if it's too high, file an appeal to reduce your tax burden.

Income & Jobs in Gasconade County

via IncomeByCounty

Gasconade approaches national median

Gasconade County's median household income of $65,096 sits 13% below the national median of $74,755, outperforming many rural Missouri counties. The county demonstrates stronger economic capacity than most of its peers in the state.

Upper-middle earner in Missouri

At $65,096, Gasconade County exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by about 9%, placing it in the upper half of state counties. Per capita income of $35,247 also surpasses the state average of $31,011, indicating solid economic health.

Regional income leader with Franklin

Gasconade County's $65,096 ranks second only to Franklin County ($71,973) among neighboring counties, outearning Dent County ($54,306), Gentry County ($57,458), and Grundy County ($53,839). Industrial activity and regional commerce appear to support above-average wages.

Housing costs well within reach

Gasconade County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is among the best in the region, indicating housing expenses consume minimal household budgets. Median home values of $168,900 align well with local incomes, making homeownership genuinely accessible.

Build wealth beyond homeownership

With above-average incomes and strong affordability, Gasconade County households should prioritize maxing out retirement accounts and establishing investment portfolios. The combination of stable housing costs and decent income creates genuine opportunity for meaningful wealth accumulation.

Safety in Gasconade County

via CrimeByCounty

Gasconade County is among the nation's safest

Gasconade County reports a remarkably low crime rate of 662.1 per 100,000, which is a fraction of the national average. Its safety score of 99.0 indicates an extremely secure environment. Residents here enjoy peace of mind that is rare in many parts of the country.

A top-tier safety performer in Missouri

The county's safety score of 99.0 far exceeds the Missouri state average of 97.0. It stands out as one of the most secure counties in the entire state. Five reporting agencies contribute to this high level of public safety oversight.

Leading the region in public safety

Gasconade County is significantly safer than Franklin County, which has a crime rate over twice as high at 1,578.3. It also outperforms Grundy County’s rate of 1,204.7. This makes it a regional leader in crime prevention and safety.

Minimal violent and property crime rates reported

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 108.1 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also minimal at 554.0, which is well below both state and national norms. This indicates that criminal activity is not a daily concern for most citizens.

Maintaining a secure home in a safe county

Even with very low crime rates, basic precautions like locking doors and lighting exteriors remain important. Protecting your home helps ensure that Gasconade County maintains its reputation as a safe haven. Community vigilance plays a key role in keeping these numbers low.

Weather & Climate in Gasconade County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Midwestern Continental Climate

Gasconade County maintains an average annual temperature of 53.0°F, placing it right in line with the national median. Its humid continental climate delivers distinct seasons and a reliable 44.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler than the Missouri Average

The county's 53.0°F average sits nearly two degrees below the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. This makes Gasconade one of the cooler regions in the central part of the state.

Consistency Across the Missouri River Valley

While neighboring counties to the south trend warmer, Gasconade aligns closely with central Missouri patterns. Its 44.9 inches of rain slightly exceeds the state average of 43.8 inches, ensuring lush landscapes.

Thirty Days of Intense Summer Heat

Residents face an average of 31 days where temperatures top 90°F, largely occurring during the 75.5°F July peak. Winter brings a sharp turn, with 14.2 inches of snow and January lows averaging 28.9°F.

Preparing for Significant Seasonal Swings

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 47-degree swing between January and July averages. Reliable snow removal tools are essential for the 14 inches of annual snowfall.

Soil Quality in Gasconade County

via SoilByCounty

Missouri's Classic Forested Alfisols

Gasconade County features Alfisols, a taxonomic order often associated with productive wooded landscapes. Its average pH of 5.99 is nearly identical to the state average of 6.09, providing a familiar baseline for local farmers.

The Versatility of Silt Loam

With a 59.9% silt content and 18.0% sand, the dominant texture is silt loam. This composition, rounded out by 16.6% clay, offers a great balance of drainage and the ability to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Solid Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter sits at a healthy 5.65%, comfortably exceeding the Missouri average of 4.74%. The available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is very close to the state benchmark, ensuring reliable moisture for consistent growth.

Well-Drained Land in Group C

The dominant drainage class is well drained, making this county excellent for varied land use. Falling into Hydrologic Group C, the soil has a slow infiltration rate when wet but prevents the standing water issues seen elsewhere.

Perfect Conditions for Zone 6b

The reliable drainage and above-average organic matter make Gasconade County ideal for orchards and vineyards. In Hardiness Zone 6b, you can grow everything from crisp apples to summer peppers with great success.

Lawn Care in Gasconade County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing in Gasconade County

With a lawn difficulty score of 65.3, Gasconade County is one of the easier places in Missouri to keep a green yard. This score exceeds both the national median and the state average, providing a friendly environment for amateur gardeners. The 6b Hardiness Zone supports a wide variety of popular grass species.

Mild Summers Support Consistent Growth

Gasconade experiences only 31 extreme heat days, which is notably lower than the state average of 37 days. Annual precipitation of 44.9 inches provides a steady supply of moisture for the 3539 growing degree days. These conditions are ideal for cool-season grasses that typically struggle in more southern counties.

Productive and Well-Drained Silt Loam

The county boasts well-drained silt loam soil, which is excellent for preventing root diseases. A soil pH of 5.99 is nearly perfect, though a light application of lime can help reach the ideal 6.0+ threshold. The soil balance of 16.6% clay and 18.0% sand allows for great nutrient delivery to the grass roots.

Resilient Landscapes in Dry Periods

Gasconade lawns have faced 29 weeks of drought recently, though currently 0.0% of the area is in severe drought. This resilience is likely due to the superior drainage and moderate heat levels found in the county. To stay ahead of dry spells, use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets at least one inch of water per week.

Optimal Planting Windows

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in Gasconade’s well-drained silt loam. Seed after the last frost on April 27, but keep an eye on the early first frost date of October 13. Fall renovation is best performed in early September to give the lawn time to mature before the first cold snap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gasconade County's county score?
Gasconade County, Missouri has a composite county score of 57.2 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 Gasconade County rank among counties in Missouri?
Gasconade County ranks #32 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 Gasconade County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Gasconade County is $1,315, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Gasconade County a tax score of 56.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gasconade County?
The median household income in Gasconade County, Missouri is $64,232 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gasconade County earns an income score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gasconade County, Missouri a good place to live?
Gasconade County scores 57.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Gasconade 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 Gasconade County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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