countyscore
59.2
County Score
Cost of Living 80Safety 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.

Score breakdown

Tax59.5Cost80Safety72.2Health37Schools41.1Income55Risk68.1Water36.9Weather52.1
🏛59.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.3
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

Osage County
Missouri
67.2
Maries County
Missouri
64
Franklin County
Missouri
42.5
Crawford County
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Phelps County
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Warren County
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Montgomery County
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Deep Dives

Gasconade County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gasconade County

via CostByCounty

Gasconade's Affordability Beats Most of America

Gasconade County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% ranks among the nation's best, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than most Americans. With a median household income of $65,096 and affordable rents of $671/month, Gasconade offers genuine housing value.

Gasconade Leads Missouri on Housing Affordability

At 12.4%, Gasconade County boasts Missouri's lowest rent-to-income ratio in this group, beating the state average of 15.6% by 3.2 percentage points. The county strikes a rare balance: solid incomes ($65,096) paired with reasonable rents ($671), creating a strong affordability advantage.

Gasconade Outshines Regional Competition on Value

Gasconade's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio edges out even Gentry County (12.9%) and far surpasses Douglas (16.5%) and Dunklin (16.0%). At $671/month rent and $695 ownership costs, Gasconade delivers middle-ground pricing with above-average local income to back it up.

Renters and Owners Both Find Comfort Here

Gasconade renters spend just 12.4% of their $65,096 annual income on $671 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 12.8% ($695/month) toward ownership costs. Both figures sit well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households substantial income for savings, healthcare, and other essentials.

Gasconade: Balanced Affordability, Real Value

Gasconade County represents Missouri's sweet spot for relocating families: reasonable rents ($671), solid homeownership costs ($695), and above-average incomes ($65,096) create genuine housing affordability. If you value rural or small-town living without sacrificing financial flexibility, Gasconade delivers better value than most regional alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gasconade County

via HealthByCounty

Gasconade life expectancy near U.S. average

Gasconade County residents live 72.3 years on average, 3.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 17.2% report poor or fair health, nearly matching the national average of 17.8%.

Slightly below Missouri's health average

Gasconade's 72.3-year life expectancy trails Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by 2 years. The county's 13.0% uninsured rate is marginally above the state average of 12.5%, reflecting typical rural insurance challenges.

Mid-range health within region

Gasconade's 72.3 years positions it between Dent (71.1 years) and Franklin (74.9 years), representing stable but not exceptional health outcomes. The 17.2% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among the Dent-Dunklin peer group.

Adequate primary care, sparse mental health

Gasconade has 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a 13.0% uninsured rate—workable for routine care but leaving gaps for complex cases. Mental health providers are limited at just 61 per 100K, the lowest in the eight-county region.

Secure coverage for preventive care

Gasconade's 13.0% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 8 residents lack insurance; Healthcare.gov and Missouri Medicaid can bridge that gap. With mental health services sparse, coverage becomes even more important for accessing available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gasconade County

via SchoolsByCounty

Gasconade’s Rural Education Hub

Gasconade County operates 7 public schools serving 2,559 students. The system is efficiently organized into 1 primary school district, providing consistent educational oversight for the entire county.

Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks

The county boasts a 93.5% graduation rate, which is significantly higher than the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national average of 87.0%. This success comes with a per-pupil investment of $5,331.

Focused Leadership in Gasconade

The Gasconade County R-I district is a major presence, serving 865 students across 3 schools. Traditional public education is the sole focus here, with 0% charter school enrollment across the county's 7 campuses.

Entirely Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Gasconade County is classified as rural, offering students a consistent and connected community experience. Owensville High is the largest school with 541 students, while the average school size across the county is 366.

A Rural Retreat with High Standards

If you are looking for a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Gasconade County is an ideal choice. Homebuyers frequently prioritize the Owensville area for its high-performing high school and strong graduation rates.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gasconade County

via RiskByCounty

Gasconade ranks very low on national scale

At 31.97, Gasconade County's composite risk score is well below the national average and falls into the "very low" category. This favorable standing reflects moderate exposure across all hazard types with no single extreme outlier.

Well below Missouri's average risk level

Gasconade's 31.97 score sits significantly below Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the lower third of the state's 114 counties. The county's balanced risk profile—no single hazard dominates—contributes to its overall safe standing.

Far safer than Franklin County nearby

Franklin County to the east scores 83.46, nearly three times Gasconade's composite risk. This stark difference illustrates how hazard exposure varies sharply across Missouri's landscape even within the same region.

Flood risk edges other concerns

Flood risk at 46.12 is Gasconade County's highest hazard, though it remains below the state average for that category. Wildfire risk (34.29), tornado risk (35.18), and earthquake risk (62.72) are all manageable and well-controlled relative to other Missouri counties.

Standard homeowners coverage sufficient

With very-low-risk standing, a standard homeowners policy with wind and hail coverage should meet most needs. If you're in a mapped floodplain near the Gasconade River, add flood insurance; otherwise, your primary protection comes from basic comprehensive coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gasconade County's county score?
Gasconade County, Missouri has a composite county score of 59.2 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 #21 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 $1,238, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Gasconade County a tax score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gasconade County?
The median household income in Gasconade County, Missouri is $65,096 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gasconade County earns an income score of 55/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gasconade County, Missouri a good place to live?
Gasconade County scores 59.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 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.

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