countyscore
57.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 80.9Lawn Care 79

County Report Card

About Gentry County, Missouri

High National Ranking

Gentry County earns a composite score of 57.1, placing it in the top tier of American counties compared to the 50.0 median. It provides a quality of life that exceeds the national standard.

Strong State Performer

With a 57.1 score, Gentry County ranks well above the Missouri average of 50.3. It offers a unique mix of safety and affordability that is rare even in the Midwest.

Near-Perfect Safety Score

Safety is the county's defining feature, boasting an incredible score of 97.5. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 80.9 and a median home value of $123,000.

Infrastructure and Tax Burdens

Water quality is a significant concern with a score of 7.1, and the tax score is relatively low at 35.8. The effective tax rate of 1.031% is higher than many neighboring Missouri counties.

Perfect for Quiet Security

Gentry County is the ideal destination for those who place public safety as their highest priority. It is best suited for people who want a small-town atmosphere where they can live securely at a low price point.

2040608010035.880.997.532.135.231.571.27.145.4Tax35.8Cost80.9Safety97.5Health32.1Schools35.2Income31.5Risk71.2Water7.1Weather45.457.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Gentry County DNA

Foverall

How Gentry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gentry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.8-16.200000000000003
Cost
80.9+32.900000000000006
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
32.1-17.9
Schools
35.2-18.799999999999997
Income
31.5-19.5
Risk
71.2+24.200000000000003
Water
7.1-50.9
Weather
45.4-10.600000000000001
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Many homeowners in Gentry County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$123,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$620/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$123,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,458/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.1

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
Compare Gentry County with Schley County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

DeKalb County
Missouri
55.9
Worth County
Missouri
59.2
Daviess County
Missouri
53.6
Andrew County
Missouri
53.8
Harrison County
Missouri
50.3
Nodaway County
Missouri
50.3
Ringgold County
Iowa
60.8
Taylor County
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64.2

Deep Dives

Gentry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gentry County

via TaxByCounty

Gentry County has among nation's highest tax rates

At 1.031%, Gentry County's effective property tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.87%, placing it in approximately the 75th percentile—among the highest-tax counties nationwide. The median annual property tax of $1,268 remains below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Gentry's lower-valued properties despite its steep tax rate.

Gentry ranks among Missouri's highest-tax counties

Gentry County's 1.031% effective rate is 41% above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, placing it among the state's highest-tax counties. The median property tax of $1,268 is 6% above the state median of $1,199, indicating that even on modest homes, Gentry residents face an elevated tax burden.

Highest taxes in the immediate region

Gentry County's 1.031% rate is the highest or tied-highest among all nearby counties, exceeded only by Grundy County's 1.022%—both substantially outpacing regional peers like Greene (0.722%), Gasconade (0.733%), and Dent (0.563%). This puts Gentry among the region's least tax-friendly locations.

Your annual tax bill in Gentry County

On a median home valued at $123,000, Gentry County homeowners owe approximately $1,268 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest deductions, the cost rises to $1,273 annually; without them, it drops marginally to $1,260—a notably high bill relative to home values in the county.

Assessment appeal is especially valuable here

Given Gentry County's high effective tax rate, homeowners should prioritize reviewing their property assessment for errors or overvaluation. An assessment appeal could save you hundreds of dollars annually—particularly important in a high-tax county where even small rate reductions translate to meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gentry County

via CostByCounty

Gentry Offers Genuine Affordability for Renters

Gentry County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% sits comfortably below the national baseline, reflecting modest but adequate incomes ($57,458) paired with affordable rents ($620/month). Renters here keep a smaller share of earnings locked into housing than most Americans.

Gentry Ranks Well Above State Average on Value

At 12.9%, Gentry County's rent-to-income ratio beats Missouri's state average of 15.6% by 2.7 percentage points, placing it among the state's most affordable rental markets. The median rent of $620 runs $148 cheaper than the state average, supporting working families effectively.

Gentry Competes Well for Regional Housing Value

Gentry's 12.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in the region, trailing only Gasconade (12.4%), and its $620 median rent ties with Dent as the region's lowest. With a median household income of $57,458, Gentry residents enjoy solid earning power relative to their housing costs.

Modest Incomes, Light Housing Burden

Gentry renters spend 12.9% of their $57,458 annual income on $620 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 14.9% ($716/month) toward ownership costs. Homeownership runs slightly tighter than renting here, but both remain well below the 30% affordability ceiling.

Gentry: Affordable and Accessible for Families

Gentry County suits first-time homebuyers and renters seeking genuine affordability: median home values ($123,000) stay low, rents ($620) stay reasonable, and household incomes ($57,458) stretch further here than in pricier regions. Relocate to Gentry if you prioritize housing affordability over urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gentry County

via IncomeByCounty

Gentry trails national income standard

Gentry County's median household income of $57,458 sits 23% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic constraints. However, the county fares better than the lowest-income Missouri counties.

Slightly below state average here

At $57,458, Gentry County falls just under Missouri's state average of $59,503—less than a $2,000 difference. Per capita income of $29,984 closely tracks the state's $31,011 average, suggesting fairly typical income distribution patterns.

Mid-tier earnings in regional context

Gentry County's $57,458 median income positions it between lower earners like Grundy County ($53,839) and stronger performers like Gasconade County ($65,096). The county's performance reflects typical northwest Missouri economic patterns.

Rent costs stay manageable

Gentry County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% ranks among the county's best affordability metrics, leaving plenty of household budget for other needs. With median home values at $123,000, homeownership requires patience but remains attainable.

Consistent savings unlock future options

Gentry County's near-average income and low housing costs create real opportunity to build savings discipline—even $100-200 monthly contributions compound significantly over time. Employer retirement plans and automatic transfers make consistent investing easier to sustain.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gentry County

via CrimeByCounty

Data indicates an exceptionally low crime footprint

Gentry County shows a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 and a perfect safety score of 100.0. While this looks ideal, it is important to note that only one agency is reporting data. This suggests that the numbers may not capture every incident occurring across the county.

Perfect safety score leads the state

Gentry County’s reported safety score of 100.0 is significantly higher than the Missouri average of 97.0. However, with only one agency reporting, these figures should be interpreted with caution. It remains one of the lowest-crime areas on paper within the state for 2022.

Drastically lower reported crime than neighbors

On paper, Gentry County is safer than Grundy County, which reports a crime rate of 1,204.7. It also appears more secure than Gasconade County’s rate of 662.1. However, the limited reporting from only one agency makes direct regional comparisons difficult.

Limited reporting shows no major incidents

Both violent and property crime rates are reported as 0.0 per 100,000 for the year 2022. This lack of data points to a very quiet year or a reporting gap in the local system. Residents should still follow standard safety protocols regardless of the zeroed-out data.

Don't let perfect scores lead to complacency

When data reporting is limited, local awareness becomes your most important security tool. Continue to secure your home with traditional methods like deadbolts and adequate lighting. Safety is a proactive effort that goes beyond what is captured in annual reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gentry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Gentry County’s Intimate School Network

Gentry County hosts 7 public schools serving a total of 1,173 students across 3 districts. The infrastructure is designed for small-scale learning, featuring 3 elementary schools and 3 high schools.

Investing Heavily in Small Classes

The county spends $7,107 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Missouri state average of $6,334. While the graduation rate of 86.2% is just below the national average of 87.0%, the high investment supports a very low student-to-teacher ratio.

Albany and Stanberry Lead the Way

Albany R-III is the largest district with 451 students, followed closely by Stanberry R-II with 366. There are no charter schools in Gentry County, as education remains centered around these three local public districts.

Small, Purely Rural Schools

All 7 schools in the county are located in rural settings, with an average school size of just 168 students. The largest campus, Virginia E. George Elementary, serves only 231 students, ensuring a personalized touch for every child.

Personalized Education in Gentry County

Gentry County is perfect for families who prefer smaller school environments and higher per-pupil spending. Look for homes in Albany or Stanberry to take advantage of these intimate, well-funded rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gentry County

via RiskByCounty

Gentry County ranks among the nation's safest

At 28.85, Gentry County's composite risk score is well below the national baseline and places it firmly in the "very low" category. The county's distance from major seismic zones and low hurricane exposure contribute to this exceptional safety profile.

Third-lowest risk in Missouri

Gentry County's 28.85 score is substantially below Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking it among the state's safest counties. This strong standing reflects a fortunate geographic position relative to major natural hazard sources.

Safest in a relatively low-risk region

Gentry County's score of 28.85 places it among the lowest-risk counties in northwest Missouri. Neighboring areas show similar or modestly higher scores, making this a consistently safe region of the state.

Tornado risk the primary consideration

Tornado risk at 53.82 is Gentry County's most notable hazard, though it remains near the state average. Wildfire risk (51.88) is secondary; earthquake risk (17.27) and flood risk (27.13) are minimal, and hurricane risk is essentially zero (0.00).

Basic homeowners policy handles most risks

Gentry County's very-low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance with wind and tornado coverage is generally sufficient. A weather radio and a safe room plan for severe thunderstorms address your biggest exposure; specialized policies for flood or earthquake are unlikely necessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gentry County

via WaterByCounty

Gentry County Reports High Health Violation Rates

Gentry County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance following 33 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 491.1 per 100,000 people is more than six times the Missouri state average. This significant gap indicates major challenges in meeting federal safety standards.

Watershed Impairments Not Yet Documented

Federal §303(d) assessments have not been completed for the water bodies in Gentry County. No data on impaired water bodies or specific pollutant causes exists for the current reporting period. The health of the local watershed remains unmapped in federal databases.

Limited Water Quality Monitoring Records

There are no recent water quality monitoring records for Gentry County in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This lack of data makes it difficult to assess long-term trends in local water chemistry. Increased monitoring would provide better transparency regarding local environmental health.

East Fork Grand River Hits Extreme Lows

The East Fork Grand River at Albany is currently flowing at just 16 cfs. This represents only 5% of its long-term typical flow, signaling severe drought or low-water conditions. Such low volume can significantly impact the concentration of any pollutants in the stream.

Urgent Water Safety Awareness for Gentry County

With a high violation rate and extreme low flows at 5% of typical levels, residents should prioritize water quality testing and filtration. Low river volumes can stress water treatment systems and concentrate existing contaminants. It is crucial to follow all local boil orders and conservation requests immediately.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gentry County

via WeatherByCounty

Northwest Missouri's Temperate Baseline

Gentry County records an annual average temperature of 52.3°F, sitting slightly lower than the national median. This region experiences a traditional four-season cycle with moderate annual precipitation of 38.8 inches.

Among Missouri's Cooler Northern Tier

With an annual average of 52.3°F, Gentry County is noticeably cooler than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It ranks among the state's cooler counties due to its northern latitude.

Dryer and Cooler Than Southern Neighbors

Compared to central Missouri, Gentry is significantly dryer, receiving five inches less rain than the state average. Its winter average of 27.8°F is among the coldest in the region.

Frequent Heat Waves and Snowy Winters

Despite its northern location, the county endures 39 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually. Winters are rigorous, delivering 17.9 inches of snow and a chilly 24.5°F January average.

Winter Resilience and Summer Cooling

Residents must prepare for nearly 18 inches of snow, making winter-ready vehicles a local necessity. During the 39 extreme heat days, efficient attic insulation and cooling systems are critical for comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gentry County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Soils in Gentry County

Gentry County earns a high Soil Score of 75.1, driven by a pH of 6.31 that is the closest to the national median of 6.5 in the region. These Alfisols represent some of the most productive agricultural land in Northern Missouri.

Heavy Silt Loam with Clay Body

This silt loam consists of 57.7% silt and 26.8% clay, the highest clay percentage in this group. While 15.5% sand is low, the significant clay content helps the soil store nutrients effectively for long-term farming.

Superior Water Storage for Crops

The available water capacity is 0.202 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.183. Although organic matter at 3.11% is lower than the state mean, the soil's ability to hold water makes it highly resilient to drought.

Moderately Well Drained and Group D

The soil is moderately well drained, though it belongs to Hydrologic Group D with very slow infiltration. This combination means while the top layers dry out, the deep clay subsoil can lead to significant runoff during heavy rains.

Cooler Seasons in Zone 6a

Being in Zone 6a, Gentry County has slightly colder winters, but the high water capacity is a major asset for summer gardens. It is the perfect environment for root vegetables and grains; start your compost pile now to boost that organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gentry County

via LawnByCounty

Gentry County: A Lawn Care Leader

Gentry County is a standout for lawn ease, scoring a high 79.0 on the difficulty scale. This is far easier than the state average of 63.7 and the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 6a, the local climate and soil conditions combine to make turf management relatively simple.

Lower Rainfall with Managed Heat

The county receives 38.8 inches of rain, which is lower than the state average but still within the ideal range for lawns. Although there are 39 extreme heat days, the 3681 growing degree days indicate a shorter, more manageable peak growing season. This moderate climate reduces the frequency of emergency watering and mowing.

Rich, High-Quality Silt Loam

The soil pH of 6.31 is within the golden range for grass growth, meaning nutrients are readily available without heavy amendments. The soil contains 26.8% clay, which helps retain moisture during the drier months. Moderately well-drained silt loam provides a stable, fertile base for a thick, lush carpet of green.

Superior Drought Resistance

Gentry County has seen only 9 weeks of drought over the past year, far less than its southern neighbors. While current conditions are 100% abnormally dry, the lack of severe drought makes maintenance much simpler. Simple water conservation tactics, like using a smart irrigation controller, will keep your lawn thriving year-round.

Thriving in Northern Missouri

Kentucky bluegrass is the gold standard for Gentry County's 6a zone and high-quality soil. Your growing season begins after the April 17 frost and continues through the October 21 first frost. Since the soil is so fertile, a simple overseeding in early autumn will yield professional-looking results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gentry County's county score?
Gentry County, Missouri has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Gentry County rank among counties in Missouri?
Gentry 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 Gentry County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Gentry County is $1,268, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Gentry County a tax score of 35.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gentry County?
The median household income in Gentry County, Missouri is $57,458 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gentry County earns an income score of 31.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gentry County, Missouri a good place to live?
Gentry County scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Gentry 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 Gentry County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.