CountyScore

Greene County

Missouri · MO

#104 in Missouri
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Greene County, Missouri

Greene County exceeds national livability median

Greene County scores 71.5, 43% above the national median of 50.0, indicating solid overall livability. This mid-range national performance reflects balanced strengths in taxation and moderate housing costs, though not exceptional in any dimension.

Below average for Missouri performance

Greene County scores 71.5, below Missouri's state average of 74.8, ranking in the lower half of this eight-county comparison. It represents a more modest livability profile within the state.

Reasonable tax rates support household budgets

Greene County's tax score of 82.0 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.722%, providing moderate tax efficiency for residents. This helps offset other cost pressures in the county.

Higher rents offset housing value gains

Despite a cost score of 76.2, median rents average $940/month—the second-highest in this group—while median home values of $203,500 also exceed most peers. The income score of 20.9 and median household income of $57,488 don't fully offset these higher costs.

Best for urban-oriented families with jobs

Greene County suits employed families and professionals seeking more urban amenities and services than purely rural counties offer. It's ideal for those who value access to larger employment markets and don't require minimal housing costs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82Cost76.2SafetyComing SoonHealth69.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.9Risk9.9WaterComing Soon
🏛82
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.9
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 Greene County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Arkansas
65.8
Median income: $48,552
Kent County
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65.8
Median income: $72,872
Citrus County
Florida
65.8
Median income: $55,355
Jefferson County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $46,561
Polk County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,308

Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene County taxes slightly below national median

At 0.722%, Greene County's effective property tax rate sits slightly below the national median of 0.87%, placing it around the 45th percentile—roughly average nationally. The median annual property tax of $1,469 is still less than 55% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Greene's more moderate home values.

Greene sits near Missouri's state average

Greene County's 0.722% effective rate is just 2% below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, making it a near-perfect representation of statewide tax burden. The median property tax of $1,469 is 22% above the state median of $1,199, indicating that while Greene's rate is average, its home values—and thus tax bills—run higher.

Middle-range taxes among regional peers

Greene County's 0.722% rate is nearly identical to Gasconade County's 0.733%, both sitting comfortably between lower-tax counties like Dent (0.563%) and higher-tax neighbors like Gentry (1.031%) and Grundy (1.022%). Greene represents the regional tax-rate norm.

Your annual tax bill in Greene County

On a median home valued at $203,500—higher than most regional peers—Greene County homeowners owe approximately $1,469 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest deductions, the cost rises to $1,488 annually; without them, it drops to $1,437—a moderate bill for a county with higher home values.

Appeal your assessment to trim the bill

Greene County homeowners, especially those in higher-value homes, should verify that their property assessments reflect current market conditions. Overassessments are common; challenging an inflated assessment could cut your annual tax bill by several hundred dollars—contact your county assessor to learn the appeal process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene's Rent Burden Outpaces National Norms

Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% significantly exceeds the national baseline, making it one of the nation's most challenging rental markets for working families. With a median household income of $57,488 and rents of $940/month, Greene renters spend a notably larger share of earnings on housing than typical Americans.

Greene Ranks Among Missouri's Least Affordable

At 19.6%, Greene County's rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, marking it as one of the state's toughest rental markets. The median rent of $940 runs $172 above the state average despite a median household income below state norms.

Greene's Rents Far Outpace Regional Peers

Greene's median rent of $940 is the region's highest by a wide margin—$269 more than Dent ($615), $253 more than Gentry ($620), and even $66 more than Franklin ($874). This affordability crunch reflects Greene's larger urban center (Springfield) driving up housing demand and costs.

Housing Consumes Outsized Share of Income

Greene renters allocate a concerning 19.6% of their $57,488 annual income to $940 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 20.9% ($1,001/month) on ownership costs. Both figures approach or exceed the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households limited financial flexibility for emergencies and savings.

Greene: Premium Urban Living Comes at a Cost

Greene County suits relocating professionals with above-median incomes seeking urban amenities and job opportunities in Springfield, but genuine affordability challenges exist for average earners. If your salary significantly exceeds the $57,488 median or you prioritize urban lifestyle over affordability, Greene may justify the premium rents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene below national income mark

Greene County's median household income of $57,488 falls 23% below the national median of $74,755, typical for mid-sized Missouri counties. However, per capita income of $35,189 suggests concentrated earning power among employed residents.

Slightly under state average statewide

At $57,488, Greene County ranks just below Missouri's state average of $59,503, though per capita income of $35,189 exceeds the state's $31,011 by about 13%. This mix suggests higher earners concentrated in specific sectors, likely education and healthcare.

Comparable to nearby counties

Greene County's $57,488 median income closely matches Gentry County ($57,458) and both trail Gasconade County ($65,096) and Franklin County ($71,973). The Springfield metropolitan area likely drives Greene County's slightly stronger per capita income despite median income limitations.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% ranks highest among regional counties, signaling real affordability pressure on lower-income households. Median home values of $203,500 exceed local incomes, requiring substantial down payments or extended mortgages.

Manage housing costs while investing

Greene County residents should prioritize refinancing or downsizing if housing consumes over 20% of income, freeing resources for retirement savings and investments. Building a diversified portfolio becomes essential when housing constraints limit traditional wealth-building paths.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Greene County

via HealthByCounty

Greene leads Missouri on longevity

Greene County residents live an average of 75.0 years, just 1.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years—the second-highest life expectancy in the region. Only 16.0% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among the eight counties.

Missouri's health performance leader

At 75.0 years, Greene County's life expectancy exceeds Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by 0.7 years. With an 11.1% uninsured rate, Greene also beats the state average of 12.5%, demonstrating strong health investment.

Clear regional health champion

Greene's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks alongside Franklin (74.9 years) as the region's best. The county's combination of 93 primary care providers and 484 mental health providers per 100K far exceeds all neighbors.

Outstanding healthcare access and coverage

Greene boasts 93 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in the eight-county region—and 484 mental health providers, reflecting a major medical hub. The 11.1% uninsured rate remains a gap, but infrastructure supports nearly all residents.

Complete Greene's health achievement

Even as Greene County leads the region on health outcomes, 1 in 9 residents remains uninsured; Healthcare.gov and Missouri Medicaid can close this final gap. With the county's exceptional provider network, coverage ensures everyone benefits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County faces the state's highest risks

At 90.08, Greene County's composite risk score is among the nation's most elevated and places it in the "relatively moderate" category. Extreme exposures to floods (88.80), tornadoes (94.88), earthquakes (92.91), and wildfires (72.42) make this Missouri's riskiest county overall.

Missouri's highest-risk county

Greene County's 90.08 composite score is by far the highest in Missouri, nearly 40 points above the state average of 50.56. No other Missouri county faces such a comprehensive and severe multi-hazard profile.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas

Neighboring counties score substantially lower: Dent County at 52.54 and Douglas County at 23.70. Greene County's positioning in south-central Missouri at the intersection of multiple hazard zones creates this exceptional vulnerability.

Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes converge here

Tornado risk (94.88), flood risk (88.80), and earthquake risk (92.91) dominate Greene County's hazard profile, each ranking among Missouri's highest. Spring tornado season, frequent flash flooding, and proximity to the Ozark seismic zone create a year-round threat environment.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance required

Flood insurance, earthquake insurance, and robust wind/tornado coverage are all essential in Greene County, not optional add-ons. Invest in safe-room construction or reinforcement, keep supplies stocked for both flooding and earthquake scenarios, and review all three policies annually with your agent.

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.