51
County Score
Cost of Living 86.6Water Quality 86Lawn Care 84.6

County Report Card

About Grundy County, Missouri

Balanced National Living

Grundy County scores a 51.0, aligning closely with the national median of 50.0. It offers a quintessential American small-town experience with moderate overall scores.

Slightly Above Missouri Average

At 51.0, Grundy County is just above the Missouri average of 50.3. It maintains a competitive profile for those seeking a stable, traditional Missouri lifestyle.

Affordable and High Resources

The county shines in affordability with a cost score of 86.6 and a median home value of $107,000. It also provides excellent natural resources, evidenced by a high water score of 86.0.

Economic and Tax Constraints

Income levels are a weak point, with a score of 22.5 based on a $53,839 median household income. The tax score of 36.5 also reflects an effective tax rate of 1.022%, which is high for the region.

Ideal for Resource-Focused Living

Grundy County is best for individuals who want low housing costs and reliable infrastructure. It suits those who value natural resource quality and are comfortable with a slower economic pace.

Score breakdown

Tax36.5Cost86.6Safety46.2Health30.2Schools43.1Income22.5Risk72.2Water86Weather47
🏛36.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠86.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼22.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡46.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
30.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓43.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
72.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤47
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨78.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱84.6
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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Deep Dives

Grundy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grundy County

via TaxByCounty

Grundy County has among nation's highest tax rates

At 1.022%, Grundy 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 $1,094 remains below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Grundy's lower median home values despite its steep rate.

Grundy ranks among Missouri's highest-tax counties

Grundy County's 1.022% effective rate is 39% above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, placing it among the state's most expensive counties for property taxation. The median property tax of $1,094 is just 9% below the state median of $1,199, confirming that Grundy residents carry an above-average burden.

Nearly highest taxes in the region

Grundy County's 1.022% rate ties with Gentry County as the region's highest or near-highest, vastly exceeding peers like Greene (0.722%), Gasconade (0.733%), Dent (0.563%), and Douglas (0.409%). Only Gentry's 1.031% slightly surpasses Grundy, making both counties notably less tax-friendly than their neighbors.

Your annual tax bill in Grundy County

On a median home valued at $107,000, Grundy County homeowners owe approximately $1,094 per year in property taxes. With mortgage interest deductions, the cost rises to $1,133 annually; without them, it drops to $1,060—a high bill relative to the lower property values typical in the county.

Assessment appeal could provide significant relief

With Grundy County's exceptionally high effective tax rate, homeowners should make a priority of reviewing their property assessment for accuracy. An assessment appeal could save hundreds of dollars annually—contact your county assessor to request your assessment and understand the appeal process for potential reductions.

Cost of Living in Grundy County

via CostByCounty

Grundy Renters Face Modest Affordability Pressures

Grundy County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits just below the national benchmark, reflecting tight but manageable affordability for renters earning a median household income of $53,839. Monthly rents of $679 consume a moderate share of household earnings, comparable to national norms.

Grundy Slightly Below State Affordability Average

At 15.1%, Grundy County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it near the middle of statewide affordability. The median rent of $679 runs $89 cheaper than the state average, offering reasonable value for rural Missouri.

Grundy Balances Rents and Income Competitively

Grundy's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio positions it between stronger performers like Gasconade (12.4%) and Gentry (12.9%), and better than Douglas (16.5%) and Dunklin (16.0%). At $679 monthly rent with $53,839 income, Grundy offers middle-ground regional affordability.

Ownership More Affordable Than Renting

Grundy renters spend 15.1% of their $53,839 annual income on $679 monthly rent, but homeowners fare better at only 13.3% for ownership costs ($594/month). This pattern suggests that purchasing a median-valued home ($107,000) offers better affordability than renting in Grundy.

Grundy: Solid Value for Balanced Households

Grundy County suits relocating families seeking rural stability with reasonable housing costs: median home values ($107,000) stay affordable, and ownership costs ($594) beat rental prices. If you can secure stable employment at or near Grundy's $53,839 median income and prefer homeownership, this county delivers solid value.

Income & Jobs in Grundy County

via IncomeByCounty

Grundy faces familiar income gap

Grundy County's median household income of $53,839 trails the national median of $74,755 by 28%, reflecting typical rural Missouri economic challenges. The shortfall mirrors patterns seen across many Great Plains and Upper Midwest counties.

Below-state-average earnings county

At $53,839, Grundy County earns about 10% less than Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the lower half of state counties. Per capita income of $30,705 closely matches the state average of $31,011, suggesting fairly typical income distribution.

Lower-earning neighbor in region

Grundy County's $53,839 median income exceeds only Douglas County ($49,828) and Dunklin County ($47,368), while falling short of Dent County ($54,306) and Gentry County ($57,458). The county represents lower end of northwest Missouri economic range.

Rent remains affordable here

Grundy County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% keeps housing costs reasonable, allowing households to allocate funds toward savings and other needs. Median home values of $107,000 are among the most affordable in the region, enabling genuine homeownership access.

Affordable housing fuels wealth building

Grundy County's low housing costs create genuine opportunity for wealth accumulation—focus on maximizing down payments and building home equity over time. Pair homeownership with consistent retirement contributions to build a diversified financial foundation.

Safety in Grundy County

via CrimeByCounty

Grundy County outperforms national safety norms

Grundy County’s total crime rate of 1,204.7 per 100,000 is about half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 98.1. Local law enforcement maintains a controlled environment with two active reporting agencies.

Safety scores remain above the state average

Grundy County's safety score of 98.1 is better than the Missouri state average of 97.0. It provides a secure setting for its residents compared to many other parts of the state. The county consistently ranks in the upper tier of Missouri's safe jurisdictions.

Comparing Grundy to its Missouri regional peers

Grundy County is safer than Dunklin County (2,236.1) and Dent County (1,364.7). However, it sees more crime than Gasconade County, which reports a lower rate of 662.1. It sits in a healthy middle position for safety within the region.

Violent crime remains rare for local residents

The violent crime rate is just 131.6 per 100,000, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of local activity at 1,073.1, though it is still relatively low. Most interactions with law enforcement involve non-violent property disputes.

Security measures can further reduce property crime

To counter local property crime, residents should consider installing perimeter lighting and security cameras. These simple additions can act as powerful deterrents for theft and burglary. Protecting your assets ensures that Grundy County remains a peaceful place to live.

Health in Grundy County

via HealthByCounty

Grundy tracks U.S. life expectancy

Grundy County residents live an average of 74.1 years, 2.0 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About 20.8% report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 17.8%.

Modestly below Missouri average

Grundy's 74.1-year life expectancy falls 0.2 years short of Missouri's state average of 74.3 years. The county's 14.9% uninsured rate ranks among the state's highest, exceeding Missouri's 12.5% average by 2.4 points.

Mid-tier health with insurance gaps

Grundy's 74.1-year life expectancy places it in the middle of the eight-county region, between Gasconade and Gentry. Its 14.9% uninsured rate is second only to Gentry's 15.1%, pointing to coverage as a regional barrier.

Sparse primary care, robust mental health

Grundy has only 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a high 14.9% uninsured rate, making routine care difficult to access. Mental health providers are plentiful at 275 per 100K, suggesting specialized support outpaces general medicine.

Insurance unlocks primary care access

With 14.9% of Grundy County uninsured—the second-highest rate in the region—Healthcare.gov and Missouri Medicaid are critical resources. Coverage becomes essential given the scarcity of primary care providers (just 21 per 100K).

Schools in Grundy County

via SchoolsByCounty

Grundy County’s Integrated Schools

Grundy County serves 1,397 students through 7 public schools across 4 districts. The landscape is primarily elementary-focused, featuring 4 primary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools.

High Investment per Student

Local districts spend $7,043 per pupil, significantly outspending the Missouri state average of $6,334. This investment supports an 89.4% graduation rate, which comfortably exceeds the national average of 87.0%.

Trenton R-IX Anchors the County

Trenton R-IX is the largest district, educating 1,105 students—nearly 80% of the county's total enrollment. No charter schools exist in Grundy County, maintaining a focus on local community-led public schools.

A Mix of Town and Rural Campuses

The county features 5 rural schools and 2 town-based schools, with an average school size of 200 students. Rissler Elementary is the largest campus with 480 students, while Laredo R-VII serves just 47 students in a very intimate setting.

Invest in Your Family’s Future

With per-pupil spending that leads the region, Grundy County is a smart choice for education-minded homebuyers. Consider searching for homes in the Trenton area to be close to the county's largest and most resource-rich schools.

Disaster Risk in Grundy County

via RiskByCounty

Grundy County ranks well below national risk

At 27.86, Grundy County's composite risk score places it in the "very low" category and substantially below the national baseline. This favorable profile reflects a fortunate geographic position away from major seismic zones and hurricane paths.

Among Missouri's lowest-risk counties

Grundy County scores 27.86, placing it well below Missouri's state average of 50.56 and in the bottom tier of the state's 114 counties. Its consistent, moderate hazard exposure across all categories contributes to this safety ranking.

Safe within a relatively low-risk region

Grundy County's 27.86 score aligns with neighboring Gentry County (28.85) and other north-central Missouri counties that sit in a low-risk band. This makes the broader region one of Missouri's safest.

Tornado risk moderately elevated locally

Tornado risk at 64.69 is Grundy County's highest hazard, though it remains below the state average for tornado risk overall. Wildfire risk (46.79), flood risk (30.25), and earthquake risk (30.66) are all well-controlled; hurricane risk is minimal (14.48).

Standard homeowners coverage is appropriate

With very-low-risk standing, a standard homeowners policy including wind and hail coverage addresses Grundy County's primary exposures. Focus your preparedness efforts on tornado safety—a weather radio and safe-room plan—rather than specialized insurance products.

Weather & Climate in Grundy County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Continental Profile

Grundy County's 52.1°F annual average temperature mirrors the national median for continental climates. The area receives 39.9 inches of precipitation annually, keeping the landscape productive.

Cooler Temperatures in North Missouri

The county's average temperature of 52.1°F is nearly three degrees lower than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. This cooler profile is typical for counties located in the state's northern third.

Similar to its Northern Peers

Grundy County shares a similar climate with neighboring Harrison and Gentry counties, characterized by cold winters. Its 17.2 inches of snow is typical for the region but high for the state.

Bracing for Cold Januarys

Winter is prominent here, with an average December-to-February temperature of just 28.0°F. Summer peaks in July at 76.9°F, bringing about 34 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F.

Winter Preparedness is Key

Residents should prepare for 17 inches of snow and January lows of 24.8°F with proper home weatherization. Summertime outdoor activities require planning around the month's worth of 90-degree days.

Soil Quality in Grundy County

via SoilByCounty

The Gold Standard for Missouri Soil

Grundy County boasts a Soil Score of 78.1, the highest in the group, with a pH of 6.49 that nearly matches the national median. These Entisols are highly prized for their chemical balance and agricultural potential.

Balanced Silty Clay Loam

A composition of 53.4% silt and 25.6% clay creates a robust silty clay loam. This texture offers high nutrient capacity, though the 20.9% sand content ensures the soil remains more breathable than pure clay regions.

High Water Retention in Northern Missouri

Available water capacity is excellent at 0.200 in/in, surpassing the Missouri average of 0.183. While the 2.93% organic matter is lower than the state average, the soil's structure makes every bit of nutrition count for plants.

Reliable Drainage and Slow Infiltration

The soil is well drained but falls into Hydrologic Group C, meaning it has slow infiltration when fully saturated. It manages water effectively for most farming needs, provided that erosion control measures are in place.

Maximizing the Harvest in Zone 6a

The balanced pH and high water capacity in Zone 6a make Grundy County a premier location for a productive garden. Whether you are growing prize-winning tomatoes or staple grains, this soil provides a world-class starting point.

Lawn Care in Grundy County

via LawnByCounty

Grundy County: Missouri's Easiest Lawns

Grundy County is a premier location for lawn care, boasting an impressive difficulty score of 84.6. This is the highest score in the group and far exceeds the state average of 63.7. In the 6a Hardiness Zone, the climate and soil work together to favor the homeowner.

Ideal Conditions for Northern Grasses

With only 34 extreme heat days and 39.9 inches of rain, Grundy avoids the harsh extremes of the Bootheel. The 3623 growing degree days represent a steady, manageable pace for lawn growth. This allows cool-season grasses to remain vibrant without the constant threat of heat exhaustion.

Near-Perfect Soil Composition

The soil pH in Grundy County is 6.49, which is nearly perfect for turfgrass nutrient absorption. This silty clay loam is well-drained and contains 25.6% clay, providing excellent moisture-holding capacity. Most homeowners will find they need very few amendments to achieve a thick, healthy lawn.

Strong Natural Drought Defenses

Grundy County has experienced only 8 weeks of drought in the last year, and 0.0% of the county is in severe drought. This stability makes it easy to maintain a lawn with minimal supplemental watering. Even during the 72.6% abnormal dry spells, the high-quality soil helps turf retain its color longer.

Seize the Season in Grundy

Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass will look stunning in this 6a climate and fertile soil. Plan to seed after the April 20 last frost, ensuring the lawn is established before the October 20 first frost. The excellent soil pH means you can focus your efforts on simple mowing and occasional feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grundy County's county score?
Grundy County, Missouri has a composite county score of 51 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 Grundy County rank among counties in Missouri?
Grundy County ranks #56 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 Grundy County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Grundy County is $1,094, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Grundy County a tax score of 36.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grundy County?
The median household income in Grundy County, Missouri is $53,839 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grundy County earns an income score of 22.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grundy County, Missouri a good place to live?
Grundy County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Grundy 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 Grundy County with other counties side by side.