countyscore
50.3
County Score
Lawn Care 84.7Cost of Living 81.3Soil Quality 75.3

County Report Card

About Harrison County, Missouri

A Typical Slice of American Life

Harrison County sits right at the national midpoint with a CountyScore of 50.3, placing it in the 51st percentile of all U.S. counties. Its overall quality of life aligns closely with the national median score of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that mirrors many rural Midwestern communities.

Matching the Missouri Average

Within the Show-Me State, the county perfectly matches the Missouri state average composite score of 50.3. It maintains a middle-of-the-pack standing among Missouri's 115 counties. Residents experience a baseline of services and economic activity typical for the region.

Affordability Anchors the Local Economy

Extreme affordability is the county's primary draw, evidenced by a high Cost Score of 81.3. Median monthly rent is just $666, and the median home value sits at a modest $107,400. Low environmental hazard risks also bolster the profile with a Risk Score of 70.7.

Economic and Educational Headwinds

The county faces hurdles in income and education, with a School Score of 20.9 and an Income Score of 21.4. The median household income of $53,364 lags significantly behind national leaders. Water quality metrics also present a challenge with a score of 22.2.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Rural Living

This county best suits retirees or remote workers who prioritize low housing costs over local career advancement. The combination of extremely low home values and low environmental risk offers a stable, quiet lifestyle. It is a prime choice for those looking to maximize their purchasing power in a traditional setting.

Score breakdown

Tax51.1Cost81.3Safety47.2Health50.9Schools20.9Income21.4Risk70.7Water22.2Weather52.5
🏛51.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱84.7
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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Compare Harrison County with Appling County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

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59.4
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Mercer County
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Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harrison County

via TaxByCounty

Harrison's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.824%, Harrison County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.94%, placing it in roughly the 25th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $885 annually on a median home valued at $107,400—less than a third of the national median home value of $281,900.

Above average for Missouri

Harrison County's 0.824% rate exceeds Missouri's state average of 0.733%, ranking it in the upper half of the state's 114 counties. The median tax bill of $885 runs slightly below the state median of $1,199, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Mid-range among regional peers

Harrison sits between Henry County (0.801%) and Holt County (0.773%) but above Hickory County's notably low 0.472% rate. Among this cluster of north-central Missouri counties, Harrison's rate is competitive and close to the regional average.

What a typical homeowner pays

On Harrison's median home value of $107,400, the effective tax rate of 0.824% translates to roughly $885 annually, or about $74 per month. With mortgage-related assessments, that bill can rise to approximately $1,027 per year.

Your assessment might be too high

Property assessments across Missouri are frequently challenged successfully, and Harrison County homeowners have the right to appeal their valuations. If you believe your home is overassessed relative to comparable properties, requesting a reassessment review could lower your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harrison County

via CostByCounty

Harrison rents eat 15% of income

Harrison County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% sits just below the national norm, meaning renters here spend a manageable slice of earnings on housing. That's better than the typical American renter, who dedicates roughly 30% of income to rent—a key measure of affordability experts track.

Better than Missouri average

At 15.0%, Harrison County's rent burden slightly beats Missouri's state average of 15.6%, positioning it among the more affordable counties statewide. Median rents here are also lower at $666 monthly versus the state median of $768.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Harrison's $666 rent and $107,400 median home value offer solid value compared to nearby regions with similar economic profiles. Adjacent counties like Holt ($702 rent, $122,300 homes) and Howell ($722 rent, $161,000 homes) show Harrison holds its own on affordability.

Monthly housing costs breakdown

Renters pay $666 monthly while owners face $685 monthly, both feeding into a median household income of $53,364. That means renters dedicate about $8,000 yearly to housing, while owners invest slightly more in building equity.

Consider Harrison for balance

If you're hunting for a county where housing won't dominate your budget, Harrison delivers below-state-average rents and home values without sacrificing community stability. Your income stretches further here than in pricier Missouri counties, leaving room for other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harrison County

via IncomeByCounty

Harrison trails national income standard

Harrison County's median household income of $53,364 falls 28.7% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects economic headwinds common to rural Missouri counties competing in a knowledge-driven national economy.

Below average across Missouri

At $53,364, Harrison County earns about 10.4% less than Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county ranks in the lower half of Missouri's 115 counties by median household income.

Mixed fortunes among peer counties

Harrison's $53,364 income sits between Hickory County ($35,084) and Holt County ($58,516). Nearby Henry County ($56,621) and Howard County ($62,628) demonstrate stronger economic performance in the region.

Housing costs stay manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.0%, Harrison County households allocate a healthy proportion of earnings to housing, staying below the 30% threshold that signals affordability stress. The median home value of $107,400 remains accessible relative to local incomes.

Build savings despite income gaps

Harrison County households can strengthen financial resilience through consistent budgeting and automatic savings plans. With manageable housing costs and a per capita income of $25,701, even modest investment contributions compound into meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harrison County

via CrimeByCounty

Harrison County Outpaces National Safety Benchmarks

Harrison County earns an impressive safety score of 98.1, far exceeding the state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1184.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Missouri Safety

The county ranks as a safe haven within Missouri, maintaining a total crime rate significantly lower than the state average of 1926.2. Two reporting agencies work to keep local crime well below state levels.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

Harrison County provides a more secure environment than many of its Missouri neighbors. Its total crime rate remains roughly 40% lower than the broader state average.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Safety

Violent crime is exceptionally rare here at 122.1 per 100K, which is about one-third of the national rate. Property crime accounts for 1062.3 per 100K, still sitting far below the national average of 2,015.7.

Keep Harrison County Safe and Secure

Strong community ties and basic security measures keep property crime low. Installing smart lighting and doorbell cameras helps maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harrison County

via HealthByCounty

Harrison County lives longer than most

At 77.1 years, Harrison County residents live nearly 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 20.3% report poor or fair health, suggesting strong baseline wellness across the community.

Among Missouri's healthiest counties

Harrison County's 77.1-year life expectancy ranks well above Missouri's state average of 74.3 years—a 2.8-year advantage. This positions the county in the upper tier of health outcomes statewide.

Outpacing surrounding county health

Harrison County residents live 3-4 years longer than neighbors in Hickory and Howell counties, which average 73-73.5 years. The county's mental health provider density at 97 per 100K is competitive with regional peers.

Good coverage, tight primary care access

Only 10.6% of Harrison County residents lack health insurance—below the state average of 12.5%. However, primary care provider availability at 25 per 100K is lower than some peers, meaning residents may face longer wait times for routine appointments.

Keep your coverage strong and current

With 89.4% of residents already insured, Harrison County is on track. If your coverage has lapsed or changed, visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to ensure you're protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harrison County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Harrison County Students

Harrison County maintains a local education infrastructure consisting of 13 public schools across five distinct districts. This network serves 1,384 total students, ranging from five elementary campuses to six high schools and one middle school.

Evaluating Performance and Educational Investment

The county's 79.0% graduation rate trails both the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite this gap, per-pupil spending of $6,799 exceeds the state average of $6,334, though it remains well below the national median of $13,000.

South Harrison Co. R-II Leads the Region

South Harrison Co. R-II is the county's primary district, managing five schools and educating 808 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, keeping all 1,384 students in traditional public school settings.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Setting

With 11 of 13 schools located in rural areas, the average school size is a modest 126 students. While South Harrison Elementary serves a larger group of 309 children, many campuses offer the close-knit feel typical of small-town Missouri education.

Establishing Roots in Harrison County Schools

Families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle should explore homes near the South Harrison Co. R-II district. With small class sizes and personalized attention, these schools offer a unique alternative to crowded suburban districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harrison County

via RiskByCounty

Harrison County sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 29.33, Harrison County ranks as Very Low and sits comfortably below the national average. This means your county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties, though specific hazards still warrant attention.

Among Missouri's safest counties

Harrison County's score of 29.33 is less than 58% of Missouri's average risk score of 50.56, placing it in the safer tier statewide. Compared to your state peers, you're in a favorable position for natural disaster risk.

Safer than nearby Gentry County

Harrison County's risk profile is notably safer than neighboring counties across northern Missouri. Your composite score of 29.33 puts you among the region's lower-risk areas, though wildfire and tornado threats remain moderate concerns.

Wildfires and tornadoes top concerns

Wildfire risk scores 60.05 and tornado risk reaches 58.14 in Harrison County—both significant enough to require preparedness planning. Flood risk (28.05) and earthquake risk (25.70) are lower concerns, but early warning systems and emergency plans remain essential.

Prepare for fire and storm damage

Given your county's moderate wildfire and tornado exposure, homeowners should verify their insurance covers wind, hail, and fire damage. Review your policy annually and maintain defensible space around your home, especially if located in wooded areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harrison County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the National Average

Harrison County's annual average of 51.8°F makes it one of the cooler locations in the region. It maintains a steady 39.1 inches of precipitation, supporting its local agricultural economy.

One of Missouri's Coldest Counties

Averaging 51.8°F, Harrison County sits more than three degrees below the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It represents the colder extreme of Missouri's climate spectrum.

The Snow Capital of the Region

Harrison County receives 21.2 inches of snow, which is significantly higher than many surrounding counties. It also experiences only 24 extreme heat days, fewer than its neighbors to the south.

Rigorous Winters and Mild Summers

Winter dominates the calendar with an average temperature of 27.9°F and substantial snowfall. Summer stays relatively comfortable with a July average of 76.4°F and fewer extreme heat events.

Invest in Heavy Winter Gear

The 21.2 inches of annual snow requires high-quality shovels or snow blowers for every household. Energy bills often peak in winter here, so robust heating systems and insulation are vital.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harrison County

via SoilByCounty

A Slightly Acidic Foundation in Harrison

Harrison County features a pH level of 6.36, placing it slightly above the Missouri state average of 6.09. While this is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it remains within a healthy range for many staple crops. Specific taxonomic and texture classifications are currently unavailable for this area.

Silt-Heavy Soils Drive Strong Performance

The soil contains 53.3% silt and 26.8% clay, creating a heavy-bodied profile that holds its shape well. With only 19.9% sand, these fields focus on nutrient retention rather than rapid drainage. This mix offers a solid foundation for agriculture but requires careful management to avoid compaction.

Superior Water Storage for Local Crops

At 3.04%, the organic matter content beats the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the state average of 4.74%. The county excels in Available Water Capacity at 0.201 in/in, which is significantly higher than the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. This makes Harrison's soil particularly resilient during dry spells.

Managing Subaqueous Soil Landscapes

The dominant drainage class is categorized as subaqueous, indicating unique water-saturated conditions in parts of the county. While specific hydrologic group data is missing, this classification suggests a need for specialized water management strategies for builders and farmers. Local land use must account for high moisture levels in the soil profile.

Resilient Growing in Hardiness Zone 5b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Harrison County supports hardy vegetables and cool-season grains. The high water capacity and respectable soil score of 75.3 provide an excellent starting point for any garden. Start your planting season early with cold-tolerant crops like kale or peas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harrison County

via LawnByCounty

A Lawn Care Leader in Missouri

Harrison County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 84.7, significantly outperforming the Missouri state average of 63.7. Situated in hardiness zone 5b, homeowners here find it much easier to maintain a lush yard than the typical American property.

Perfect Precipitation and Cool Summers

The county receives 39.1 inches of annual precipitation, falling right within the ideal range for healthy turf growth. With only 24 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces 13 fewer days of heat stress than the Missouri average.

Balancing Subaqueous Soils and Ideal pH

The soil pH of 6.36 is nearly perfect for nutrient uptake in most grass varieties. While the drainage class is listed as subaqueous, the 26.8% clay content suggests you should monitor for potential compaction during wet periods.

Resilient Against Prolonged Dry Spells

Harrison County saw only 9 weeks of drought over the last year, which is remarkably low for the region. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, so focused watering of root zones is more efficient than broad spraying.

Early Spring Start for 5b Lawns

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in zone 5b when seeded after the last frost on April 16. Aim to establish your lawn early to take advantage of the 3530 growing degree days before the October frosts arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harrison County's county score?
Harrison County, Missouri has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Harrison County rank among counties in Missouri?
Harrison County ranks #58 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 Harrison County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Harrison County is $885, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 51.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, Missouri is $53,364 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 21.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, Missouri a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Harrison 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 Harrison County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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