Harrison County's composite score of 75.0 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50% advantage reflects a county where affordability and tax burden are well-managed relative to national standards.
2 / 5
Slightly above Missouri's midline
Harrison County ranks at 75.0 compared to Missouri's state average of 74.8, placing it just above the middle of the pack statewide. The county holds its own among peer Missouri counties, though several neighbors pull ahead on overall livability metrics.
3 / 5
Tax relief and affordable housing
Harrison County excels in affordability, with a cost score of 86.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.824%, well below national norms. Median home values of $107,400 and gross rent averaging $666/month make this county attractive to budget-conscious families and retirees.
4 / 5
Income growth lags statewide
The income score of 18.2 signals a significant gap, with median household income at $53,364—below state and national benchmarks. Limited data on health, schools, and safety means potential residents should seek additional community information before deciding.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious retirees
Harrison County suits people prioritizing affordability and low taxes over higher wages—think early retirees, remote workers with stable income, or families seeking rural peace. The solid overall score of 75.0 reflects a stable, low-cost community, though newcomers should research schools and healthcare independently.
Harrison County's composite score of 75.0 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50% advantage reflects a county where affordability and tax burden are well-managed relative to national standards.
Slightly above Missouri's midline
Harrison County ranks at 75.0 compared to Missouri's state average of 74.8, placing it just above the middle of the pack statewide. The county holds its own among peer Missouri counties, though several neighbors pull ahead on overall livability metrics.
Tax relief and affordable housing
Harrison County excels in affordability, with a cost score of 86.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.824%, well below national norms. Median home values of $107,400 and gross rent averaging $666/month make this county attractive to budget-conscious families and retirees.
Income growth lags statewide
The income score of 18.2 signals a significant gap, with median household income at $53,364—below state and national benchmarks. Limited data on health, schools, and safety means potential residents should seek additional community information before deciding.
Ideal for cost-conscious retirees
Harrison County suits people prioritizing affordability and low taxes over higher wages—think early retirees, remote workers with stable income, or families seeking rural peace. The solid overall score of 75.0 reflects a stable, low-cost community, though newcomers should research schools and healthcare independently.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.