countyscore
59.1
County Score
Cost of Living 86.3Disaster Risk 84.3Lawn Care 75.2

County Report Card

About Holt County, Missouri

Strong National Standing

Holt County's composite score of 57.5 puts it well ahead of the 50.0 national median. This ranking places it in roughly the 70th percentile of all U.S. counties. Its profile is characterized by high levels of safety and environmental stability.

Leading the Missouri Average

The county scores significantly higher than the Missouri average of 50.3. It excels in providing a safe and cost-effective environment compared to the rest of the state. It represents a high-performing rural alternative to Missouri's more volatile urban centers.

Safety and Stability are Top Priority

Holt County boasts an exceptional Risk Score of 84.3, meaning it faces very few environmental hazards. Affordability is also a major strength, with a Cost Score of 82.7 and a median home value of $122,300. Safety metrics are solid at 56.2, exceeding many regional peers.

Water and Infrastructure Needs

The most significant weakness is a Water Score of 18.2, which indicates a need for better local water quality or infrastructure. While the Income Score of 34.3 is better than some neighbors, it still reflects a rural economy with limited high-paying jobs. The School Score of 41.9 also shows room for improvement.

Perfect for Families Seeking Security

Holt County is an excellent match for families and individuals prioritizing physical and financial security. The combination of low disaster risk and high housing affordability creates a very stable foundation for long-term living. It serves as a quiet, low-stress haven for those who don't mind a commute for higher-paying work.

2040608010060.586.356.25341.937.484.318.250.8Tax60.5Cost86.3Safety56.2Health53Schools41.9Income37.4Risk84.3Water18.2Weather50.859.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Holt County DNA

Foverall

How Holt County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Holt County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (86.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (18.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
60.5+8.5
Cost
86.3+38.3
Safety
56.2
Health
53
Schools
41.9-12.100000000000001
Income
37.4-13.600000000000001
Risk
84.3+37.3
Water
18.2-39.8
Weather
50.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Holt County?

Many homeowners in Holt 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

$138,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$650/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$138,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,187/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

70.5

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
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Nearby counties

Richardson County
Nebraska
59.9
Doniphan County
Kansas
60.8
Andrew County
Missouri
53.5
Brown County
Kansas
50.5
Atchison County
Missouri
57.4
Nodaway County
Missouri
50.1
Nemaha County
Nebraska
56.7
Buchanan County
Missouri
31.7

Deep Dives

Holt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Holt County

via TaxByCounty

Holt County's moderate national standing

Holt County's effective rate of 0.773% falls below the national median of 0.94%, placing it near the 35th percentile nationally. With a median home value of $122,300, residents pay $945 annually—less than 35% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Missouri average

Holt County's 0.773% rate edges modestly above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, ranking it comfortably in the middle tier of the state's 114 counties. The median tax of $945 runs well below the state median of $1,199, benefiting from lower home values.

Lower-cost neighbor in the region

Holt's 0.773% rate compares favorably to Harrison County (0.824%) and significantly undercuts Jackson County's 1.148%. Among this group of north and central Missouri counties, Holt offers moderate taxation and moderate home prices.

Holt County annual tax snapshot

A median home valued at $122,300 in Holt County incurs a tax of roughly $945 annually under the 0.773% rate, or about $79 per month. Mortgage-related assessments can increase the annual bill to approximately $1,041.

Know your appeal rights in Holt

Holt County homeowners who believe their property is overvalued relative to comparable sales have the statutory right to appeal their assessment. Filing a timely challenge could result in a lower valuation and reduced annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Holt County

via IncomeByCounty

Holt County approaches national parity

Holt County's median household income of $58,516 closes the gap significantly, falling only 21.7% below the national median of $74,755. This positions Holt as a stronger economic performer within rural Missouri.

Slightly below state average

At $58,516, Holt County trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by just 1.7%—nearly on parity. This alignment suggests Holt's economy reflects broader state-level conditions.

Second strongest in regional cohort

Holt County's $58,516 income ranks second among these eight counties, trailing only Howard County ($62,628) and Jackson County ($67,178). The county outpaces Harrison ($53,364), Henry ($56,621), and other peers substantially.

Excellent housing affordability

Holt County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.4%, signaling robust housing affordability. Households retain strong financial flexibility despite modest absolute incomes.

Capitalize on economic strength

With per capita income of $34,933 and minimal housing burden, Holt County households are positioned to build meaningful savings. Regular retirement contributions and modest investments in home equity or education can compound into substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Holt County

via CrimeByCounty

Holt County Securely Beats National Rates

Holt County boasts a safety score of 98.4, indicating a high level of security. Its total crime rate of 1006.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Performing Well Above Missouri Averages

With three agencies reporting, Holt County maintains a safety score higher than the state average of 97.0. Local crime rates are nearly 50% lower than the Missouri average.

A Safer Choice for the Region

Holt County remains much safer than many neighboring areas, with a total crime rate of 1006.1 per 100K. It offers a tranquil environment compared to more populated Missouri counties.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

The violent crime rate of 257.4 per 100K is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime also stays low at 748.7, compared to over 2,015 nationwide.

Simple Steps to Deter Property Crime

Maintaining exterior lighting and participating in neighborhood watch programs helps keep crime rates low. Secure locks and visibility are the best defenses for Holt County residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Holt County

via WeatherByCounty

Northwestern Missouri's Seasonal Rhythm

Holt County's 52.7°F annual average temperature is typical for a continental climate in the American heartland. It experiences four distinct seasons with significant temperature variation throughout the year.

Cooler than the Missouri Average

At 52.7°F, Holt County is cooler than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. This northern location results in colder winters than the central and southern parts of the state.

Typical Border County Climate

Holt County shares the cold-winter profile of its neighbors along the Nebraska and Iowa borders. Its 31 extreme heat days are fewer than many counties in the Missouri interior.

Cold Winters and Breezy Summers

January is the coldest month with an average of 25.3°F, while July peaks at a warm 76.9°F. The county averages 31 days of extreme heat where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Spans

Residents must plan for a 51-degree difference between average January and July temperatures. While precipitation data is limited, the cold 28.6°F winter average requires reliable home heating.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Holt County

via SoilByCounty

Naturally Sweet and Alkaline Soils

Holt County boasts an average pH of 6.84, making it one of the few Missouri counties more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This 'sweet' soil is significantly less acidic than the state average of 6.09. These conditions are ideal for nutrient uptake in many commercial crops.

High Silt Content for Prime Farming

The soil profile is dominated by 59.8% silt and 25.2% clay, with a low 15.0% sand content. This composition results in a dense soil that is excellent at holding onto essential minerals. It provides a stable, fine-textured environment that is prized for its agricultural potential.

Exceptional Water Capacity for Crops

Available Water Capacity is a strong 0.201 in/in, beating the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. While the 2.77% organic matter is lower than the state average of 4.74%, it still exceeds the national average of 2.0%. This combination ensures that plants have access to water even during the height of summer.

Unique Subaqueous Drainage Characteristics

The dominant drainage class is identified as subaqueous, suggesting that certain areas are subject to permanent or frequent saturation. Hydrologic group data is not currently specified, requiring local land managers to closely monitor water tables. These conditions are often found near the county's significant river borders.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6a

In Hardiness Zone 6a, Holt County is a prime spot for corn, soybeans, and large-scale vegetable gardens. A respectable soil score of 69.7 reflects the high-quality growing conditions found across the county. Your garden will thrive here with minimal pH adjustment needed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Holt County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Success in Northwest Missouri

Holt County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 75.2, making it one of the easier places in the state to maintain a yard. The zone 6a climate is well-suited for traditional lawn care, exceeding both state and national ease-of-care benchmarks.

Temperate Conditions for Turf

While local precipitation data is limited, the 31 extreme heat days are lower than the Missouri average of 37. This reduced heat stress, combined with 3738 growing degree days, creates a manageable environment for cool-season grasses.

Excellent pH and Loamy Base

With a soil pH of 6.84, your land is perfectly balanced for nutrient absorption without the need for heavy amendments. The subaqueous drainage and 25.2% clay content suggest that maintaining good aeration will prevent waterlogging.

Short Drought Cycles and Current Dryness

Holt County experienced just 7 weeks of drought in the past year, significantly less than many neighboring regions. However, with 100% of the area currently abnormally dry, a consistent watering schedule is currently required to maintain color.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass perform well here, especially when seeded after the April 16 frost date. Use the long fall window before the October 20 frost to overseed and repair any thin patches from summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holt County's county score?
Holt County, Missouri has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Holt County rank among counties in Missouri?
Holt County ranks #24 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 Holt County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Holt County is $967, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Holt County a tax score of 60.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Holt County?
The median household income in Holt County, Missouri is $61,187 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Holt County earns an income score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Holt County, Missouri a good place to live?
Holt County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Holt 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 Holt County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.