Howell County's composite score of 77.5 beats the national median of 50.0 by 55%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. Exceptional tax efficiency and housing affordability drive this above-average livability rating.
2 / 5
Top-tier for Missouri
Howell County scores 77.5 against Missouri's state average of 74.8, ranking in the upper tier statewide. The county stands out among rural Missouri peers for fiscal efficiency.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes in the region
Howell County boasts a tax score of 86.7 with an effective rate of just 0.554%—the lowest among this group and a major draw. The cost score of 85.9, combined with median home values of $161,000 and monthly rent of $722, provides solid housing affordability.
4 / 5
Income growth opportunity limited
The income score of 15.9 reflects modest earning potential, with median household income at $49,814—below state benchmarks. Gaps in safety, health, and school data require additional independent research.
5 / 5
Ideal for tax-conscious retirees
Howell County is tailor-made for retirees and income-secure households seeking the lowest possible tax burden with reasonable housing costs. A 77.5 livability score combined with the region's most favorable tax environment makes it exceptionally attractive for fixed-income folks.
Howell County's composite score of 77.5 beats the national median of 50.0 by 55%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. Exceptional tax efficiency and housing affordability drive this above-average livability rating.
Top-tier for Missouri
Howell County scores 77.5 against Missouri's state average of 74.8, ranking in the upper tier statewide. The county stands out among rural Missouri peers for fiscal efficiency.
Lowest taxes in the region
Howell County boasts a tax score of 86.7 with an effective rate of just 0.554%—the lowest among this group and a major draw. The cost score of 85.9, combined with median home values of $161,000 and monthly rent of $722, provides solid housing affordability.
Income growth opportunity limited
The income score of 15.9 reflects modest earning potential, with median household income at $49,814—below state benchmarks. Gaps in safety, health, and school data require additional independent research.
Ideal for tax-conscious retirees
Howell County is tailor-made for retirees and income-secure households seeking the lowest possible tax burden with reasonable housing costs. A 77.5 livability score combined with the region's most favorable tax environment makes it exceptionally attractive for fixed-income folks.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Howell County's 0.554% effective rate sits substantially below the national median of 0.94%, placing it in roughly the 15th percentile nationally. At a median home value of $161,000, homeowners pay just $892 annually—a third of the national median property tax of $2,690.
Below average for Missouri
Howell County's 0.554% rate runs meaningfully below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, ranking it among the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $892 falls well below the state median of $1,199 despite relatively higher home values.
Low-tax leader of its peer group
Howell's 0.554% rate is exceeded only by Hickory County's exceptional 0.472%, and substantially undercuts Iron County (0.651%), Harrison County (0.824%), and Jackson County (1.148%). This positions Howell as one of the region's most affordable counties for property taxation.
Howell County's modest tax bill
On a median home valued at $161,000, Howell County's 0.554% rate yields an annual tax of approximately $892, or roughly $74 per month. The bill remains relatively stable even with mortgage-related assessments at about $909 yearly.
Appeal your assessment if needed
Despite Howell's favorable county-wide rates, individual properties can still be overassessed relative to fair market value. If your assessed value appears inflated compared to recent comparable sales, Missouri law supports your right to file an appeal.
Howell County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits noticeably above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, signaling affordability challenges for renters. With median household income at $49,814 and monthly rents of $722, housing costs edge toward financial strain.
Above-average rent burden statewide
At 17.4%, Howell County ranks among Missouri's less affordable counties, exceeding the state median by 1.8 percentage points. This gap reflects lower incomes paired with housing demand that outpaces regional norms.
Pricier with lower incomes
Howell County's $722 rent falls between Henry ($740) and Harrison ($666), but combined with the lowest median income in its peer group ($49,814), creates relative affordability pressure. Its $161,000 median home value suggests investment appeal despite rental strain.
Rents outpace income growth
Renters pay $722 monthly on a median household income of just $49,814, consuming 17.4% of earnings—approaching concerning levels. Owners spend $634 monthly (15.3% of income), giving homebuyers a relative advantage over renters here.
Howell favors homebuyers over renters
Relocating renters should weigh Howell's above-average rent burden against its lower home values and investment potential—buying might offer better long-term economics. If you're moving with solid income or purchasing power, Howell's stronger home appreciation prospects may justify the higher cost of living.
Howell County's median household income of $49,814 falls 33.4% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Ozark communities.
Below state average by 16.3%
At $49,814, Howell County lags Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the lower half of the state's income distribution. The county faces economic headwinds relative to state-level conditions.
Mid-range within peer counties
Howell County's $49,814 income ranks fifth among these eight counties, ahead of Hickory ($35,084) and Iron ($51,161) but behind Harrison and Henry. This middle-ground position reflects mixed economic momentum.
Housing costs rise moderately
Howell County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% remains manageable, though notably higher than stronger-income counties. The median home value of $161,000 creates a heavier burden relative to local earning power.
Pursue income diversification
With per capita income of $26,493, Howell County households benefit from exploring second income streams or side ventures. Small, consistent savings in low-cost investment vehicles can grow substantially over decades.
At 72.6 years, Howell County residents live 3.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly one in four—23.5%—report poor or fair health, a concerning rate indicating widespread wellness challenges.
Below state average in life expectancy
Howell County's 72.6-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years short of Missouri's state average of 74.3 years. The 13.0% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 12.5%, compounding healthcare access barriers.
Struggling despite provider availability
Howell County's 72.6-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in the region—5.6 years below Holt County. Despite having 88 primary care providers per 100K and 260 mental health providers per 100K, underlying health disparities persist.
Provider abundance doesn't eliminate barriers
Howell County boasts strong provider networks: 88 primary care providers and 260 mental health providers per 100K. Yet with 13.0% uninsured and 23.5% reporting poor/fair health, systemic barriers to care remain significant.
Coverage is your foundation for care
Howell County's 13.0% uninsured rate shows many residents need support accessing healthcare. Visit healthcare.gov or call a local health navigator to secure coverage and begin improving your health outcomes.
Howell County's composite risk score of 77.77 significantly exceeds the national average, though it maintains a Relatively Low overall rating. This means your county encounters considerably more natural disaster exposure than a typical American county.
Among Missouri's higher-risk counties
At 77.77, Howell County scores 154% of Missouri's average of 50.56, ranking it in the state's upper-risk tier. Your county faces substantially more multi-hazard exposure than most Missouri communities.
Significantly riskier than Iron County
Howell County's 77.77 score exceeds Iron County (69.50) and all central Missouri neighbors by substantial margins. Your county represents one of the state's most hazard-exposed communities, particularly for earthquake and flood risks.
Earthquake and flood threats severe
Earthquake risk scores 91.06 and flood risk reaches 79.61—both critical concerns placing Howell County among Missouri's most seismically and hydrologically vulnerable areas. Tornado risk (76.62) and wildfire risk (75.45) compound the exposure, making this a multi-hazard hotspot.
Comprehensive protection essential
Howell County residents must secure robust homeowner's insurance explicitly covering earthquake, flood, and windstorm damage—standard policies often exclude these. Work with a local agent to ensure full coverage and maintain emergency supplies, an evacuation plan, and secure household items against seismic activity.