countyscore
59.3
County Score
Cost of Living 89.8Safety 79.3Property Tax 68.4

County Report Card

About Iron County, Missouri

Exceeding National Expectations

Iron County delivers a strong performance with a composite score of 59.3, well above the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the top 20% of counties for livability nationwide. Its high rank is fueled by excellent safety and extreme affordability.

A Top-Tier Missouri Performer

At 59.3, Iron County significantly outpaces the Missouri average of 50.3. It stands as a premier destination for those seeking a high quality of life at a low cost. It offers a much higher safety rating than the Missouri state norm.

Incredible Safety and Housing Value

Iron County's Cost Score of 89.8 is nearly unmatched, with a median home value of just $113,000. It also provides a very secure environment, evidenced by a high Safety Score of 79.3. The effective tax rate of 0.651% further enhances the financial appeal for residents.

Critical Infrastructure Deficits

Water quality is a major outlier, with a Water Score of only 5.5—the lowest in the region. Health access and environmental risk also pose challenges, with scores of 23.2 and 30.5 respectively. Additionally, the Income Score of 17.0 reflects a limited local job market.

Ideal for Safety-Seeking Bargain Hunters

This county is a perfect match for retirees or remote workers who want maximum safety and minimum housing costs. It offers an exceptionally high standard of living for those who don't rely on the local economy for high wages. Residents should plan to invest in home water filtration and travel for specialized medical care.

2040608010068.489.879.323.252.51730.55.553.5Tax68.4Cost89.8Safety79.3Health23.2Schools52.5Income17Risk30.5Water5.5Weather53.559.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Iron County DNA

Foverall

How Iron County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Iron County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (89.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.4+16.400000000000006
Cost
89.8+41.8
Safety
79.3+24.299999999999997
Health
23.2-26.8
Schools
52.5
Income
17-34
Risk
30.5-16.5
Water
5.5-52.5
Weather
53.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$671/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,161/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.1

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

Reynolds County
Missouri
66.2
Madison County
Missouri
46
St. Francois County
Missouri
37.2
Washington County
Missouri
51.4
Dent County
Missouri
55.5
Wayne County
Missouri
50
Shannon County
Missouri
61.3
Crawford County
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40.7

Deep Dives

Iron County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Iron County

via TaxByCounty

Iron County below national average

Iron County's effective rate of 0.651% sits below the national median of 0.94%, landing it near the 25th percentile nationally. With a median home value of $113,000, residents pay $736 annually—roughly 27% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Below Missouri's statewide average

Iron County's 0.651% rate runs below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, placing it among the more affordable counties in the state. The median tax of $736 sits well below the state median of $1,199, making Iron a relatively low-tax destination.

Mid-range in regional comparison

Iron County's 0.651% rate sits between Howell County's lower 0.554% and Hickory County's exceptional 0.472%, while running well below Jackson County's 1.148%. Among its peer group, Iron offers solid tax affordability in the mid-range.

Iron County tax calculation

On Iron's median home value of $113,000, the effective rate of 0.651% produces an annual tax of approximately $736, or about $61 per month. Including mortgage-related assessments, the annual bill can reach roughly $875.

Review your Iron County assessment

Iron County homeowners should periodically verify their property assessment against recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. If your assessed value appears misaligned with similar properties, you have the right to file an appeal under Missouri law.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Iron County

via CostByCounty

Iron keeps rents within reason

Iron County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% matches Missouri's state average of 15.6%, signaling stable, manageable housing costs for renters. With monthly rents of $671 and median household income of $51,161, housing consumes a reasonable share of earnings.

Right on Missouri's affordability line

At 15.7%, Iron County sits practically even with the state average, offering neither premium affordability nor affordability strain. Its rents of $671 run slightly below the state median of $768, reflecting modest housing demand.

Competitive small-county pricing

Iron County's $671 rent ranks among the lowest in its peer group, undercutting Harrison ($666) only slightly while beating Henry ($740) and Howell ($722). Home values of $113,000 align with smaller, rural Missouri counties seeking affordability.

Balanced rent and ownership costs

Renters pay $671 monthly while owners invest $554 against a median household income of $51,161. This means renters dedicate 15.7% of earnings to housing, while owners commit just 13.0%—both well within sustainable ranges.

Iron offers quiet affordability

If you seek a low-key Missouri county where housing costs won't strain your budget, Iron delivers competitive rents and manageable mortgages without drawing crowds. It's ideal for remote workers or retirees prioritizing affordability and community quietness over urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Iron County

via IncomeByCounty

Iron County significantly behind nationally

Iron County's median household income of $51,161 falls 31.6% below the national median of $74,755. This income deficit reflects long-standing economic challenges in mining-dependent regions.

Below average across Missouri

At $51,161, Iron County trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 14.0%, placing it among the lower-income counties statewide. Economic stagnation remains a persistent challenge.

Slightly above Howell and Hickory

Iron County's $51,161 income ranks sixth among these eight counties, edging out Howell ($49,814) and Hickory ($35,084) but trailing Harrison and Henry. Regional income disparities remain pronounced.

Manageable housing affordability

Iron County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% signals healthy housing affordability. The median home value of $113,000 remains within reasonable reach for local households.

Start where you are, build steadily

Iron County's per capita income of $26,755 requires disciplined savings, but even small monthly contributions compound significantly over time. Leveraging employer retirement plans and employer matches should be a priority.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Iron County

via CrimeByCounty

Iron County Ranks Among the Safest

Iron County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.2, making it one of the safest counties in the nation. Its total crime rate of 492.8 per 100K is 80% lower than the national average.

A Safety Leader in Missouri

Iron County far exceeds the Missouri average safety score of 97.0. Six agencies collaborate to maintain a crime rate that is nearly four times lower than the state average.

Setting the Standard for the Region

With a crime rate of only 492.8 per 100K, Iron County is significantly safer than neighboring jurisdictions. It serves as a regional model for low-crime communities.

Extremely Low Property Crime Rates

Property crime is remarkably rare at 272.6 per 100K, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also low at 220.2, making it a very secure place to live.

Maintain the Community's Safe Reputation

Basic security habits like locking vehicles and garages go a long way in this high-safety area. Consistent neighborhood awareness helps Iron County remain a leader in public safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Iron County

via SchoolsByCounty

Structured Learning in the Arcadia Valley

Iron County provides public education to 1,731 students through nine schools managed by four school districts. The county features four elementary campuses, four high schools, and one middle school.

Strong Outcomes Matching State Standards

The county's graduation rate of 94.1% is notably higher than both the state and national averages. Iron County spends $6,347 per pupil, almost exactly matching the Missouri state average of $6,334.

Arcadia Valley R-II Leads the Way

Arcadia Valley R-II is the county's largest district, serving 1,006 students across four schools. There are no charter schools in Iron County, ensuring that local public districts remain the bedrock of the community.

Rural Roots and Community Schools

With six rural and three town-based schools, the county maintains an average enrollment of 216 students per campus. Arcadia Valley Elementary is the largest school with 397 students, while several high schools offer smaller, more focused environments.

Find Your Future in Iron County

Iron County combines high graduation rates with a stable, well-funded school system. Families moving to the Arcadia Valley area will find a supportive community and schools that consistently outperform national standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iron County

via RiskByCounty

Iron County above-average national risk

Iron County's composite risk score of 69.50 exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating despite elevated exposure. Your county faces substantially more natural disaster threats than the typical American county.

Upper tier of Missouri risk

At 69.50, Iron County scores 137% of Missouri's statewide average of 50.56, placing it firmly in the state's higher-risk category. Your county ranks among Missouri's more hazard-exposed communities.

Riskier than most central neighbors

Iron County's 69.50 score exceeds Hickory County (23.47), Harrison County (29.33), and Henry County (52.77), but remains somewhat below Howell County (77.77). Your county faces elevated multi-hazard exposure compared to most regional peers.

Earthquake and flood dominate

Earthquake risk scores 78.09 and flood risk reaches 64.47—Iron County's two primary hazard concerns requiring serious preparation. Tornado (58.37) and wildfire (50.83) risks are also notable secondary threats.

Prioritize earthquake and flood coverage

Iron County homeowners should obtain separate earthquake and flood insurance policies, as standard homeowner's insurance excludes both. Review your coverage annually with a local agent and secure heavy furniture, creating a seismic safety plan for your household.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Iron County

via WaterByCounty

Iron County Records Severe Violation Levels

Iron County struggles with a water quality grade of F and a staggering 33 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 654.5 per 100,000 residents is more than eight times the state average.

Iron County Watershed Status Unassessed

Assessments for Iron County's water bodies are not yet included in the federal §303(d) reporting. There is currently no official data regarding impaired status or specific contaminant causes in this jurisdiction.

Monitoring Tracks Nutrients and Physical Health

Twelve monitoring sites have recorded 790 measurements in the last five years. These records primarily track physical conditions, nutrients, and inorganic metals to monitor environmental impact.

No USGS Streamgage in Local Watersheds

No primary USGS streamgage is currently active or representative for Iron County. In the absence of live flow data, drinking water compliance records serve as the primary signal for local water health.

High-Grade Filtration Essential for Iron County

The extreme violation rate of 654.5 per 100,000 people makes consistent home water filtration essential for safety. Families should specifically watch for boil orders or health advisories due to the high frequency of violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Iron County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silty Clay Loam Entisols

Iron County is characterized by silty clay loam soils within the Entisols order, showing an average pH of 5.64. This is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median and the state's 6.09 average. These young, undeveloped soils are typical of the rugged, rocky terrain found in the St. Francois Mountains.

Lower Clay Mix with High Silt

The soil contains 48.5% silt and only 11.6% clay, making it one of the less clayey profiles in the state. Sand accounts for 21.8% of the mix, contributing to a texture that is easier to work than heavy clays. However, the low clay content can limit the soil's ability to hold onto certain nutrients over time.

Extreme Organic Matter Levels Recorded

Iron County boasts a massive 14.70% organic matter content, nearly triple the Missouri state average of 4.74%. Despite this richness, the Available Water Capacity is very low at 0.152 in/in, well below the state benchmark of 0.183 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is nutrient-dense, it is very porous and drains water quickly.

Well Drained with High Runoff Risk

Classified as well drained, the soil belongs to hydrologic group C, which means it has a slow infiltration rate. This can lead to significant surface runoff during heavy Ozark rains despite the soil's ability to eventually dry out. Builders should be cautious of erosion and water management when working on slopes.

Mountain Gardening in Zone 6b

The 6b Hardiness Zone and incredible organic matter levels make this area unique for specialized gardening. A soil score of 58.3 suggests challenges, but native plants and acid-loving berries will thrive here. Embrace the natural richness of the soil and plant a forest garden that loves the mountain air.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Iron County

via LawnByCounty

Uphill Battle for Iron County Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of only 40.9, Iron County is one of the most challenging places in Missouri to grow grass. Homeowners here face conditions significantly tougher than the national average score of 50.0.

Unpredictable Weather Patterns

While specific temperature and precipitation averages are unavailable for this county, the high lawn difficulty score suggests volatile growing conditions. Local gardeners must rely on neighbor-to-neighbor knowledge and on-site monitoring to manage their watering schedules.

Acidic Silty Clay Loam Needs Lime

The soil pH of 5.64 is quite acidic and well below the ideal range for a thriving lawn. You will likely need lime amendments to balance this well-drained silty clay loam, which contains only 11.6% clay.

Severe Drought Affects One-Fifth of County

Iron County endured 28 weeks of drought over the past year, stressing even established root systems. Currently, 20.9% of the area is in severe drought (D2+), making water conservation and mulching essential for survival.

Prioritize Soil Prep in Zone 6b

In this zone 6b environment, focus on heat-tolerant fescue blends that can handle acidic soil better than bluegrass. Start with a soil test to address the 5.64 pH before seeding to give your new grass the best chance at establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iron County's county score?
Iron County, Missouri has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Iron County rank among counties in Missouri?
Iron County ranks #20 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 Iron County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Iron County is $736, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Iron County a tax score of 68.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iron County?
The median household income in Iron County, Missouri is $51,161 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iron County earns an income score of 17/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iron County, Missouri a good place to live?
Iron County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Iron 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 Iron County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.