Iron County's composite score of 77.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 55%, ranking among the most livable counties nationwide. Strong affordability and favorable tax structure account for this exceptional performance.
2 / 5
Top performer statewide
Iron County scores 77.7, well above Missouri's state average of 74.8, securing a prominent position among the state's most livable counties. It ranks among the strongest performers in this eight-county group.
3 / 5
Most affordable housing available
Iron County leads with the highest cost score of 88.1, backed by median home values of just $113,000 and the lowest monthly rent at $671. A tax score of 84.0 (0.651% effective rate) reinforces the affordability advantage.
4 / 5
Incomes constrain economic growth
The income score of 16.8 signals limited wage potential, with median household income at $51,161—below state averages. Critical gaps in safety, health, and school data leave important livability factors unassessed.
5 / 5
Premier budget-friendly destination
Iron County represents exceptional value for cost-conscious households—particularly retirees, remote workers, and those seeking maximum affordability. With a leading 77.7 livability score and the region's cheapest housing, it's the top choice for budget-first priorities.
Iron County's composite score of 77.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 55%, ranking among the most livable counties nationwide. Strong affordability and favorable tax structure account for this exceptional performance.
Top performer statewide
Iron County scores 77.7, well above Missouri's state average of 74.8, securing a prominent position among the state's most livable counties. It ranks among the strongest performers in this eight-county group.
Most affordable housing available
Iron County leads with the highest cost score of 88.1, backed by median home values of just $113,000 and the lowest monthly rent at $671. A tax score of 84.0 (0.651% effective rate) reinforces the affordability advantage.
Incomes constrain economic growth
The income score of 16.8 signals limited wage potential, with median household income at $51,161—below state averages. Critical gaps in safety, health, and school data leave important livability factors unassessed.
Premier budget-friendly destination
Iron County represents exceptional value for cost-conscious households—particularly retirees, remote workers, and those seeking maximum affordability. With a leading 77.7 livability score and the region's cheapest housing, it's the top choice for budget-first priorities.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛84
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 69.4 years, Iron County residents live 7 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—the lowest life expectancy among these eight counties. This dramatic gap signals urgent, systemic health challenges.
Missouri's lowest life expectancy
Iron County's 69.4-year life expectancy trails Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by nearly 5 years—the widest gap of any county analyzed. The 13.0% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average, intensifying healthcare barriers.
Stark disparity with regional peers
Iron County residents live 8.8 years less than Holt County and 6.7 years less than Harrison County. Despite having some primary and mental health providers, the county's 69.4-year life expectancy indicates profound underlying health crises.
Critical provider shortage and uninsured crisis
Iron County has only 11 primary care providers per 100K—among the lowest in the region—while 13.0% of residents lack health insurance. This dual shortage creates severe barriers to preventive and routine care.
Getting covered is critically urgent
With 13.0% uninsured and severe provider shortages, Iron County residents need coverage now. Visit healthcare.gov immediately or contact 1-800-MEDICARE to secure coverage and access available resources.
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.