countyscore
32
County Score
Water Quality 65.8Soil Quality 63Weather & Climate 60

County Report Card

About Jasper County, Missouri

Jasper County Trails National Averages

Jasper County earns a composite score of 32.0, falling significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more livability hurdles than approximately 68% of other counties across the country.

Below the Missouri State Benchmark

The county's overall score of 32.0 trails the Missouri state average of 50.3. This gap suggests that Jasper County remains one of the lower-ranking regions for quality-of-life metrics within the state.

Strong Water Infrastructure and Low Taxes

The county's primary strengths are its water score of 65.8 and a competitive tax score of 58.8. Residents benefit from an effective tax rate of just 0.739%, which is relatively low for the region.

Safety and School Performance Lag

Safety is a significant concern with a score of 2.6, alongside a low school score of 25.6. These factors, combined with a risk score of 14.4, present the biggest obstacles to overall community development.

A Value Choice with Trade-offs

Jasper County best suits individuals seeking a low-tax environment with very affordable housing at a median home value of $158,500. However, those prioritizing safety and public education may find better options elsewhere.

2040608010058.839.62.633.125.631.714.465.860Tax58.8Cost39.6Safety2.6Health33.1Schools25.6Income31.7Risk14.4Water65.8Weather6032/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Jasper County DNA

Foverall

How Jasper County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jasper County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (2.6/100), though Water Quality (65.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.8
Cost
39.6-8.399999999999999
Safety
2.6-52.4
Health
33.1-16.9
Schools
25.6-28.4
Income
31.7-19.3
Risk
14.4-32.6
Water
65.8
Weather
60
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$904/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,525/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.1

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

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42.6
Barton County
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44.6
Cherokee County
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42.1
Dade County
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Crawford County
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Lawrence County
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Ottawa County
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McDonald County
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Deep Dives

Jasper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jasper County

via TaxByCounty

Jasper's tax rate sits below the national norm

At 0.739%, Jasper County's effective property tax rate runs slightly above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, but significantly below the national median of 0.935%. Homeowners here pay roughly $1,171 annually on a median home valued at $158,500—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690, thanks to lower home values across the region.

Jasper ranks mid-range among Missouri counties

Jasper's effective tax rate places it roughly in the middle of Missouri's 115 counties, just slightly above the state average. The median tax bill of $1,171 is comparable to the statewide median of $1,199, making this a fairly typical Missouri county for property tax burden.

Jasper compares favorably to regional peers

Jasper's 0.739% rate falls between adjacent Lawrence County (0.606%) and Jefferson County (0.839%), positioning it as a moderate-tax option in south-central Missouri. Neighboring Johnson County offers a lower rate at 0.684%, while Laclede County to the north taxes at 0.652%—making Jasper slightly pricier than some western neighbors.

A $158,500 home costs about $1,171 yearly

The typical Jasper County homeowner with a median-valued property pays approximately $1,171 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation typically rises to $1,242 due to escrow requirements; without a mortgage, taxes drop to $1,018.

Many Jasper homeowners are overassessed

Property assessments aren't always accurate, and overassessed homeowners have a right to appeal. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match its true market value, filing a formal appeal with Jasper County could lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jasper County

via CostByCounty

Jasper rents bite harder than average

Jasper County renters spend 18.9% of their income on housing, outpacing the national norm by 3.4 percentage points. Meanwhile, median household income here sits at $57,525, nearly $17,200 below the U.S. average, making every dollar of rent feel heavier.

Above average strain in Missouri

Jasper's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% ranks it among the more burdened counties in Missouri, where the state average is 15.6%. At $904 monthly rent, Jasper residents pay $136 more than Missouri's median—a gap that compounds quickly on modest incomes.

Pricier than comparable counties

Jasper's $904 median rent compares unfavorably to nearby Lawrence County ($785) and Knox County ($661), both of which have lower rent-to-income ratios despite similar income levels. Renters here face a 37% higher monthly cost than in Knox County.

Housing costs squeeze Jasper incomes

Rent consumes $904 monthly while homeowners pay $924, leaving limited room in a $57,525 median household budget. Combined, housing takes up roughly 19% of pre-tax income for renters and 19% for owners—both above comfortable thresholds.

Shop nearby for better affordability

If Jasper's housing costs feel steep, neighboring Lawrence and Knox counties offer significantly lower rents without sacrificing regional access. A move south or east could cut your monthly housing bill by $140–$240 while keeping you in the same regional job market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jasper County

via IncomeByCounty

Jasper lags behind national income

Jasper County's median household income of $57,525 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $17,230 annually. This gap places Jasper below the national middle, meaning households here earn roughly 77 cents for every dollar earned nationwide.

Below-average income for Missouri

Jasper's median income of $57,525 ranks below Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. However, per capita income of $29,914 nearly matches the state average of $31,011, suggesting a more distributed income base.

Jasper earns more than rural peers

Compared to neighboring Knox County ($53,333) and Laclede County ($50,825), Jasper households earn significantly more, with an advantage of $4,000–$7,000 annually. Jasper outperforms these rural peers, though it lags Johnson County ($67,123) to the east.

Housing remains affordable here

Jasper's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% sits just above the national standard of 18%, meaning housing costs stay manageable for renters. With median home values at $158,500, homeownership remains within reach for many households.

Build financial resilience now

Jasper households should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring employer retirement plans to strengthen long-term financial security. Starting an investment strategy now—even with modest contributions—can compound significant gains over decades and help bridge the income gap with wealthier regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jasper County

via CrimeByCounty

Jasper County Crime Exceeds National Averages

Jasper County reports a total crime rate of 4287.1 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 93.2 out of 100.

Safety Score Falls Below State Average

The county's safety score of 93.2 trails the Missouri state average of 97.0. With 12 reporting agencies, the data provides a comprehensive look at how this region compares to its peers across the state.

Higher Crime Rates Than Neighboring Lawrence

Jasper’s crime rate of 4287.1 per 100,000 is nearly triple the rate of neighboring Lawrence County. This disparity highlights a more urban crime profile for Jasper compared to its quieter neighbors.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 3939.3 per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains low at 347.8, which is actually safer than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Securing Property in Jasper County

High property crime rates suggest that residents should prioritize home security systems and visible deterrents. Simple measures like motion-activated lighting help protect homes from theft and vandalism.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jasper County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional Network for Jasper County Students

Jasper County operates a large educational infrastructure with 49 public schools serving over 21,173 students. The system is managed by seven distinct school districts and features 27 elementary schools and nine high schools. This broad network provides specialized learning environments for a growing student population across southwest Missouri.

Strong Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

Jasper County achieves an 89.6% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87% but falls slightly behind the Missouri state average of 91.3%. Local districts maintain these results despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,374, which is significantly lower than both the state average of $6,334 and the national average of $13,000. The county's school score of 49.8 sits just below the national median of 50.0.

Joplin Schools Lead the County's Districts

Joplin Schools is the largest district in the county, managing 16 schools and educating 7,694 students. Carthage R-IX and Webb City R-VII also support large populations with over 4,600 students each. There are currently no charter schools operating within Jasper County, leaving traditional districts as the primary public option.

A Diverse Mix of Suburban and Urban Settings

Educational settings here are varied, with 17 schools in suburban areas and 14 in city centers, alongside 10 rural campuses. Joplin High is the largest facility with 2,233 students, while the average school size across the county is 450 students. This mix allows families to choose between large-scale secondary campuses and smaller, town-based elementary schools.

Planning Your Move Near Jasper County Schools

Families looking for strong high school programs may find Webb City or Carthage attractive based on their established district sizes and consistent performance. When researching homes in the area, consider how proximity to these central hubs can influence long-term educational outcomes. Local real estate values often reflect the quality and accessibility of these regional school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jasper County

via RiskByCounty

Jasper ranks above average nationally

Jasper County's composite risk score of 85.59 places it well above the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This means residents face greater-than-typical exposure to natural hazards compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Missouri's riskier counties

Jasper's 85.59 score significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, making it one of the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's risk level reflects concentrated hazard exposure across multiple threat types.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Jasper faces notably higher composite risk (85.59) than neighboring Lawrence County (66.22) and Laclede County (66.03). Its risk profile stands out in the region, driven by particularly acute tornado and flood dangers.

Tornadoes and floods dominate Jasper

Tornado risk reaches 95.64 in Jasper County—one of the state's highest levels—while flood risk stands at 84.89. These two hazards account for the county's elevated overall risk and pose the most frequent threats to homes and infrastructure.

Prioritize comprehensive storm coverage

Given Jasper's extreme tornado and flood exposure, homeowners should verify their policies explicitly cover tornado damage and flooding. Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood damage; contact your agent about a separate flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jasper County

via WaterByCounty

Jasper County Maintains a Solid B Grade

Jasper County records 4 health-based violations over the last five years, resulting in a violation rate of 3.1 per 100,000 residents. This performance is significantly better than the Missouri state average of 81.5 violations per 100,000. The county remains a reliable performer regarding Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Assessment Pending for Jasper County

Local water bodies in Jasper County are not yet covered under the federal §303(d) assessment program. Because these assessments are unavailable, there is currently no reported percentage of impaired water bodies for this cycle. Future reporting will be necessary to establish a baseline for watershed health.

Robust Monitoring Network Tracks Local Quality

A network of 39 monitoring sites generates a high volume of data, with 14,796 measurements recorded over the last five years. These records primarily track physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrients. This dense footprint provides a detailed look at the chemical and physical makeup of local water.

Spring River Flows Below Typical Levels

The Spring River near Waco currently reports a discharge of 404 cfs, which is only 41% of its long-term mean. This significant reduction in flow affects a drainage area of 1,164 square miles. Lower volumes can lead to higher concentrations of dissolved minerals in the river.

Monitor Source Water During Low Flow

With the Spring River flowing at 41% of its typical volume, residents should be aware that contaminants like inorganics may become more concentrated. Although drinking water compliance is high, low streamflow can alter the chemistry of raw water sources. Staying informed on local utility reports is the best way to ensure safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jasper County

via WeatherByCounty

Jasper County’s Warm Southwestern Reach

With an average annual temperature of 58.2°F, Jasper County is significantly warmer than the national median. This region serves as a gateway to the hotter climates of the American Southwest.

One of Missouri's Warmest Counties

Jasper County exceeds the Missouri state average temperature of 54.9°F by over three degrees. It also receives 45.5 inches of precipitation, making it both warmer and wetter than the state average.

Leading the Region in Heat Days

Jasper County is notably hotter than its neighbors, recording 52 extreme heat days annually. This surpasses Howell County's 41 days, though both share similar mild snowfall levels below 8 inches.

Intense Summers and Gentle Winters

July is hot with an 80.2°F average, contributing to 52 days of extreme heat each year. Winters are the mildest in the region, averaging 37.4°F with only 7.8 inches of annual snow.

Prioritize Cooling and Sun Protection

The 52 days of extreme heat require robust air conditioning and smart outdoor planning during peak hours. Gardeners can take advantage of the milder 37.4°F winters, though the 45.5-inch rainfall requires good drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jasper County

via SoilByCounty

Jasper County's Acidic Ground

Jasper County soil shows an average pH of 6.03, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the soil score of 63.0 reflects a solid foundation for local growth.

Silt-Heavy Composition for Smooth Texture

Silt dominates the county's mix at 65.6%, paired with 18.7% clay and 15.7% sand. This composition creates a smooth texture that holds nutrients well but may be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

Strong Water Capacity Despite Moderate Organic Matter

The organic matter content stands at 2.89%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but falls below the Missouri average of 4.74%. Fortunately, the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, helping plants survive dry spells.

Planning for Local Drainage Needs

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's dominant soil types. Gardeners should observe their specific plots for standing water to determine if supplemental drainage or raised beds are necessary.

Thriving in Zone 7a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Jasper County supports a long season for warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers. Start your garden today to take advantage of the county's reliable water capacity and mild climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jasper County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for Jasper Lawns

Jasper County's lawn difficulty score of 48.7 falls below both the national median and the Missouri state average of 63.7. Maintaining a lush lawn in this 7a hardiness zone requires more effort than in most parts of the state.

Managing High Heat and Growth

Lawns here bake under 52 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 37 days. While 45.5 inches of annual rain provides water, the 4,618 growing degree days mean grass grows rapidly and demands frequent mowing.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Balancing

The soil pH of 6.03 sits at the bottom edge of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. With 18.7% clay and limited drainage data, residents should test local spots to ensure roots don't stay too wet after heavy rains.

Deep Watering Beats Persistent Drought

The county has endured 33 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent irrigation to help roots survive the 6.2% of the county currently in severe drought.

Beat the Heat with Smart Seeding

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue or Bermuda grass are the best picks for this 7a zone. Plan your seeding projects after the final frost on April 9th but before the fall chill arrives in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jasper County's county score?
Jasper County, Missouri has a composite county score of 32 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 Jasper County rank among counties in Missouri?
Jasper County ranks #113 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 Jasper County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Jasper County is $1,171, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Jasper County a tax score of 58.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jasper County?
The median household income in Jasper County, Missouri is $57,525 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jasper County earns an income score of 31.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jasper County, Missouri a good place to live?
Jasper County scores 32/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #113 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Jasper 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 Jasper 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.