countyscore
43.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 68.2Cost of Living 57.8

County Report Card

About Laclede County, Missouri

Developing Below the National Median

Laclede County scores a 43.7 composite, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. This suggests it is competitive in certain basics but has room for growth in social indicators.

Consistent with Rural Missouri Trends

The county's score of 43.7 is slightly lower than the state average of 50.3. It reflects the broader trends of many rural Missouri counties that balance low taxes with limited service scores.

Low Taxes and Reliable Water

Taxpayers benefit from a strong tax score of 68.2 and an effective tax rate of only 0.652%. Additionally, the county earns a high water score of 86.0, reflecting excellent utility infrastructure.

Low Incomes and Health Barriers

The income score is a weak point at 16.3, with a median household income of $50,825. Health and safety scores also sit on the lower end, both under 30.

A Fit for Budget-Minded Residents

Laclede County is a strong choice for those who want to keep their tax burden low and housing costs manageable. It suits people who prioritize affordability over high-income career opportunities.

2040608010068.257.820.928.246.516.3348657.7Tax68.2Cost57.8Safety20.9Health28.2Schools46.5Income16.3Risk34Water86Weather57.743.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Laclede County DNA

Foverall

How Laclede County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Laclede County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Income (16.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.2+16.200000000000003
Cost
57.8+9.799999999999997
Safety
20.9-34.1
Health
28.2-21.8
Schools
46.5
Income
16.3-34.7
Risk
34-13
Water
86+28
Weather
57.7
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Whether buying or refinancing in Laclede County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$796/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,825/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.3

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
Compare Laclede County with Crawford County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Boone County
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Oakland County
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Anoka County
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Nearby counties

Pulaski County
Missouri
49.8
Dallas County
Missouri
59
Camden County
Missouri
48.5
Wright County
Missouri
64.2
Webster County
Missouri
50
Miller County
Missouri
54.3
Texas County
Missouri
50.3
Hickory County
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57.8

Deep Dives

Laclede County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Laclede County

via TaxByCounty

Laclede County has low property tax rates

At 0.652%, Laclede County's effective tax rate sits well below Missouri's 0.733% average and far below the national median of 0.935%. The median property tax of $1,031 on a home valued at $158,000 reflects one of the region's most tax-friendly environments.

Laclede ranks among Missouri's lowest-tax counties

Laclede County's 0.652% effective rate places it in the bottom quartile of Missouri's 115 counties, offering property owners some of the state's best tax deals. The median tax of $1,031 sits comfortably below Missouri's median of $1,199.

Laclede offers the region's lowest tax burden

Laclede County's 0.652% rate is the lowest among all eight counties in this analysis, beating Lawrence County (0.606%) and Johnson County (0.684%). For homeowners prioritizing low property taxes, Laclede delivers measurable savings compared to Jasper (0.739%) or Jefferson (0.839%).

A $158,000 home costs about $1,031 yearly

The typical Laclede County homeowner pays approximately $1,031 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation typically rises to $1,120 due to escrow; without one, it drops to $913.

Low-tax counties still have overassessed homes

Favorable tax rates don't guarantee accurate assessments in Laclede County. If you believe your property's assessed value exceeds its true market worth, a formal appeal to the county assessor may reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Laclede County

via CostByCounty

Laclede County faces affordability pressure

Laclede County renters spend 18.8% of income on housing, nearly matching the national burden of 18.3% despite lower earnings. Median household income of $50,825 ranks among Missouri's lowest, making every $796 monthly rent feel substantial.

Above-average strain for Missouri residents

Laclede County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the state's most burdened counties. While rent of $796 approximates the state median, lower incomes intensify the affordability squeeze.

Pricier despite lower regional income

Laclede's $796 rent falls between the cheaper Knox County ($661) and more expensive Jefferson County ($972), but its $50,825 income is among the region's lowest. This mismatch—moderate rent on minimal income—creates significant affordability stress.

Rent eats heavily into small income

Renters spend $796 monthly while homeowners pay $826 from just $50,825 median household income. Housing consumes roughly 19% of pre-tax income—above the 15% comfort threshold—leaving limited flexibility for other necessities.

Compare county options if relocating

If Laclede's housing burden feels tight, nearby Knox and Lewis counties offer lower rents, while Johnson County provides comparable costs with stronger regional economic activity. Before committing, explore neighboring counties where your income might go further or job prospects improve.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Laclede County

via IncomeByCounty

Laclede trails national income

Laclede County's median household income of $50,825 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $24,000 annually. This substantial gap places Laclede households in the lower-income category, earning roughly 68 cents per national dollar.

One of Missouri's lowest incomes

Laclede County ranks among Missouri's lowest-earning counties, with median income of $50,825 well below the state average of $59,503. Per capita income of $28,202 also trails the state average of $31,011, indicating limited individual earning power.

Laclede edges out Knox County

Laclede's $50,825 income barely exceeds Knox County ($53,333), but both fall far behind Jasper County ($57,525) and Johnson County ($67,123). This clustering suggests a rural economic belt with historically lower wage and employment opportunities.

Housing affordability is strong

Laclede's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% nearly matches the national standard of 18%, providing reasonable rental affordability. Median home values of $158,000 remain modest, though limited income makes homeownership financing challenging for many households.

Build financial stability first

Laclede residents should focus on establishing robust emergency savings and exploring free financial counseling services before investing. Community development financial institutions and employer benefits offer accessible pathways to build wealth, even with constrained budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Laclede County

via CrimeByCounty

Laclede County Maintains Competitive Safety

Laclede County reports a safety score of 96.8, supported by a total crime rate of 2046.6 per 100,000. This rate is notably lower than the national total crime average of 2,385.5.

Near the Missouri State Average

The county's safety score of 96.8 sits just a fraction below the Missouri state average of 97.0. Data from two reporting agencies provides the basis for this public safety assessment.

Safety Trends in Central Missouri

Laclede County’s crime rate of 2046.6 is slightly higher than the Missouri average of 1926.2. It presents a more active crime profile than neighboring Lawrence or Johnson counties.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime remains low at 230.2 per 100,000, while property crime occurs at a rate of 1816.4. These numbers show that residents face lower risks of physical harm than the national average.

Prioritizing Home and Asset Security

Since property crime is the most common issue, Laclede residents should focus on securing garages and sheds. Modern security cameras provide an effective way to monitor property while away from home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Laclede County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Education in Laclede County

Laclede County manages 5,876 students across 11 public schools and four districts. The system is anchored by six elementary schools and four high schools, providing a steady pipeline for regional growth. This infrastructure supports a range of learners from the centralized town of Lebanon to the outlying rural areas.

High Graduation Achievement with Efficient Budgets

The county reports a high 94.1% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both state and national averages. Laclede achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,828, which is lower than the Missouri state average of $6,334. The resulting school score of 53.2 indicates performance that is slightly above the state average.

Lebanon R-III Drives Countywide Enrollment

Lebanon R-III is the primary district, educating 4,480 students across seven schools. Laclede Co. R-I also serves a significant rural population of 817 students. No charter schools operate in the county, so the traditional public districts remain the central focus for families and taxpayers.

Large Town Schools Meet Rural Outposts

School sizes vary significantly, with Lebanon Senior High enrolling 1,474 students while the county average is 653. The locale mix includes six town-based schools and five rural campuses. This allows for a traditional large-school experience in Lebanon paired with smaller, community-centric options in the countryside.

Invest in a Home Near Laclede's Best Schools

With graduation rates exceeding 94%, Laclede County is a strong contender for families focused on academic results. Homes in the Lebanon R-III district provide the most direct access to the county's largest educational and extracurricular resources. As you search, keep in mind that the county's school score of 53.2 reflects a solid commitment to student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Laclede County

via RiskByCounty

Laclede faces moderate national risk

Laclede County's composite risk score of 66.03 exceeds the national average, though it carries a Relatively Low rating. The county experiences above-typical hazard exposure compared to most American counties.

Above Missouri's average risk level

Laclede's 66.03 score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the middle-risk tier statewide. The county faces more natural disaster exposure than the typical Missouri community.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Laclede County (66.03) faces similar risk to neighbors Lawrence County (66.22) and sits riskier than Jasper County (85.59) but above Knox County (21.02). The county represents mid-range risk in the Ozark region.

Wildfires and earthquakes lead threats

Laclede County faces elevated wildfire risk (78.21) and earthquake risk (80.73), both well above state averages. These geological and fire-related hazards drive the county's overall elevated risk profile.

Add wildfire and earthquake coverage

Laclede homeowners should verify their policies include wildfire protection and consider adding earthquake insurance, given the county's above-average exposure to both. A comprehensive review with your agent can ensure adequate protection at reasonable cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Laclede County

via WaterByCounty

Top-Tier Compliance for Laclede County

Laclede County earns an A grade for having zero health violations over a five-year lookback period. The county's 0.0 violation rate is far superior to the Missouri state average of 81.5 per 100,000. This indicates strong management of the local drinking water infrastructure.

Watershed Impairment Metrics Are Unavailable

Local water bodies in Laclede County are not currently assessed under the federal §303(d) standards. No data is available regarding the share of impaired water bodies for the current reporting cycle. The county’s watershed health remains unclassified by federal agencies at this time.

Focused Monitoring Tracks Seven Local Sites

Seven monitoring sites provide 1,691 measurements of local water quality over the last five years. The primary characteristics measured include physical traits, nutrients, and major inorganics. This data helps ensure that the county's pristine compliance record is backed by scientific observation.

Gasconade River Flow is Below Average

The Gasconade River near Hazelgreen is currently discharging 401 cfs, which is 37% of its typical flow. This gauge covers a large drainage area of 1,250 square miles. Current levels represent a significant departure from the long-term mean for this river system.

Excellent Compliance Despite Low Flow

Residents can take pride in their A-grade drinking water, which shows no recent health violations. However, the Gasconade River is flowing at only 37% of its normal rate, which may affect secondary water uses. Stay informed about any local drought advisories that could impact future water availability.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Laclede County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Moist Ozark Climate

Laclede County averages 55.8°F annually, making it warmer than the national median. This area receives a high 45.9 inches of annual precipitation, contributing to its lush green landscapes.

Above Average Missouri Heat and Rain

The county's average temperature of 55.8°F sits nearly a degree higher than the Missouri average. Furthermore, its 45.9 inches of rain exceeds the state average of 43.8 inches.

Mirroring the Jefferson County Profile

Laclede County shares an almost identical temperature profile with Jefferson County at roughly 55.8°F. However, Laclede receives about 2 more inches of annual rain than its eastern counterpart.

A Month of Extreme Summer Heat

Residents face 38 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the warm 75.8°F summer season. Winters are moderate at 34.9°F, bringing a modest 8.3 inches of snow annually.

Gear Up for Rain and Heat

With nearly 46 inches of annual precipitation, waterproof gear and well-maintained drainage systems are essential. Residents should also prepare for 38 days of extreme heat with efficient home cooling solutions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Laclede County

via SoilByCounty

Laclede County's Acidic Soil Profile

Laclede County features a pH of 5.90, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity level, combined with a soil score of 50.9, suggests a need for careful soil management and amendments.

Grittier Texture with Higher Sand

With 21.0% sand and 62.1% silt, the soil here is grittier than many other Missouri counties. The lower clay content of 15.1% means the soil is easy to till but may not hold nutrients as tightly as clay-rich areas.

Modest Water Capacity for Plants

The available water capacity is 0.163 in/in, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter sits at 2.62%, providing a decent biological foundation despite the lower water retention.

Understanding Saturated Soil Conditions

Classified as subaqueous, the dominant soil areas are often heavily saturated or submerged. Managing these wet conditions is the primary challenge for Laclede County growers and land developers.

Summer Success in Zone 6b

Gardeners in Zone 6b should focus on building organic matter to improve the soil's water-holding ability. With the right care, you can produce excellent harvests of beans, squash, and corn.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Laclede County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in Laclede

Laclede County has a lawn difficulty score of 57.1, which is lower than the Missouri average but still better than the national median. This 6b hardiness zone requires active management to maintain a lush appearance.

Ample Water for Hot Summers

Lawns receive a generous 45.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average. This extra water is vital during the 38 days of extreme heat the county typically experiences each year.

Correcting Acidity and Sandy Mixes

The soil pH is 5.90, which is slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and may require lime treatments. A sand content of 21.0% helps with texture, but the subaqueous drainage indicates local areas may struggle with water management.

Adapting to Abnormally Dry Conditions

After 28 weeks of drought last year, 100% of the county remains abnormally dry today. Using taller mowing heights can help shade the soil and preserve the moisture from the county's high annual rainfall.

Ready for Spring in Zone 6b

Tall Fescue and Zoysia are excellent choices for the variable 6b climate. Start your planting projects after the final spring frost on April 17th to give your grass time to establish before the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laclede County's county score?
Laclede County, Missouri has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Laclede County rank among counties in Missouri?
Laclede County ranks #87 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 Laclede County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Laclede County is $1,031, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Laclede County a tax score of 68.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Laclede County?
The median household income in Laclede County, Missouri is $50,825 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Laclede County earns an income score of 16.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Laclede County, Missouri a good place to live?
Laclede County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Laclede 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 Laclede 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.