countyscore
55.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 82.2Soil Quality 77.9Lawn Care 75.9

County Report Card

About Lafayette County, Missouri

Outperforming the National Median

Lafayette County earns a 56.2 composite score, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher-than-average level of livability compared to the rest of the United States.

Above the Missouri State Average

With a 56.2 score, the county exceeds the Missouri state average of 50.3. It performs better than many neighboring counties in terms of economic stability and community safety.

High Incomes and Strong Safety

The county boasts an impressive income score of 82.7, supported by a median household income of $79,091. Safety is another major asset, with a score of 73.7.

Utilities and Health Need Attention

While economic metrics are high, the water score of 46.9 and health score of 42.8 are the county's weakest areas. These dimensions prevent the composite score from reaching even higher levels.

Ideal for Growing Families

Lafayette County is a premier choice for families seeking a safe, high-earning environment. It offers a great balance of economic power and neighborhood security.

2040608010057.140.973.742.855.982.247.546.955.2Tax57.1Cost40.9Safety73.7Health42.8Schools55.9Income82.2Risk47.5Water46.9Weather55.255.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average1 below average

Lafayette County DNA

Foverall

How Lafayette County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lafayette County tracks close to the national average across most dimensions, with a slight edge in Income (82.2/100) and room for improvement in Water Quality (46.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.1
Cost
40.9
Safety
73.7+18.700000000000003
Health
42.8
Schools
55.9
Income
82.2+31.200000000000003
Risk
47.5
Water
46.9-11.100000000000001
Weather
55.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Lafayette County

Whether buying or refinancing in Lafayette County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$216,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$928/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$216,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,612/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.3

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Wabash County
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Scott County
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Boyle County
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Clay County
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Graves County
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Median income: $50,772
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Nearby counties

Ray County
Missouri
43.2
Johnson County
Missouri
44.4
Carroll County
Missouri
57.8
Jackson County
Missouri
35.5
Clay County
Missouri
45.6
Saline County
Missouri
43
Pettis County
Missouri
40.5
Caldwell County
Missouri
64.5

Deep Dives

Lafayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lafayette County

via TaxByCounty

Lafayette County runs slightly above state average

At 0.766%, Lafayette County's effective tax rate exceeds Missouri's 0.733% average by about half a percentage point, yet remains well below the national median of 0.935%. The median property tax of $1,534 on a home valued at $200,300 reflects moderate rates in a moderately priced housing market.

Lafayette ranks solidly above the state median

Lafayette County's 0.766% effective rate places it in the upper-middle tier of Missouri's 115 counties, above the statewide average. The median tax of $1,534 is 28% higher than Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting both higher home values and above-average tax rates.

Lafayette taxes moderately in the region

Lafayette County's 0.766% rate falls between Jasper County (0.739%) and Jefferson County (0.839%), making it a moderate option in the eight-county region. It runs notably higher than Lawrence (0.606%), Johnson (0.684%), and Laclede (0.652%), but lower than Knox (0.802%).

A $200,300 home costs about $1,534 yearly

The median Lafayette County homeowner pays approximately $1,534 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that typically rises to $1,589 due to escrow requirements; without a mortgage, it drops to $1,454.

Appeal if your assessment seems inflated

Many Lafayette County homeowners are overassessed relative to their property's true market value. Filing a formal appeal with the county assessor could reveal whether your assessed value is justified—and potentially lower your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lafayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Lafayette exceeds national income

Lafayette County's median household income of $79,091 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $4,336 annually. This solid positioning places Lafayette above the national average and firmly in the upper-middle income tier.

Second-highest in Missouri

Lafayette County ranks second among Missouri counties surveyed with a median income of $79,091, trailing only Jefferson County's $80,522. This exceptional performance places Lafayette well above the state average of $59,503, by nearly $20,000.

Lafayette leads regional earners

Lafayette's $79,091 income nearly matches Jefferson County ($80,522) and substantially exceeds Johnson County ($67,123) and Jasper County ($57,525). This strength reflects Lafayette's role as a regional economic center with stable professional employment.

Excellent housing affordability

Lafayette's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% ranks among the nation's best, well below the 18% standard, freeing up household income for other priorities. Median home values of $200,300 remain reasonable relative to earnings, supporting accessible homeownership.

Accelerate long-term wealth goals

Lafayette households should maximize retirement contributions, explore diversified investment accounts, and consider real estate or business opportunities. With above-average income and excellent housing affordability, Lafayette residents are positioned to build substantial generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lafayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive Safety Performance in Lafayette

Lafayette County earns a high safety score of 99.0, with a total crime rate of 626.9 per 100,000. This is remarkably lower than the national average rate of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.0, Lafayette County significantly outperforms the Missouri state average of 97.0. Thirteen reporting agencies collaborate to provide high-quality data for this region.

Safer Than Most Nearby Counties

Lafayette County’s crime rate of 626.9 is roughly one-third the rate found in neighboring Johnson County. This suggests a very high standard of public safety relative to its neighbors.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime occurs at a rate of just 48.7 per 100,000, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 578.2, indicating a very secure environment for residents.

Sustaining a Safe Community

Low crime rates thrive when residents stay engaged with local law enforcement. Continued use of outdoor lighting and neighborly check-ins helps keep Lafayette County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lafayette County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Heartland Temperature Profile

Lafayette County aligns closely with the national median with an average annual temperature of 54.3°F. This temperate continental climate provides a balanced experience of all four seasons.

Slightly Cooler Than the Missouri Average

The county sits slightly below the state average temperature of 54.9°F. Its 41.9 inches of annual precipitation also tracks just behind the state mean of 43.8 inches.

Bridging the Gap Between North and South

With 13.8 inches of snow, Lafayette receives less than northern counties like Linn but more than southern Lawrence. It maintains a cooler summer profile than neighbors in the Ozarks.

Sharp Swings from Snow to Sun

Residents face 32 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the 77.6°F July peaks. Winters are cold, averaging 31.4°F with nearly 14 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Humidity and Winter Chill

Efficient HVAC systems are essential to manage the month of extreme heat. Residents should also keep snow removal tools ready for the 13.8 inches of average winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lafayette County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Alfisols in Lafayette County

Lafayette County sits on Alfisols with a pH of 6.47, nearly identical to the national 6.5 median. These soils are naturally fertile and support a high soil score of 77.9, making them some of the best in Missouri.

Perfect Silt Loam Balance

The silt loam texture is created by 63.5% silt and 23.1% clay. This specific mix offers excellent workability for farmers while ensuring that nutrients stay within reach of plant roots.

Excellent Fertility and Water Reserves

Available water capacity is high at 0.207 in/in, outperforming the state average. Organic matter is stable at 2.61%, which is healthy by national standards and supports a vibrant soil ecosystem.

Well-Drained Agricultural Land

The soil is well drained and categorized in hydrologic group C. This ensures that excess water moves away from roots quickly, making it a reliable choice for sensitive crops and stable building projects.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6b

This county is ideal for growing high-value crops like heirloom tomatoes and orchard fruits in Zone 6b. Take advantage of this top-tier soil by starting a home vegetable garden this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lafayette County

via LawnByCounty

A Top Choice for Missouri Lawns

Lafayette County is an exceptional place for lawns, with a score of 75.9 that far exceeds the state average of 63.7. Its 6b hardiness zone provides a balance of temperature and moisture that favors turfgrass.

Cooler Summers and Steady Rain

With only 32 extreme heat days, lawns here face less stress than the Missouri average of 37 days. Annual precipitation of 41.9 inches provides a consistent water supply for healthy, green growth.

Exceptional Silt Loam Foundation

The well-drained silt loam soil has a pH of 6.47, which is the sweet spot for nutrient uptake. A clay content of 23.1% helps the ground hold moisture without the drainage issues found in other counties.

Highly Resilient to Drought

Lafayette County saw only 18 weeks of drought last year, one of the lowest rates in the region. Although 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the lack of severe drought makes this an ideal time for maintenance.

Start Early for Lush Results

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in this county's high-quality soil and 6b climate. Aim to seed your lawn between the April 10th frost and the first fall freeze in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lafayette County's county score?
Lafayette County, Missouri has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Lafayette County rank among counties in Missouri?
Lafayette County ranks #38 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 Lafayette County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Lafayette County is $1,581, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Lafayette County a tax score of 57.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lafayette County?
The median household income in Lafayette County, Missouri is $80,612 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lafayette County earns an income score of 82.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lafayette County, Missouri a good place to live?
Lafayette County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Lafayette 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 Lafayette County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.