countyscore
56.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 82.7Soil 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.

Score breakdown

Tax56.1Cost45.8Safety73.7Health42.8Schools55.9Income82.7Risk47.5Water46.9Weather55.2
🏛56.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Ray County
Missouri
42.2
Johnson County
Missouri
44.9
Carroll County
Missouri
58.1
Jackson County
Missouri
35.7
Clay County
Missouri
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Saline County
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Pettis County
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Caldwell County
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Deep Dives

Lafayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Lafayette County

via CostByCounty

Lafayette County excels in affordability

Lafayette County renters spend just 12.9% of income on housing, well below the national burden of 18.3%, delivering exceptional affordability. Median household income of $79,091 exceeds the U.S. average by $4,336, creating a double advantage for residents.

Missouri's affordability standout

Lafayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% is the lowest among comparable Missouri counties and well below the state average of 15.6%. At $848 median rent paired with robust income, Lafayette residents enjoy some of Missouri's best housing value.

Best income-to-rent balance in region

Lafayette County's $848 rent and $79,091 income combination is superior to all compared counties; it rivals Jefferson's affordability while offering lower rent. The rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% is the lowest in the entire regional comparison set.

Housing leaves ample budget flexibility

Renters spend $848 monthly and homeowners $907 from a $79,091 median household income. Housing accounts for only 13–14% of pre-tax income, well within comfort zones and allowing substantial resources for savings and other priorities.

Premium affordability with strong income

Lafayette County delivers the region's best combination of reasonable housing costs and robust earning potential. If you value affordability without sacrificing income opportunities or community resources, Lafayette County is Missouri's premier relocation destination.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lafayette County

via HealthByCounty

Lafayette approaches national health benchmarks

Lafayette County's 74.9-year life expectancy comes within 4.0 years of the U.S. average of 78.9 years, representing respectable longevity. Just 19.0% of residents report poor or fair health, below national trends and suggesting a relatively healthy population. Lafayette sits in the middle-to-upper range of this county comparison.

Lafayette nearly matches Missouri averages

At 74.9 years, Lafayette's life expectancy nearly ties Missouri's 74.3-year average—only 0.6 years above the state baseline. With 19.0% of residents in poor or fair health and an 11.9% uninsured rate just shy of the state's 12.5%, Lafayette mirrors broader Missouri health outcomes. The county represents a typical health profile for the state.

Lafayette holds steady amid mixed regional picture

Lafayette's 74.9-year life expectancy nearly ties Jefferson (75.0 years) and sits above Jasper (73.8 years) and Lawrence (73.6 years), but trails Knox (75.7 years) and Johnson (75.5 years). Its 19.0% poor/fair health rate ranks in the middle of the regional pack, suggesting neither exceptional nor dire population health. Lafayette occupies the moderate center of this region's health landscape.

Limited primary care, but solid mental health access

Lafayette has just 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in this county set—though 157 mental health providers per 100K offer decent behavioral care. An 11.9% uninsured rate is close to state average, but limited family doctor availability may force residents to wait longer for routine appointments or travel for care. Mental health services stand out as a relative strength.

Keep coverage and plan ahead

Lafayette's near-state-average uninsured rate suggests solid coverage uptake, but the limited primary care supply means you'll want insurance locked in to secure a spot with a doctor. Review your coverage annually on Healthcare.gov and consider workplace plans if available. Stable coverage helps you navigate the longer waits Lafayette's primary care shortages may create.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lafayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Spectrum of Lafayette County Districts

Lafayette County hosts 19 public schools serving 5,242 students across six distinct districts. The education landscape includes seven elementary schools and eight high schools, reflecting a commitment to maintaining local high schools in smaller towns. This distributed system ensures that students stay connected to their local communities throughout their education.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

The county excels with a 95.5% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the national 87% average. Spending is nearly on par with the state average at $6,291 per pupil. These efforts yield a school score of 54.9, which comfortably exceeds the Missouri state average of 52.8.

Odessa R-VII Leads Local Enrollment

Odessa R-VII is the largest district in the county, educating 2,041 students in four schools. Other significant districts include Lexington R-V and Lafayette Co. C-1, each serving nearly 1,000 students. There are no charter schools in the county, focusing all local public resources into these established community districts.

Classic Town and Rural Learning Environments

The county features 10 schools in town settings and 9 in rural areas, offering a classic midwestern educational feel. Odessa High is the largest school with 664 students, while the countywide average school size is relatively small at 291 students. This small-to-midsize scale allows for manageable class sizes and strong community involvement.

Secure Your Family's Future in Lafayette County

With a 95.5% graduation rate, Lafayette County is an excellent choice for education-minded homebuyers. The Odessa R-VII and Lafayette Co. C-1 districts offer a blend of high academic scores and community-focused school environments. Consider how these high-performing districts can contribute to your family's quality of life and your home's long-term value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lafayette County

via RiskByCounty

Lafayette ranks near national average

Lafayette County's composite risk score of 52.51 sits just below the national average with a Relatively Low rating. The county faces typical to slightly-below-typical natural disaster exposure for the United States.

Slightly above Missouri's average risk

Lafayette's 52.51 score marginally exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the lower-risk category within the state. The county experiences near-average hazard exposure for Missouri communities.

Lower risk than most area counties

Lafayette County (52.51) faces significantly lower risk than neighbors Jefferson County (90.52) and Laclede County (66.03). It occupies a safer position relative to surrounding communities.

Tornado risk outpaces other hazards

Tornado risk reaches 66.22 in Lafayette County, making it the county's primary natural disaster concern. Flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks all remain well below state averages.

Prioritize tornado and storm coverage

Lafayette homeowners should ensure their policies explicitly cover tornado damage and maintain a safe shelter area. Flood insurance is optional given the county's low flood risk, allowing resources to focus on wind and storm protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 56.2 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 #34 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 $1,534, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Lafayette County a tax score of 56.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lafayette County?
The median household income in Lafayette County, Missouri is $79,091 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lafayette County earns an income score of 82.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lafayette County, Missouri a good place to live?
Lafayette County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.