countyscore
45.6
County Score
Property Tax 73.4Cost of Living 61.5Soil Quality 58.4

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Missouri

Moderate National Performance

Lawrence County's composite score of 45.6 is slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a typical American living experience with some notable financial advantages.

Standard Missouri Living

The county's score of 45.6 is slightly below the Missouri state average of 50.3. It mirrors the profile of many agricultural and residential counties in the southwestern part of the state.

Extremely Low Taxes and Costs

Tax benefits are the primary draw, with a tax score of 73.4 and an effective rate of just 0.606%. Housing remains affordable with a cost score of 61.5 and median rent of $785.

Water and Income Infrastructure Gaps

The county struggles with a low water score of 24.2 and an income score of 27.3. Improving utility services and local wages are key targets for future growth.

The Value Hunter's Choice

This county is perfect for individuals who prioritize financial efficiency and low property taxes. It offers one of the most attractive tax environments for homeowners in the state.

2040608010073.461.536.531.334.527.333.824.256.2Tax73.4Cost61.5Safety36.5Health31.3Schools34.5Income27.3Risk33.8Water24.2Weather56.245.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lawrence County DNA

Foverall

How Lawrence County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lawrence County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (73.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (24.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73.4+21.400000000000006
Cost
61.5+13.5
Safety
36.5-18.5
Health
31.3-18.7
Schools
34.5-19.5
Income
27.3-23.7
Risk
33.8-13.200000000000003
Water
24.2-33.8
Weather
56.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$159,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$785/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,849/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.8

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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Westchester County
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Lincoln County
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Adair County
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Lincoln County
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Nearby counties

Dade County
Missouri
44.1
Stone County
Missouri
52.2
Greene County
Missouri
54.4
Barry County
Missouri
45.9
Christian County
Missouri
38.5
Jasper County
Missouri
32
Newton County
Missouri
42.6
Barton County
Missouri
44.6

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence County has low property tax rates

At 0.606%, Lawrence 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 $969 on a home valued at $159,800 reflects one of the region's most affordable tax environments.

Lawrence ranks among Missouri's lowest-tax counties

Lawrence County's 0.606% effective rate places it in the bottom quartile of Missouri's 115 counties, offering some of the state's most favorable property tax conditions. The median tax of $969 falls well below Missouri's median of $1,199.

Lawrence offers one of the region's best rates

Lawrence County ties with Johnson County at 0.684% for the region's second-lowest tax rate, trailing only Laclede County (0.652%). Compared to Jasper (0.739%), Lafayette (0.766%), and Jefferson (0.839%), Lawrence delivers substantial tax savings.

A $159,800 home costs about $969 yearly

The typical Lawrence County homeowner pays approximately $969 annually in property taxes—among the lowest median bills in the eight-county region. With a mortgage, that typically rises to $997; without one, it drops to $918.

Even low-rate counties have assessment errors

Lawrence County's favorable tax rates don't guarantee every home is assessed fairly. Homeowners who believe their assessed value exceeds the property's true market worth should file an appeal with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence County affords moderate relief

Lawrence County renters spend 16.9% of income on housing, modestly below the national burden of 18.3%, offering some affordability advantage. Median household income of $55,849 lags the U.S. average, yet lower rents of $785 monthly ease the load.

Slightly above Missouri average affordability

Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% slightly exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, but its $785 rent is notably below the state median of $768. The modest premium reflects slightly lower incomes offset by reasonable housing costs.

Good value in regional context

Lawrence County's $785 rent is significantly cheaper than Jasper ($904) and Jefferson ($972) but higher than Knox ($661) and Lewis ($627). With moderate income of $55,849, Lawrence offers balanced affordability—better than Jasper, worse than Knox.

Housing fits modestly in budget

Renters pay $785 monthly while homeowners spend $790 from a $55,849 median household income. Housing consumes roughly 17% of pre-tax income for renters and 17% for owners—manageable but requiring careful household budgeting.

Solid value for rural-leaning seekers

Lawrence County balances lower housing costs with moderate income, positioning it between affordability-first Knox and income-focused Jefferson. If you want better rent than Jasper with more economic vitality than the smallest counties, Lawrence merits consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence below national income

Lawrence County's median household income of $55,849 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by $18,906 annually. This gap places Lawrence households in the lower-middle income bracket, earning roughly 75 cents per national dollar.

Below Missouri's county average

Lawrence County's $55,849 median income ranks below Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the lower-income half of state counties. Per capita income of $27,516 also trails the state average of $31,011, indicating modest earning capacity.

Lawrence earns less than most peers

Lawrence's $55,849 income exceeds only the most distressed rural counties like Laclede ($50,825) and Knox ($53,333), but lags Jasper County ($57,525) and substantially trails Johnson County ($67,123). This suggests Lawrence faces structural economic headwinds.

Housing costs are moderate

Lawrence's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits comfortably below the national 18% threshold, helping renters retain adequate income. Median home values of $159,800 remain accessible, though limited income may constrain financing options for some households.

Pursue skills and income growth

Lawrence residents should explore workforce development programs, certifications, and employer training opportunities to boost earning power. Simultaneously, establishing automated savings and seeking low-cost investment options can build a financial foundation despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Lawrence County Safer Than National Average

Lawrence County reports a total crime rate of 1475.3 per 100,000, well below the national mark of 2,385.5. This translates to a strong safety score of 97.7.

Exceeding Missouri State Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 97.7 is higher than the Missouri average of 97.0. Six reporting agencies ensure the data captures the safety trends of the county’s diverse communities.

A Secure Alternative to Jasper County

Lawrence County’s crime rate of 1475.3 is significantly lower than neighboring Jasper County’s rate of 4287.1. Residents here enjoy a much calmer environment compared to the higher-crime areas to the west.

Property Crimes Account for Most Reports

Violent crime in Lawrence County is 243.3 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 1232.0. Both categories are lower than national averages, signifying a relatively low-risk environment.

Steps for Personal Home Security

Property crime remains the primary concern, so homeowners should secure all windows and doors. Simple habits like removing valuables from vehicles can further reduce local crime opportunities.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Districts Across Lawrence County

Lawrence County provides education to 6,836 students through 23 public schools and six districts. The infrastructure includes nine elementary schools and nine high schools, providing a balanced pathway from primary to secondary education. This network is distributed across several key population centers throughout the county.

Steady Academic Performance and Lean Spending

The county maintains a 91.4% graduation rate, which is slightly above the state average and well above the national average of 87%. Schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,684, which is approximately $650 below the state average. The composite school score of 51.4 indicates a competitive learning environment relative to national standards.

Aurora and Mt. Vernon Anchor the County

Aurora R-VIII is the largest district by enrollment, serving 1,888 students, while Mt. Vernon R-V educates ,1528 students. Monett R-I also has a significant presence, featuring the county's largest individual school, Monett High, with 746 students. No charter schools currently operate within the county's boundaries.

Balanced Town and Rural Campus Settings

Students attend schools in 12 town-based locales and 11 rural settings, providing a consistent small-town educational experience. The average school size is 311 students, which is smaller than many surrounding counties and allows for closer student-teacher interaction. From early childhood centers to regional high schools, the facilities are designed for community connectivity.

Building a Future Near Lawrence County Schools

Families looking for a high graduation rate in a small-town setting will find Lawrence County highly appealing. Districts like Aurora and Mt. Vernon offer stable environments with consistent academic results for their students. When searching for a home, consider how these localized school districts serve as the heart of their respective communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence faces above-average U.S. risk

Lawrence County's composite risk score of 66.22 exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating. Residents experience greater-than-typical natural disaster exposure compared to most American counties.

Above Missouri's average risk level

Lawrence's 66.22 score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the middle-risk tier statewide. The county faces more concentrated hazard exposure than the typical Missouri community.

Similar risk to neighboring Laclede

Lawrence County (66.22) faces nearly identical risk to neighbor Laclede County (66.03) and sits riskier than Jasper County (85.59) in the region. Both counties experience mid-range natural disaster exposure in the Ozark area.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes

Lawrence County experiences tornado risk of 84.13, flood risk of 67.21, and earthquake risk of 71.18—all notably elevated. These three hazards constitute the county's primary natural disaster threats.

Secure comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Lawrence homeowners must prioritize flood and tornado insurance given the county's elevated exposure to both, and should explore earthquake coverage options. Contact your agent to layer protections across all three major hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lawrence County

via WaterByCounty

F Grade for Lawrence County Compliance

Lawrence County recorded 17 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a rate of 94.4 per 100,000 residents. This rate exceeds the Missouri state average of 81.5, signaling significant challenges in drinking water safety. Frequent violations require immediate attention from local utilities and residents.

Official Watershed Health Data is N/A

Lawrence County's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment process. No specific data exists for the current cycle regarding which water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. The lack of federal reporting makes local monitoring data even more critical.

Broad Monitoring Tracks Physical and Metal Content

Eighteen monitoring sites in Lawrence County have recorded 4,795 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily covers physical properties, nutrients, inorganics, and metals. This surveillance is vital for identifying the contaminants that may be contributing to the high violation rate.

No Live USGS Streamflow Data Available

Lawrence County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage providing live discharge data. Without a primary gauge, residents must rely on drinking water compliance and static monitoring records for water intelligence. The absence of flow data highlights a gap in real-time hydrologic monitoring.

Priority on Water Testing and Filtration

Given the F grade and high violation rate, residents should prioritize private water testing or the use of certified filtration systems. Because metals and nutrients are frequently measured in local monitoring, filters targeting these specific groups are recommended. Staying alert to local health department notices is essential for safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than the National Median

Lawrence County stays warmer than much of the country with a 56.5°F annual average. Its 45.8 inches of annual rain places it in a humid subtropical transition zone.

Ranking Among Missouri's Warmer Regions

At 56.5°F, this county is warmer than the state average of 54.9°F. It also exceeds the state precipitation average by two inches, making it a particularly lush environment.

Milder Winters Than Northern Neighbors

The county sees only 6.1 inches of snow, which is significantly less than the 18.9 inches seen in Linn County. It experiences 46 heat days, far outpacing the state's northern tier.

Persistent Heat and Mild Winters

Summer is intense with 46 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F and a July average of 78.2°F. Winters are manageable, featuring a January mean of 33.1°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Storm Drainage

High-capacity air conditioning is a priority due to the six weeks of extreme heat. Homeowners should also ensure proper drainage to handle the high 45.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols of Lawrence County

Lawrence County features Entisols with a pH of 5.83, making it one of the more acidic counties in the region. This level is well below the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime to balance the soil for gardening.

Rich Silty Clay Loam

The soil is a silty clay loam with 59.9% silt and 16.7% clay. This texture is known for being relatively easy to manage while providing a good physical structure for most plants.

Strong Organic Matter Content

Organic matter is impressive at 4.36%, nearly reaching the Missouri state average of 4.74%. The available water capacity is 0.170 in/in, which provides a steady, if slightly below-average, supply of water.

Reliable Drainage for Gardening

Lawrence County soils are well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This good drainage is a significant advantage for preventing root diseases and allowing for early spring planting.

Long Growing Season in Zone 7a

The warm climate of Zone 7a is perfect for growing heat-loving okra and sweet potatoes. With high organic matter already in place, your garden is set for success with minimal initial effort.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Lawrence

With a lawn difficulty score of 50.7, Lawrence County is right at the national median but trails the Missouri average. In this 7a zone, maintaining a lawn is a serious commitment due to heat and drought trends.

High Heat Demands High Moisture

The county experiences 46 extreme heat days, which is significantly more than the Missouri average of 37. While 45.8 inches of rain falls annually, much of it is needed just to offset the intense summer evaporation.

Silty Clay Loam Needs Lime

The soil pH is slightly acidic at 5.83, meaning most lawns will benefit from a lime application. The well-drained silty clay loam provides good aeration for roots, even with a 16.7% clay content.

Severe Drought Requires Water Conservation

Currently, 43.8% of the county is in severe drought after enduring 34 weeks of dry conditions last year. Prioritize water conservation and use drought-tolerant grass varieties to ensure your lawn survives the summer.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf

Bermuda grass and heat-hardy Fescue are the best bets for Lawrence County's 7a climate. Plan your seeding for mid-April once the typical April 14th frost has passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Missouri has a composite county score of 45.6 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Missouri?
Lawrence County ranks #74 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 Lawrence County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $969, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 73.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Missouri is $55,849 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 27.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Missouri a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 45.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.