countyscore
62.1
County Score
Cost of Living 85.3Safety 79.7Soil Quality 76.7

County Report Card

About Lewis County, Missouri

A National Standout for Livability

Lewis County earns a high composite score of 62.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. Its strong performance in core areas makes it a highly desirable rural location.

Top-Tier Performer in Missouri

With a 62.1 score, Lewis County easily surpasses the Missouri state average of 50.3. It is one of the highest-rated counties in its region for overall quality of life.

Highly Affordable and Safe

The county excels with a cost score of 85.3 and a safety score of 79.7. Housing is exceptionally accessible, with a median home value of $118,900.

Economic and Health Limitations

The income score is relatively low at 19.5, reflecting a modest median household income of $52,340. Health scores also trail at 33.5, suggesting limited local medical resources.

Perfect for a Quiet Life

Lewis County is ideal for those seeking a safe, small-town atmosphere with very low housing costs. It is a fantastic option for remote workers or retirees who don't rely on local high-wage jobs.

2040608010059.285.379.733.557.819.572.636.252.3Tax59.2Cost85.3Safety79.7Health33.5Schools57.8Income19.5Risk72.6Water36.2Weather52.362.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Lewis County DNA

Doverall

How Lewis County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lewis County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (85.3/100) but notably weak in Income (19.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.2
Cost
85.3+37.3
Safety
79.7+24.700000000000003
Health
33.5-16.5
Schools
57.8
Income
19.5-31.5
Risk
72.6+25.599999999999994
Water
36.2-21.799999999999997
Weather
52.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Lewis County?

Many homeowners in Lewis County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$118,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$627/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$118,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,340/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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 Lewis County with Skagway Municipality →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Skagway Municipality
Alaska
Median income: $78,594
62.1
DeKalb County
Indiana
Median income: $70,080
62.1
Butler County
Iowa
Median income: $69,651
62.1
Grayson County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,893
62.1
Owen County
Kentucky
Median income: $59,706
62.1
Alcona County
Michigan
Median income: $53,568
62.1
Hettinger County
North Dakota
Median income: $70,827
62.1
Sheridan County
North Dakota
Median income: $67,361
62.1

Nearby counties

Adams County
Illinois
54.7
Marion County
Missouri
42.3
Clark County
Missouri
55.1
Knox County
Missouri
66
Hancock County
Illinois
58.6
Shelby County
Missouri
60.1
Lee County
Iowa
42.8
Scotland County
Missouri
60.6

Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lewis County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis County taxes slightly above state average

At 0.736%, Lewis County's effective tax rate sits slightly above Missouri's 0.733% average, though well below the national median of 0.935%. The median property tax of $875 on a home valued at $118,900 reflects affordable housing combined with modest tax rates.

Lewis ranks near the state average

Lewis County's 0.736% effective rate sits almost exactly at Missouri's 0.733% statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's 115 counties. The median tax of $875 falls slightly below Missouri's median of $1,199, thanks to lower home values.

Lewis taxes moderately among regional peers

Lewis County's 0.736% rate falls in the middle of the eight-county region, very close to Jasper (0.739%) but lower than Jefferson (0.839%) and Lafayette (0.766%). It runs higher than Lawrence (0.606%), Johnson (0.684%), and Laclede (0.652%).

A $118,900 home costs about $875 yearly

The median Lewis County homeowner pays approximately $875 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that typically rises to $1,054 due to escrow requirements; without a mortgage, it drops to $737.

Verify your assessment with the county

Many Lewis County homeowners may be overassessed relative to their property's true market value. If your assessed value seems inflated, filing a formal appeal with the county assessor is a straightforward way to potentially reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lewis County

via CostByCounty

Lewis County delivers exceptional affordability

Lewis County renters spend just 14.4% of income on housing, well below the national burden of 18.3%, making it one of Missouri's most affordable counties. Median household income of $52,340 is modest, yet monthly rent of only $627 creates a favorable ratio.

Among Missouri's most affordable counties

Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% beats Missouri's state average of 15.6%, while its $627 median rent is the second-lowest in the regional comparison. This combination places Lewis near the top tier of Missouri county affordability.

Ultra-low rents, minimal income impact

Lewis County's $627 rent is the second-cheapest regionally, trailing only Knox County's $661 by just $34 monthly. Despite similar or slightly lower incomes than neighboring counties, Lewis residents enjoy exceptional housing affordability.

Housing leaves breathing room

Renters spend just $627 monthly while homeowners average $655 from a $52,340 median household income. Housing accounts for only 14–15% of pre-tax income, allowing residents with tight budgets to allocate resources toward savings and essentials.

Best-in-class housing affordability

Lewis County rivals Knox as Missouri's most affordable county for renters and buyers seeking low housing costs. If you prioritize exceptional affordability and embrace rural living, Lewis County's combination of minimal rent and low ratios makes it an outstanding choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis County

via IncomeByCounty

Lewis falls behind national income

Lewis County's median household income of $52,340 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $22,415 annually. This substantial gap means Lewis households earn roughly 70 cents for every dollar earned nationally, placing the county in lower-income territory.

Among Missouri's lowest earners

Lewis County's $52,340 median income ranks among Missouri's lowest, falling $7,163 below the state average of $59,503. Per capita income of $26,018 also significantly underperforms the state average of $31,011, indicating limited earning opportunities.

Lewis struggles with peers

Lewis's $52,340 income places it among the region's poorest, just above Laclede County ($50,825) and Knox County ($53,333), but significantly below Jasper County ($57,525) and Johnson County ($67,123). This clustering reflects a rural economic corridor facing sustained challenges.

Housing is very affordable

Lewis's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% ranks well below the national 18% standard, easing rental burdens on households. Median home values of just $118,900 offer the most accessible homeownership pathway in the region, making housing costs genuinely manageable.

Build from a solid foundation

Lewis residents should prioritize emergency savings and explore employer benefits, then gradually increase contributions to retirement and investment accounts. Community resources, free financial counseling, and low-cost index funds can help even modestly-earning households create meaningful long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis County

via CrimeByCounty

Lewis County Ranks High for Safety

Lewis County boasts a safety score of 99.2, reflecting a very low total crime rate of 480.7 per 100,000. This is a fraction of the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Well Above Missouri's Average Safety Score

Lewis County’s 99.2 safety score significantly beats the state average of 97.0. Three reporting agencies contribute data that paints a consistent picture of a very safe community.

Comparing Regional Safety in the Northeast

While Lewis County is exceptionally safe with a rate of 480.7, it is not as low as neighboring Knox County. Regardless, it remains one of the most secure counties in the surrounding region.

Violent Crimes are Rare Occurrences

Violent crime sits at a low 50.1 per 100,000, while property crime is also limited at 430.6. These figures represent some of the lowest crime levels in the state of Missouri.

Protecting Your Rural Property

Residents can maintain this safe atmosphere by participating in community watch groups. Even in low-crime areas, keeping home exteriors well-lit serves as an effective deterrent.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lewis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small and Focused Schooling in Lewis County

Lewis County operates a streamlined school system with just four public schools serving 1,408 students. These schools are divided between two districts, Lewis Co. C-1 and Canton R-V. The system consists of two elementary schools and two high schools, ensuring every student has local access to a complete K-12 education.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Per-Pupil Spending

The county excels with a 95.1% graduation rate, far exceeding both Missouri and national benchmarks. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil expenditure at $6,521, which sits above the state average of $6,334. These factors lead to a school score of 55.2, significantly higher than the state average of 52.8.

Lewis Co. C-1 Leads Local Education

Lewis Co. C-1 is the largest district, serving 914 students, followed by Canton R-V with 494 students. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning the community's resources and support are focused entirely on these two traditional districts. Highland Elementary is the county's largest individual school with 525 students.

An Entirely Rural Learning Environment

All four schools in Lewis County are located in rural settings, reflecting the quiet, agricultural nature of the region. The average school size is 352 students, providing a balance between intimate class sizes and diverse peer groups. Students typically stay within the same small cohort from their early years through high school graduation.

Finding Your Home Near Top Rural Schools

With a graduation rate of 95.1%, Lewis County offers some of the strongest academic outcomes in northeast Missouri. Families often look for homes near Highland or Canton to benefit from the high-scoring local districts. The combination of rural peace and academic excellence makes this county a hidden gem for homebuyers with children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis ranks among safest counties

Lewis County's composite risk score of 27.39 places it well below the national average with a Very Low rating. Residents face significantly less natural disaster exposure than the typical American county.

One of Missouri's safest counties

Lewis County's 27.39 score sits far below Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking among the lowest-risk counties in the state. The county offers substantially lower natural hazard exposure than most Missouri communities.

Safer than surrounding counties

Lewis County (27.39) faces lower risk than neighbor Knox County (21.02) and all surrounding areas. The county represents one of the safest natural disaster environments in northern Missouri.

All hazards remain well-controlled

Lewis County's highest risk comes from wildfire (36.67) and flood (37.05), both moderate and manageable. Overall natural disaster risk remains limited across all hazard types in the county.

Standard coverage provides adequate protection

Lewis County homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance; flood insurance is optional given the county's low risk. The county's very low natural disaster exposure means residents need not purchase excessive coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lewis County

via WaterByCounty

Lewis County Receives an F Grade

Lewis County recorded 3 health violations over five years, creating a violation rate of 42.8 per 100,000. While this rate is below the Missouri average of 81.5, it resulted in an F grade for the county's water systems. This indicates that the violations occurred in areas or ways that significantly impact the safety rating.

Watershed Health Assessment Not Available

There are currently no §303(d) assessments for water bodies located within Lewis County. Because these federal evaluations are missing, the percentage of impaired waters for the current reporting cycle cannot be determined. Local data must fill the gap where federal reporting is absent.

Microbiological and Nutrient Monitoring in Place

The county has 13 monitoring sites that have recorded 3,078 measurements over the last five years. Measurements focus on physical properties, nutrients, and microbiological data. Monitoring for bacteria and viruses is especially important given the county's current compliance grade.

North Fabius River Levels are Critically Low

The North Fabius River near Ewing reports a discharge of 42 cfs, which is only 11% of its long-term mean. This gauge monitors 471 square miles and indicates an extreme hydrological deficit. Such low flow levels can significantly degrade water quality and harm local aquatic life.

High Vigilance for Microbiological Risks

Residents should be aware that the F grade and microbiological monitoring suggest potential risks that require attention. The North Fabius River's extreme low flow (11%) may further concentrate pathogens or pollutants. Utilizing water purification methods and tracking utility alerts is highly recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lewis County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Winds from the Upper Mississippi

Lewis County is cooler than the national median with an annual average of 52.3°F. Its location in the northeast corner of the state brings a more pronounced winter chill.

A Cooler and Drier Missouri Exception

The county ranks well below the 54.9°F state average for temperature. Its 38.3 inches of annual rain also makes it one of the drier counties in Missouri.

The Snow Capital of the Region

With 17.8 inches of snow, Lewis is significantly whiter in winter than southern counties like Madison. It also experiences ten fewer extreme heat days than the state average.

Deep Freezes and Moderate Summers

Winters are harsh with a January average of 25.7°F and heavy snowfall. July brings a moderate 75.5°F average, with only 26 days reaching the 90°F mark.

Winterize for Significant Snowfall

Residents should invest in heavy-duty winter gear and home insulation to handle the 17.8 inches of snow. Cooling costs are typically lower here than in the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Lewis County

Lewis County soil reaches a pH of 6.41, sitting very close to the 6.5 national median. This balanced acidity contributes to a high soil score of 76.7, reflecting great potential for diverse agriculture.

Silt-Clay Blend for Moisture

The composition features 62.3% silt and 20.2% clay, which creates a heavy, moisture-retentive medium. The 17.5% sand content provides just enough aeration to keep the soil from becoming too dense.

Superior Water Retention Ability

The available water capacity is 0.210 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter measures 2.48%, exceeding the national average and providing a solid base for plant nutrition.

Managing Saturated Soil Conditions

Much of the dominant soil is classified as subaqueous, indicating areas that stay wet or submerged. You will need to carefully select your garden site or use raised beds to manage this high water table.

Zone 6a Garden Opportunities

Lewis County's Zone 6a climate is excellent for cool-season crops like kale and broccoli. Use the county's superior water retention to your advantage and start growing your own fresh produce today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis County

via LawnByCounty

Excellent Lawn Potential in Lewis

Lewis County scores a high 71.3 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the easiest places in the state to maintain a lawn. The 6a hardiness zone is particularly favorable for traditional cool-season grasses.

Mild Summers and Targeted Watering

Lawns here enjoy only 26 extreme heat days, significantly fewer than the state average of 37. While the 38.3 inches of annual rain is below the state average, the milder temperatures reduce the lawn's water needs.

Great pH with Moisture-Retentive Clay

A soil pH of 6.41 provides an ideal chemical environment for grass without needing many amendments. The 20.2% clay content helps hold onto moisture, which is vital given the county's lower annual precipitation.

Managing Extreme Drought Stress

Severe drought currently covers 93.8% of the county, following 36 weeks of drought over the last year. Efficient irrigation is critical right now to protect your turf during this period of significant water stress.

Perfect for Cool-Season Grasses

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in this 6a climate. Your best growing window begins after the April 17th frost, allowing plenty of time to establish roots before the October 23rd freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis County's county score?
Lewis County, Missouri has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Lewis County rank among counties in Missouri?
Lewis County ranks #10 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 Lewis County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Lewis County is $875, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Lewis County a tax score of 59.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis County?
The median household income in Lewis County, Missouri is $52,340 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis County earns an income score of 19.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis County, Missouri a good place to live?
Lewis County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Lewis 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 Lewis 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.