countyscore
45
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.7Lawn Care 70Soil Quality 69

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Missouri

Lincoln County Trails National Livability Median

Lincoln County earns a composite score of 45.0, placing it five points below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more developmental and environmental headwinds than the average American community.

Falling Behind the Missouri State Average

With a 45.0 composite score, Lincoln County ranks below the Missouri state average of 50.3. While it serves as a growing hub, it sits in the bottom half of the state's 115 counties for overall quality of life.

High Household Incomes Drive Local Strength

The county's standout feature is an Income Score of 88.7, supported by a robust median household income of $85,276. Residents also benefit from a competitive Tax Score of 55.7, driven by an effective tax rate of just 0.770%.

Water Quality and Housing Costs Present Hurdles

Infrastructure and affordability are significant concerns, reflected in a Water Score of 11.1 and a Cost Score of 26.5. Median home values of $224,800 make it one of the less affordable options in the region compared to surrounding rural counties.

A Choice for High-Earning Commuters

This county is best suited for high-income professionals who value larger homes and can overlook infrastructure limitations. It offers a suburban-rural blend that prioritizes earning potential over housing affordability.

2040608010055.726.544.755.343.588.732.911.149.1Tax55.7Cost26.5Safety44.7Health55.3Schools43.5Income88.7Risk32.9Water11.1Weather49.145/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Lincoln County DNA

Foverall

How Lincoln County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lincoln County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (11.1/100), though Income (88.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55.7
Cost
26.5-21.5
Safety
44.7-10.299999999999997
Health
55.3
Schools
43.5-10.5
Income
88.7+37.7
Risk
32.9-14.100000000000001
Water
11.1-46.9
Weather
49.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Lincoln County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$224,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$972/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$224,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $85,276/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.1

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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Nearby counties

Calhoun County
Illinois
63
Warren County
Missouri
43.2
Pike County
Missouri
54.6
St. Charles County
Missouri
48.2
Montgomery County
Missouri
53.4
Jersey County
Illinois
53.4
Greene County
Illinois
60.3
Franklin County
Missouri
42.5

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes: Above the middle

At 0.77%, Lincoln County's effective property tax rate sits above the national median of 0.64%, placing it in roughly the 65th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,731 annually—well below the national median of $2,690—because homes are worth less, not because rates are lower.

Middle of the pack in Missouri

Lincoln County ranks 17th among Missouri's 114 counties for effective tax rate, slightly above the state average of 0.733%. The county collects a median tax of $1,731 compared to Missouri's state average of $1,199.

Higher taxes than nearby counties

Lincoln County's 0.77% rate exceeds Madison County (0.735%) and slightly outpaces Maries County (0.563%), though it trails Marion County (0.868%). Among the eight-county region studied, Lincoln falls in the middle-upper range.

A median home costs $1,731 yearly

The typical Lincoln County home valued at $224,800 generates $1,731 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,845; without one, it settles at $1,500.

You may be overassessed

Research suggests many homeowners in Missouri counties are assessed above fair market value. If your property taxes seem high, appealing your assessment could reduce your annual bill—it costs nothing to file and many appeals succeed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County beats national affordability

At 13.7%, Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national standard, making housing costs more manageable for renters here. The county's median household income of $85,276 also exceeds the national median by $10,521, giving residents more breathing room in their budgets.

Better than most Missouri counties

Lincoln County ranks among Missouri's more affordable areas with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.7%—nearly 2 percentage points below the state average of 15.6%. Its $972 median monthly rent is higher than the state average of $768, but residents' stronger incomes make the trade-off favorable.

Housing costs rise in Lincoln County

Lincoln County's median rent of $972 runs notably higher than nearby Linn County ($612) and Maries County ($594), reflecting its stronger economic position. However, Lincoln County residents earn considerably more—$85,276 versus $61,975 in Linn County—so the higher housing costs remain proportionally manageable.

Rent eats 13.7% of income here

Renters in Lincoln County spend about $972 monthly on rent, while homeowners pay $1,134, with median home values around $224,800. At 13.7% of income, rent costs are among the lowest burden in the region, leaving more dollars for savings and other expenses.

Considering Lincoln County? Strong value awaits

If you're relocating to Missouri, Lincoln County offers solid affordability paired with above-average incomes—a rare combination. Compare your expected salary here against housing costs to see how much you'd save compared to higher-cost metro areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County earns well above national average

With a median household income of $85,276, Lincoln County households earn $10,521 more than the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the upper tier nationally, outpacing roughly 65% of American counties.

A top earner within Missouri

Lincoln County's median income of $85,276 ranks among Missouri's strongest, well above the state average of $59,503. Residents here earn about 43% more than the typical Missouri household.

Lincoln County leads its peer group

Compared to surrounding counties like Marion ($63,908) and Linn ($61,975), Lincoln County significantly outearns its neighbors. Only Lincoln County in this cohort breaks the $85,000 threshold for median household income.

Housing costs are very manageable here

At 13.7%, Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the affordability threshold of 28-30%, meaning residents spend less than a dollar of every seven on rent. With a median home value of $224,800, homeownership remains accessible to middle-class earners.

Strong income positions you for wealth building

Lincoln County's above-average income creates excellent opportunity for saving and investing beyond housing costs. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County far outpaces national safety averages

Lincoln County reports a total crime rate of 1,231.5 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county a robust safety score of 98.1 out of 100.

A top-tier safety performer in Missouri

The county's safety score of 98.1 sits comfortably above the Missouri state average of 97.0. Local law enforcement agencies maintain a crime rate that is significantly lower than the state's overall average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 people.

Outperforming regional and state crime benchmarks

Lincoln County's total crime rate is roughly 36% lower than the Missouri state average, positioning it as a safer alternative to more urbanized neighbors. Seven reporting agencies collaborate to keep the community metrics well below national figures.

Property crime drives local incident reports

The data shows 934.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents compared to 297.5 violent crimes. While the violent crime rate is lower than the national average of 369.8, property-related incidents remain the primary focus for local safety efforts.

Simple steps to enhance Lincoln County safety

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, basic home security can make a significant difference. Installing motion-activated lights and smart doorbells helps maintain the high safety standards the county currently enjoys.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network of Local Schools

Lincoln County supports 9,849 students across 21 public schools, including 11 elementary and 5 high schools. This robust infrastructure is managed by 4 distinct school districts serving the expanding community.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 94.9% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 91.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,079, which is below the state average of $6,334, the county maintains a competitive school score of 52.0.

The Dominant Troy R-III School District

Troy R-III is the largest district by far, educating 6,974 students across 11 different schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with education provided entirely by the four traditional public districts.

A Mix of Rural and Town Settings

The educational experience here is primarily rural, with 14 schools in rural locales and 7 in town settings. Troy Buchanan High is the largest facility with 2,188 students, while the average school size across the county is 469 students.

Establish Your Roots Near Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and a mix of town and rural environments will find Lincoln County highly attractive. Consider how these local school districts can support your family's future when exploring homes in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County's risk exceeds national average

With a composite risk score of 67.08, Lincoln County faces a relatively low but above-average disaster risk compared to U.S. counties. This score reflects meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly earthquakes and tornadoes, that require local attention and preparedness planning.

Higher than most Missouri counties

Lincoln County ranks above average among Missouri's 115 counties with a score of 67.08 versus the state average of 50.56. This places the county in the upper tier of Missouri's disaster risk profile, driven largely by seismic and severe weather exposure.

Riskier than adjacent counties

Lincoln County's risk score of 67.08 notably exceeds nearby Marion County (47.87) and Madison County (50.86), making it the most hazard-exposed area in its immediate region. Residents here face measurably higher earthquake and tornado risks than their neighbors to the south and west.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Earthquakes pose the highest risk at 77.80, reflecting Lincoln County's proximity to seismic zones, while tornadoes rank second at 72.93—both well above state averages. Flooding also presents material risk at 70.29, threatening both structural and agricultural assets across the county.

Secure coverage for multiple hazards

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake or flood damage; Lincoln County residents should purchase separate earthquake and flood policies given their elevated exposure. Consider reinforcing your foundation against seismic activity and ensuring your home meets current wind-resistance standards for tornado protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lincoln County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations Impact Lincoln County Water

Lincoln County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, recording 118 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 292.1 per 100,000 residents is more than triple the Missouri state average of 81.5. This high rate indicates persistent challenges in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards compared to national peers.

Watershed Assessments Currently Pending

Local water bodies in Lincoln County are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment database. This means current impairments or attainment status for rivers and streams remain unclassified under the Clean Water Act reporting cycle. Monitoring these gaps is essential for establishing a baseline for local ecosystem health.

Sixteen Sites Track Local Water Quality

Monitoring efforts in the county include 16 distinct sites that have recorded 6,053 measurements over the past five years. Researchers focus primarily on physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic materials to track shifts in water chemistry. This data provides a crucial technical record for managing local aquatic resources.

Cuivre River Flows Below Typical Levels

The Cuivre River near Troy currently discharges 267 cubic feet per second, representing just 38% of its long-term mean. This flow is significantly lower than the historical average of 697 cfs for this 903-square-mile drainage area. Reduced volume can lead to higher concentrations of runoff-related contaminants.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing

Given the Grade F compliance rating and high violation count, residents should prioritize home water filtration and regular testing. Since the Cuivre River is flowing well below its typical rate, be aware that low water levels can intensify the concentration of nutrients and inorganic materials. Stay informed about local water utility notices regarding health-based violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Four-Season Climate Profile

Lincoln County matches the national median temperature of 54.0°F almost exactly. It experiences the full range of continental weather, from snow to high heat.

Typical Missouri Weather Patterns

The county's temperature is just a fraction below the Missouri state mean of 54.9°F. It receives 41.3 inches of rain annually, tracking closely with state trends.

Higher Heat Than Western Neighbors

Lincoln's 42 heat days per year contrast sharply with the 32 days seen in Lafayette. It also receives 16.3 inches of snow, which is higher than the regional average.

Extreme Heat Meets Winter Snow

Summers are demanding with 42 days over 90°F and a July average of 76.4°F. Winters provide a steady 16.3 inches of snow and a 28.7°F January average.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

The combination of 42 heat days and 16 inches of snow requires versatile home preparation. Dual-purpose HVAC systems and winter-ready vehicles are essential for residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils with Above-Average Potential

Lincoln County features an average pH of 6.16, which sits slightly above the state average of 6.09. While more acidic than the national median of 6.5, these soils provide a solid foundation for regional agriculture. Taxonomic data for the county's dominant soil order remains limited in current surveys.

Silt-Heavy Mix with Low Sand Content

The soil composition is dominated by 67.2% silt and a significant 21.4% clay portion. With only 10.5% sand, the soil offers high workability but may compact easily if over-tilled. This fine-textured mix is excellent for holding onto essential nutrients throughout the growing season.

Superior Water Storage Beats State Benchmarks

The county boasts an available water capacity of 0.202 in/in, outperforming the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter levels at 2.63% also exceed the national average of 2.0%. This combination creates a fertile environment that supports consistent crop yields even during dry spells.

Managing Saturated Subaqueous Soil Conditions

The dominant drainage class is categorized as subaqueous, suggesting soils that are frequently saturated or underwater. Local hydrologic group data is currently unavailable, but the high silt content typically indicates a need for careful moisture management. Builders and farmers should account for these wet conditions when planning infrastructure.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

Falling within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Lincoln County is perfect for growing diverse cool-season vegetables and hardy perennials. The soil's high water capacity supports thirsty crops like melons and tomatoes. Start your garden today to take advantage of this moisture-rich soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Lincoln County

Lincoln County earns a solid 70.0 lawn difficulty score, outperforming both the Missouri average of 63.7 and the national median of 50.0. Within Hardiness Zone 6b, residents find a relatively hospitable environment for maintaining healthy green spaces.

Ideal Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

The county receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, falling perfectly within the ideal range for grass growth. However, 42 extreme heat days over 90°F—exceeding the state average of 37—require careful irrigation to prevent summer dormancy.

Strong pH with Heavy Clay

A soil pH of 6.16 is nearly ideal for nutrient uptake, though the 21.4% clay content can make for heavy, compacted ground. While regional data identifies subaqueous drainage conditions, most yards benefit from regular aeration to manage the soil texture.

Managing Persistent Dry Spells

Lawns here faced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep root systems that can survive these recurring dry periods.

Planting for Success in 6b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this zone when seeded between the April 20 last frost and October 20 first frost. Start your fall renovation early to ensure roots establish before the first winter freeze hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Missouri has a composite county score of 45 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Missouri?
Lincoln County ranks #79 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 Lincoln County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,731, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 55.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Missouri is $85,276 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 88.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Missouri a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 45/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.