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.

Score breakdown

Tax55.7Cost26.5Safety44.7Health55.3Schools43.5Income88.7Risk32.9Water11.1Weather49.1
🏛55.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70
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

Calhoun County
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Warren County
Missouri
43.2
Pike County
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St. Charles County
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Montgomery County
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Jersey County
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Greene County
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Franklin County
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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County lives longer than average

At 75.7 years, Lincoln County residents live nearly 6 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county in solid health standing nationally. Just 17.3% of residents report being in poor or fair health, slightly below the national benchmark. This suggests Lincoln County's healthcare investments are paying measurable dividends in longevity and quality of life.

Missouri's best-performing county on longevity

Lincoln County's 75.7-year life expectancy outpaces Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by 1.4 years. The county ranks among the healthiest in the state, with residents reporting better health outcomes than most Missouri peers. This advantage reflects strong primary prevention and chronic disease management in the community.

Leading the North-Central cluster

Lincoln County's 75.7-year life expectancy exceeds neighboring Linn County (75.0 years) and Maries County (74.3 years) while matching Livingston County's performance. With a 17.3% poor/fair health rate, Lincoln County ranks better than all nearby counties, including McDonald County at 25.4%. The county's advantage stems partly from better mental health provider density (101 per 100K), though primary care access remains limited.

Fewer uninsured, but care deserts persist

Lincoln County's 9.8% uninsured rate beats the state average of 12.5%, meaning most residents have coverage pathways. However, the county faces a critical shortage of primary care providers at just 5 per 100K population—well below the national recommendation of 60 per 100K. Residents often travel significant distances for routine physician visits, even as mental health services remain relatively accessible.

Check your coverage this season

Nearly 1 in 10 Lincoln County residents remain uninsured—a gap that compounds health risks and delays preventive care. Whether you're unemployed, self-employed, or between jobs, federal and state marketplaces offer affordable plans year-round. Visit Healthcare.gov or Missouri's official enrollment site to explore options tailored to your income and family size.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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.