Lincoln County's composite score of 71.9 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This performance reflects a county that has built measurable advantages in affordability and tax burden compared to most of America.
2 / 5
Slightly below Missouri's typical profile
Lincoln County scores 71.9, falling just 2.9 points below Missouri's state average of 74.8. The county ranks solidly within Missouri but doesn't stand out among its peers, reflecting a middle-of-the-pack livability position statewide.
3 / 5
Tax advantages drive Lincoln's appeal
Lincoln County excels with a tax score of 80.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.770%, keeping more money in residents' pockets. The county also offers reasonable housing costs with a median home value of $224,800 and median rent of $972/month, both below national norms.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind peers
With an income score of just 39.0 and median household income of $85,276, Lincoln County trails many comparable areas. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain limited, leaving gaps in the livability picture.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious professionals
Lincoln County suits families and professionals seeking low taxes and moderate housing costs without needing top-tier incomes. The county offers decent fundamentals but works best for those who prioritize affordability over wage opportunities.
Lincoln County's composite score of 71.9 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This performance reflects a county that has built measurable advantages in affordability and tax burden compared to most of America.
Slightly below Missouri's typical profile
Lincoln County scores 71.9, falling just 2.9 points below Missouri's state average of 74.8. The county ranks solidly within Missouri but doesn't stand out among its peers, reflecting a middle-of-the-pack livability position statewide.
Tax advantages drive Lincoln's appeal
Lincoln County excels with a tax score of 80.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.770%, keeping more money in residents' pockets. The county also offers reasonable housing costs with a median home value of $224,800 and median rent of $972/month, both below national norms.
Income levels lag behind peers
With an income score of just 39.0 and median household income of $85,276, Lincoln County trails many comparable areas. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain limited, leaving gaps in the livability picture.
Best for cost-conscious professionals
Lincoln County suits families and professionals seeking low taxes and moderate housing costs without needing top-tier incomes. The county offers decent fundamentals but works best for those who prioritize affordability over wage opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.