countyscore
62.1
County Score
Cost of Living 89.3Water Quality 86Lawn Care 84.8

County Report Card

About Linn County, Missouri

Outperforming the National Median by Wide Margins

Linn County boasts an impressive composite score of 61.9, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top tier of livability rankings across the United States.

A Top Performer in the State of Missouri

Linn County far exceeds the Missouri state average score of 50.3, establishing itself as a premier destination in the state. Its balanced profile provides a higher quality of life than many of its more urban neighbors.

Exceptional Affordability and Water Quality

Linn County shines with a Cost Score of 88.0 and a Water Score of 86.0. Median gross rent is a remarkably low $612 per month, while a Safety Score of 73.9 ensures a secure environment for residents.

Health Outcomes and Local Incomes Lag

Despite its many strengths, the county faces a Health Score of 37.3 and an Income Score of 45.2. Access to healthcare and high-paying local jobs remains the primary area where the county could improve.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Linn County is an ideal match for individuals seeking a high-safety, low-cost lifestyle without sacrificing environmental quality. It offers incredible value for those who do not rely on a local high-wage job market.

2040608010058.289.373.937.341.638.868.88654.6Tax58.2Cost89.3Safety73.9Health37.3Schools41.6Income38.8Risk68.8Water86Weather54.662.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Linn County DNA

Doverall

How Linn County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Linn County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (89.3/100) but notably weak in Health (37.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.2
Cost
89.3+41.3
Safety
73.9+18.900000000000006
Health
37.3-12.700000000000003
Schools
41.6-12.399999999999999
Income
38.8-12.200000000000003
Risk
68.8+21.799999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
54.6
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Many homeowners in Linn County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$123,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$620/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$123,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,635/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.3

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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62

Nearby counties

Livingston County
Missouri
53.4
Sullivan County
Missouri
63
Chariton County
Missouri
63.5
Grundy County
Missouri
50.5
Macon County
Missouri
55.7
Adair County
Missouri
45
Carroll County
Missouri
57.8
Putnam County
Missouri
62.5

Deep Dives

Linn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Linn County

via TaxByCounty

Linn County taxes: Moderate nationally

Linn County's effective rate of 0.766% sits in the 63rd percentile nationally, slightly above the U.S. median of 0.64%. Despite this above-average rate, the median tax bill is just $899—less than a third the national median of $2,690—because local home values average only $117,300.

Slightly above Missouri average

Linn County ranks 18th among Missouri's 114 counties in effective tax rate, marginally above the state average of 0.733%. The median tax payment of $899 falls below Missouri's state median of $1,199.

Among the region's lower-value homes

Linn County homes average just $117,300, making them the least expensive in this eight-county cluster. Its 0.766% tax rate is higher than Madison County (0.735%) but lower than Marion County (0.868%).

A median home costs $899 yearly

With a median home value of $117,300, typical Linn County homeowners pay $899 annually in property taxes. That grows to $945 with a mortgage, or $860 without.

Assessment appeals can lower your bill

Many Missouri homeowners pay taxes on inflated assessments. A formal appeal costs nothing and can yield meaningful savings—especially valuable for Linn County homeowners looking to reduce their burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Linn County

via IncomeByCounty

Linn County keeps pace with national earnings

Linn County's median household income of $61,975 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $12,780. The county ranks near the middle nationally, earning roughly at the 45th percentile.

Income above the Missouri average

At $61,975, Linn County's median household income exceeds the state average of $59,503 by $2,472. This places the county slightly ahead of typical Missouri households.

Linn County competes well locally

Linn County's $61,975 median income outpaces nearby Livingston County ($60,148) and Macon County ($58,318). Among its peer group, Linn ranks solidly in the middle tier.

Renters enjoy strong affordability

Linn County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the region, well below the 28-30% affordability standard. With a median home value of $117,300, the county also offers affordable homeownership pathways.

Build savings from solid local earnings

Linn County residents can leverage moderate, stable incomes to establish emergency funds and retirement accounts. Start by setting aside 10-15% of household income for savings and explore employer 401(k) matching programs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Linn County

via CrimeByCounty

Linn County ranks among the safest nationwide

Linn County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.0, reflecting its status as one of the most secure areas in the country. Its total crime rate of 622.2 per 100,000 is approximately 74% lower than the national average.

Setting the standard for Missouri safety

With a crime rate less than one-third of the Missouri state average, Linn County is a standout performer for public safety. Its safety score significantly exceeds the state benchmark of 97.0, supported by data from three reporting agencies.

Quiet streets compared to state averages

Linn County maintains a much lower profile for crime than many of its Missouri neighbors, reporting only 622.2 total incidents per 100,000 people. This regional advantage is clear when compared to the statewide average of 1,926.2.

Minimal violent and property crime rates

Violent crime is notably low at 227.0 per 100,000, while property crime stands at just 395.2. These figures are a fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7, indicating a very low risk for local residents.

Keep Linn County secure through awareness

Even in high-safety areas, maintaining home security helps preserve the community's peaceful character. Simple habits like locking windows and securing outbuildings ensure that Linn County remains a leader in Missouri safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Linn County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures on the Northern Plains

Linn is notably cooler than the national median at 52.7°F. This northern Missouri county experiences a pronounced continental climate with long winters.

A Cooler and Drier Northern Profile

It is significantly cooler than the 54.9°F state average and receives less rain than the state mean. It represents the cooler, drier characteristics of North Missouri.

Among the Highest Snowfall Totals

Linn sees 18.9 inches of annual snowfall, which is among the highest in the region. It experiences 11 fewer extreme heat days than Lafayette to its south.

Long Winters and Mild Summers

Winter is the dominant season, with temperatures averaging 29.4°F and nearly 19 inches of snow. Summer is mild, with only 25 days reaching 90°F.

Focus on Efficient Winter Heating

Prioritize high-efficiency heating and reliable snow removal equipment for the snowy winter months. Summer cooling is less of a financial burden here than in the south.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Linn County

via SoilByCounty

Linn County's Near-Ideal Soil pH Levels

With an average pH of 6.42, Linn County soils are very close to the 6.5 national median. These Entisols are significantly less acidic than the Missouri state average of 6.09. This balance makes nutrients more readily available to plants without heavy lime applications.

Productive Silt Loam Foundations

The dominant texture is a classic silt loam, composed of 53.6% silt and 26.2% clay. Sand makes up 20.2% of the mix, providing better aeration than many neighboring counties. This balance ensures the soil remains workable while still retaining enough moisture for healthy root development.

Healthy Organic Matter and High Capacity

Organic matter at 2.71% surpasses the national 2.0% benchmark, providing a steady supply of nutrients. The available water capacity of 0.200 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.183 in/in. These factors contribute to the county's impressive soil score of 74.8.

Navigating Somewhat Poor Drainage

Soils here are classified as somewhat poorly drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This group typically has a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. Farmers may need to implement tiling or raised beds to prevent waterlogging during heavy Missouri rains.

Gardening Success in Zone 6a

Linn County sits in Hardiness Zone 6a, supporting a wide range of orchard fruits and row crops. The silt loam texture is particularly well-suited for deep-rooted plants like corn or sunflowers. It is an ideal environment for any home gardener looking to produce a heavy harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Linn County

via LawnByCounty

Linn County: A Missouri Lawn Leader

With a high lawn difficulty score of 84.8, Linn County is one of the easiest places in the state to maintain a lawn. This score far exceeds the Missouri average of 63.7, thanks to a favorable mix of moderate heat and consistent rainfall.

Milder Summers Support Growth

Grass benefits from 40.6 inches of annual rain and only 25 extreme heat days, which is significantly lower than the state average of 37. These milder summers reduce the risk of heat stress and help homeowners manage water bills more effectively.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The silt loam texture and 6.42 pH provide an excellent foundation for most Missouri turfgrass species. Because the soil is somewhat poorly drained with 26.2% clay, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in low-lying areas.

Resilient Moisture Levels

The county is currently 30.6% abnormally dry, but it has only experienced 9 weeks of drought over the last year. This relative resilience makes it easier to keep grass green without constant intervention compared to neighboring counties.

Zone 6a Planting Windows

Homeowners should plant cool-season grasses like fine fescue or perennial ryegrass between April 15 and October 20. These varieties take full advantage of the 3,640 growing degree days available in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Linn County's county score?
Linn 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 Linn County rank among counties in Missouri?
Linn County ranks #13 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 Linn County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Linn County is $888, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Linn County a tax score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Linn County?
The median household income in Linn County, Missouri is $61,635 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Linn County earns an income score of 38.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Linn County, Missouri a good place to live?
Linn County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Linn 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 Linn County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.