countyscore
61.9
County Score
Cost of Living 88Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax56.1Cost88Safety73.9Health37.3Schools41.6Income45.2Risk68.8Water86Weather54.6
🏛56.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱84.8
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

Livingston County
Missouri
52.7
Sullivan County
Missouri
62.4
Chariton County
Missouri
61.3
Grundy County
Missouri
51
Macon County
Missouri
52.6
Adair County
Missouri
44.3
Carroll County
Missouri
58.1
Putnam County
Missouri
62.9

Deep Dives

Linn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Linn County

via CostByCounty

Linn County rents are remarkably affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 11.8%, Linn County renters spend the least of their income on housing compared to national norms. At $612 monthly, rents here are 20% below the state average, making it one of Missouri's most affordable rental markets.

Missouri's affordability champion

Linn County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Missouri, beating the state average of 15.6% by a significant margin. Despite a median income of $61,975—below state norms—the county's exceptionally low rents create genuine affordability.

Linn County rents lead the region

At $612 monthly, Linn County offers the lowest median rent among its peers, undercutting nearby Maries County ($594) and significantly beating Lincoln County ($972). This affordability advantage extends to homeownership, with median home values of $117,300—the lowest in this group.

Housing costs barely squeeze paychecks

Renters here pay $612 monthly while homeowners average $626, with median home values of $117,300. At 11.8% of median income, rent costs leave the most room in household budgets for other necessities and discretionary spending.

Budget-conscious? Linn County calls you

Linn County delivers the region's lowest housing costs combined with modest living expenses—ideal for remote workers, retirees, or anyone prioritizing affordability. If you're moving to Missouri on a fixed income, this county's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio is hard to beat.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Linn County

via HealthByCounty

Linn County's life expectancy trails national norm

At 75.0 years, Linn County residents live about 1.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 22.1% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds national benchmarks, indicating widespread chronic disease burden. These metrics suggest healthcare access and prevention programs need strengthening in Linn County.

Below average for Missouri health outcomes

Linn County's 75.0-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years below Missouri's state average of 74.3 years—placing it in the lower half statewide. With 22.1% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county trails most Missouri peers on this critical measure. These trends point to cumulative disadvantage in chronic disease management and healthcare access.

Struggling among regional peers

Linn County's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks below neighboring Lincoln County (75.7 years) and Livingston County (76.1 years), with a 22.1% poor/fair health rate that exceeds most nearby counties. The county does offer stronger primary care access at 34 per 100K—triple Lincoln County's capacity—yet health outcomes remain comparatively weak. This gap suggests that supply alone doesn't guarantee care quality or population health.

Moderate insurance coverage, adequate primary care

Linn County's 11.3% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 12.5%, meaning most residents access care through employer or public programs. With 34 primary care providers per 100K, the county has reasonable physician availability—nearly 7 times Lincoln County's supply. Yet the 22.1% poor/fair health rate suggests barriers beyond access: income inequality, transportation challenges, or disease prevalence may limit healthcare effectiveness.

Affordable plans help close care gaps

More than 1 in 10 Linn County residents lack health insurance, which delays diagnosis and treatment of preventable conditions. Even with decent primary care supply, uninsured individuals skip doctor visits due to cost concerns, worsening outcomes. Explore your options at Healthcare.gov to find subsidized coverage that fits your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Linn County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Education in Rural Linn County

Linn County serves 2,067 students through a network of 13 public schools, including six high schools and five elementary schools. Five separate school districts manage this dispersed educational infrastructure.

Solid Performance with Strong Financial Support

The county's school score of 53.1 sits slightly above the state average of 52.8. While the 89.3% graduation rate is just below the state average, the county invests $6,951 per pupil, which is higher than the Missouri average of $6,334.

Brookfield R-III Leads the Region

Brookfield R-III is the largest district in the county, enrolling 877 students across four schools. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a stable and traditional public school environment for all residents.

Small, Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every one of the 13 schools in Linn County is classified as rural, creating a consistent and close-knit community feel. With an average school size of just 172 students, even the largest school, Brookfield Elementary, only hosts 364 students.

Find Your Perfect Small-Town School District

If you value small class sizes and a rural lifestyle, Linn County offers an intimate educational setting. Explore local real estate to find a home within these high-investment, community-focused school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Linn County

via RiskByCounty

Linn County faces very low national risk

With a composite risk score of 31.23, Linn County is significantly safer than the national average, placing it in the very low-risk category. This favorable profile reflects below-average exposure to most major hazard types across the county.

Well below Missouri's average risk

Linn County's score of 31.23 ranks it well below Missouri's state average of 50.56, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This lower risk profile gives residents a relative advantage when it comes to disaster preparedness and insurance needs.

Safer than surrounding counties

At 31.23, Linn County offers lower risk than Macon County (36.77) and significantly lower risk than Lincoln County (67.08) to the east. It remains among the safest areas in north-central Missouri, though tornado exposure remains a local consideration.

Tornadoes present the main threat

Tornado risk at 66.89 is Linn County's highest hazard, though still below the state average for that specific hazard. Flood risk at 39.03 and wildfire risk at 50.67 remain moderate, with earthquake exposure at just 40.90.

Focus on wind and flood protection

While Linn County's overall risk is low, tornado preparedness remains essential—ensure your home has a designated safe room and maintains wind-resistant features. A flood insurance policy is recommended given the county's proximity to waterways, though earthquake coverage is less critical here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 61.9 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 #11 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 $899, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Linn County a tax score of 56.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Linn County?
The median household income in Linn County, Missouri is $61,975 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Linn County earns an income score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Linn County, Missouri a good place to live?
Linn County scores 61.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 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.

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.