countyscore
52.7
County Score
Lawn Care 80.3Disaster Risk 77Soil Quality 74.6

County Report Card

About Livingston County, Missouri

Livingston County Slightly Above National Median

Livingston County earns a composite score of 52.7, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This suggests a stable, slightly better-than-average quality of life compared to the rest of the country.

Exceeding the Missouri State Average

The county's 52.7 composite score outperforms the Missouri state average of 50.3. It maintains a competitive position in North Missouri by balancing affordability with moderate risk levels.

Low Environmental Risk and High Affordability

A high Risk Score of 77.0 indicates a very low threat from natural disasters, while a Cost Score of 71.8 reflects a manageable cost of living. Median gross rent sits at a modest $747 per month, providing accessibility for many families.

Education and Income Scores Need Attention

The county faces challenges in its School Score of 34.6 and Income Score of 39.4. With a median household income of $60,148, economic growth trails behind state leaders in higher-density areas.

A Secure Choice for Budget-Conscious Families

Livingston County is best suited for families looking for a safe haven from natural risks and affordable housing. It appeals to those who prioritize stability and low monthly expenses over proximity to elite educational institutions.

2040608010045.371.852.949.234.639.47761.249.8Tax45.3Cost71.8Safety52.9Health49.2Schools34.6Income39.4Risk77Water61.2Weather49.852.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Livingston County DNA

Foverall

How Livingston County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Livingston County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (77/100) but notably weak in Schools (34.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.3
Cost
71.8+23.799999999999997
Safety
52.9
Health
49.2
Schools
34.6-19.4
Income
39.4-11.600000000000001
Risk
77+30
Water
61.2
Weather
49.8
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Think property taxes are too high in Livingston County?

Many homeowners in Livingston 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

$138,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$747/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$138,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,148/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

48.8

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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Ashe County
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Klickitat County
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Manitowoc County
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Nearby counties

Linn County
Missouri
61.9
Grundy County
Missouri
51
Caldwell County
Missouri
64.7
Carroll County
Missouri
58.1
Daviess County
Missouri
53.6
Chariton County
Missouri
61.3
Sullivan County
Missouri
62.4
Saline County
Missouri
42.8

Deep Dives

Livingston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Livingston County

via TaxByCounty

Livingston County: Highest tax rate here

At 0.899%, Livingston County has the highest effective property tax rate among these eight counties and sits in the 75th percentile nationally. The median annual bill of $1,243 remains far below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Among Missouri's highest rates

Livingston County ranks 6th among Missouri's 114 counties for effective tax rate, well above the state average of 0.733%. Its median tax of $1,243 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by a notable margin.

Steepest rate in the eight-county region

Livingston's 0.899% rate significantly exceeds all peers in this analysis, including Marion County (0.868%) and Lincoln County (0.77%). Homeowners here carry the region's heaviest tax burden relative to property value.

A median home costs $1,243 yearly

A typical Livingston County home valued at $138,300 generates $1,243 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,115; those without pay $1,362.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

With the region's steepest tax rate, Livingston County homeowners have the most to gain from assessment appeals. Challenging an overvalued assessment could yield significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Livingston County

via CostByCounty

Livingston County hovers near national affordability

At 14.9%, Livingston County's rent-to-income ratio sits close to—but slightly above—national benchmarks, indicating moderate housing affordability for renters. The county's median rent of $747 falls between state and national norms, paired with a median income of $60,148.

Middle of the Missouri pack

Livingston County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks near the state average of 15.6%, positioning it as a moderate-affordability county in Missouri. Its $747 median monthly rent is just slightly below the state average, reflecting fairly typical housing cost dynamics.

Rents reasonable for the region

Livingston County's $747 rent falls between Linn County's bargain basement ($612) and Lincoln County's premium ($972), marking it as solidly middle-ground. Median home values of $138,300 similarly position the county between regional extremes, offering balanced options for both renters and buyers.

14.9% of income goes to rent

Livingston County renters spend $747 monthly on housing while homeowners pay $707, with median home values of $138,300. At 14.9% of income, rent costs remain manageable, though less generous than in neighboring Linn County.

Livingston offers balanced living costs

If you're seeking a middle path—not the absolute cheapest but still reasonably affordable—Livingston County provides solid value. Compare your projected income and lifestyle against these moderate housing costs to determine your fit in this balanced market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Livingston County

via IncomeByCounty

Livingston County lags national income

At $60,148, Livingston County's median household income falls $14,607 below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower-middle nationally, at approximately the 40th percentile.

Slightly under Missouri's median

Livingston County's $60,148 median household income underperforms the state average of $59,503 by just $645. The county sits nearly at the state median, reflecting typical Missouri earnings.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Livingston County's $60,148 income matches closely with Macon County ($58,318) and Linn County ($61,975). The county holds its own within this peer cluster.

Housing costs strain some households

Livingston County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio is slightly elevated, though still manageable for most renters. A median home value of $138,300 requires careful household budgeting for first-time homebuyers.

Start small, build consistency

Livingston County residents benefit from focusing on debt reduction and establishing modest savings habits. Even $50-100 monthly contributions to savings accounts compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Livingston County

via CrimeByCounty

Livingston County maintains high safety standards

The county reports a total crime rate of 1,062.3 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a strong safety score of 98.3, indicating a very secure environment.

Exceeding the Missouri state safety average

Livingston County's safety score of 98.3 outperforms the state average of 97.0. Local crime rates remain nearly 45% lower than the Missouri average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 people.

Lower crime than regional state benchmarks

Livingston County reports significantly fewer incidents than the average Missouri county, with only two agencies managing a very low case load. Its total crime rate of 1,062.3 provides a notable safety advantage for the local population.

Impressively low violent crime rates

The county records just 131.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 930.4 incidents, making up the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Focus on property security at home

Because property crime is the most frequent incident type in the county, residents should focus on securing valuables and home entry points. Investing in a basic alarm system can help keep these already low numbers even lower.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Livingston County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Centered in the Heart of the Town

Livingston County operates 10 public schools serving a total of 2,083 students. This infrastructure includes five elementary schools and three high schools distributed among three local districts.

Consistent Performance and Town-Focused Investment

The county maintains a 90.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $5,959, supporting a school score of 51.6 that remains competitive with state benchmarks.

Chillicothe R-II Serves the Majority

Chillicothe R-II is the primary district, managing six schools and 1,809 students, which represents nearly 87% of the county's total enrollment. No charter schools operate in the county, keeping the focus on local district management.

A Balance of Town and Country Schools

With six schools in town and four in rural settings, the county offers diverse environments for students. Chillicothe High is the largest campus with 609 students, while the county-wide average school size is 231.

Discover a Home Near Chillicothe Schools

The strong town-centered school system in Chillicothe makes it a hub for families seeking educational stability. Researching homes in Livingston County allows you to take advantage of these established town and rural school options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Livingston County

via RiskByCounty

Livingston County enjoys minimal disaster risk

With the state's lowest composite risk score of 23.03, Livingston County ranks among America's safest counties from natural disaster exposure. This very low rating reflects below-average hazard exposure across earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Missouri's safest county for disasters

Livingston County's score of 23.03 is the lowest among all Missouri counties, well below the state average of 50.56. Residents here enjoy significantly lower natural disaster risk than nearly every other county in the state.

The safest spot in the region

Livingston County at 23.03 is substantially safer than Linn County (31.23), Macon County (36.77), and all other surrounding counties. This makes it the lowest-risk area in north-central Missouri by a considerable margin.

Tornado risk remains the primary hazard

Even in this low-risk county, tornadoes register at 64.89, the highest local hazard—though still manageable with standard preparedness. Flood risk at 26.43 and wildfire risk at 38.23 are both minimal, with zero hurricane exposure reported.

Basic tornado safety is sufficient

Livingston County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and a tornado safety plan—the county's low overall risk means specialized hazard coverage is less critical than in neighboring areas. Focus on ensuring your home has access to a safe room or basement during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Livingston County

via WaterByCounty

Livingston County Holds Strong Compliance Grade

Livingston County carries a Grade C with only one recorded health violation over a five-year lookback period. Its violation rate of 5.7 per 100,000 residents is notably better than the Missouri average of 81.5. This performance indicates a relatively stable and safe drinking water system compared to state-wide trends.

Official Watershed Assessments Not Yet Conducted

Federal reporting through the ATTAINS database currently shows no assessed water bodies for Livingston County. The county's streams have not yet been evaluated for §303(d) impairment status during this reporting cycle. This lack of data highlights a need for expanded federal and state watershed characterization.

Consistent Monitoring Across Eleven County Sites

Local water quality portal records show 2,530 measurements taken across 11 monitoring sites over five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, nutrients, and inorganics. These results help environmental managers track the baseline health of Livingston County's water resources.

Grand River Running at Quarter Capacity

The Grand River near Sumner is currently flowing at 1,070 cfs, which is only 25% of its long-term mean of 4,376 cfs. As a primary gauge for a massive 6,880-square-mile drainage area, this low flow reflects broader regional dryness. Lower discharge rates often change the concentration of minerals and metals in the water.

Watch Flow Impact on Water Quality

With the Grand River running at only 25% of its typical volume, be mindful that low water levels can lead to higher concentrations of naturally occurring minerals. Your water system maintains a strong compliance record, but homeowners with private wells should monitor for changes during these low-flow periods. Stay engaged with local conservation districts to help protect the unassessed local watersheds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Livingston County

via WeatherByCounty

Just Below the National Temperature Median

At 53.2°F, Livingston sits just below the national median temperature. It experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasonal shifts.

Cooler and Drier Than the State Average

The county is roughly 1.7 degrees cooler than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. Its 40.8 inches of annual rain is also lower than the state benchmark.

Consistent Regional Snow and Heat

Livingston's 35 extreme heat days are higher than Linn but comparable to Macon. Its 13.8 inches of snow matches Lafayette exactly, showing a stable regional pattern.

Cold Winters and Sunny Summers

The county sees 35 days of 90°F heat during a summer that averages 75.3°F. Winter brings a cold 29.6°F average and exactly 13.8 inches of snow.

Balance Your Energy Needs

Ensure gutters can handle 40 inches of rain and have salt ready for the winter snow. Proper insulation helps manage the 35 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Livingston County

via SoilByCounty

Favorable Acidity for Regional Farming

Livingston County maintains an average soil pH of 6.30, beating the state average of 6.09. This level is just below the national median of 6.5, making it highly suitable for most agricultural uses. Detailed taxonomic data is limited, but the overall soil score of 74.6 indicates high quality.

Silt-Dominated Soils with High Clay

The soil contains 59.3% silt and a substantial 27.0% clay, with a low sand percentage of 13.3%. This high-clay content means the soil is excellent at holding onto fertilizers and minerals. However, the lack of sand can lead to heavy, sticky conditions when the ground is wet.

Robust Organic Matter Supports Growth

The county features a strong organic matter content of 3.18%, well above the national 2.0% average. Available water capacity is also high at 0.201 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.183 in/in. These metrics ensure that crops have access to both food and water throughout the summer.

Saturated Subaqueous Drainage Profiles

Livingston's dominant drainage class is subaqueous, which often signifies areas with poor natural drainage. Specific hydrologic group data is not currently recorded for the primary soil types. Producers should be mindful of water table heights when planning building foundations or field drainage.

Versatile Growing in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a variety of cool-season crops and hardy perennials. With its high water capacity, this soil is perfect for moisture-loving plants like squash and leafy greens. Your local garden can flourish given the high nutrient retention of these Missouri soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Livingston County

via LawnByCounty

Lush Lawns in Livingston

Livingston County boasts a strong lawn difficulty score of 80.3, indicating that growing turf is much easier here than the national median of 50.0. The Hardiness Zone 6a climate supports a variety of cool-season grasses with minimal effort.

Consistent Rain and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation averages 40.8 inches, sitting comfortably in the ideal 30-50 inch window for healthy turf. With 35 extreme heat days, the county stays slightly cooler than the state average, helping grass survive the summer peak.

Neutral pH Foundations

A balanced pH of 6.30 ensures that fertilizers work effectively without the need for heavy lime applications. While 27.0% clay provides good nutrient retention, the soil may require grading in areas where drainage is restricted.

Ample Current Soil Moisture

Excellent current conditions show 0.0% of the area in drought, and the county has seen only 6 weeks of dry conditions in the past year. This consistent moisture allows for a more relaxed watering schedule than many other parts of the state.

Start Growing in April

The window between April 15 and October 21 is the prime time for seeding and sodding in Livingston County. Cool-season blends are the standard choice to capitalize on the 3,769 available growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Livingston County's county score?
Livingston County, Missouri has a composite county score of 52.7 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 Livingston County rank among counties in Missouri?
Livingston County ranks #50 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 Livingston County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Livingston County is $1,243, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Livingston County a tax score of 45.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Livingston County?
The median household income in Livingston County, Missouri is $60,148 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Livingston County earns an income score of 39.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Livingston County, Missouri a good place to live?
Livingston County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Livingston 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 Livingston 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.