countyscore
64
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.4Disaster Risk 79.2

County Report Card

About Maries County, Missouri

Elite Livability Far Above National Median

Maries County achieves an exceptional composite score of 64.0, soaring well past the national median of 50.0. It ranks as one of the most livable rural counties in the United States based on this index.

One of Missouri’s Premier Living Destinations

Outperforming the Missouri state average of 50.3 by nearly 14 points, Maries County is a state leader. It combines fiscal health with environmental safety better than almost any other county in the region.

Superior Fiscal Health and Resilience

The county excels across the board with a Tax Score of 78.9, a Cost Score of 85.4, and a Risk Score of 79.2. An effective tax rate of just 0.563% and median rent of $594 create an incredibly low-stress financial environment.

Health Outcomes are the Primary Weakness

The only major area for improvement is a Health Score of 31.5, suggesting limited local healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the Income Score of 43.3 reflects a local economy focused on traditional industries.

The Gold Standard for Low-Tax Living

Maries County is perfect for retirees, remote workers, or anyone looking to maximize their take-home pay. It offers a rare combination of safety, affordability, and extremely low property taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax78.9Cost85.4Safety67.6Health31.5Schools46.7Income43.3Risk79.2Water86Weather63.1
🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.9
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

Phelps County
Missouri
43
Osage County
Missouri
67.2
Gasconade County
Missouri
59.2
Cole County
Missouri
54.9
Miller County
Missouri
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Pulaski County
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Crawford County
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Callaway County
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39.7

Deep Dives

Maries County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Maries County

via TaxByCounty

Maries County: Among the lowest

Maries County's effective rate of 0.563% ranks in the 25th percentile nationally, well below the U.S. median of 0.64%. The median tax of $1,088 falls short of the national median of $2,690, though homes here average a healthy $193,100—the highest in this eight-county group.

Well below Missouri average

Maries County ranks 107th among Missouri's 114 counties in effective tax rate, among the state's lowest. Its median tax of $1,088 falls below Missouri's state median of $1,199.

Second-best rate in the region

Only McDonald County (0.539%) undercuts Maries County's 0.563% rate in this eight-county cluster. Homeowners here enjoy a significant tax advantage compared to higher-rate peers like Livingston County (0.899%) and Macon County (0.826%).

A median home costs $1,088 yearly

Although Maries County has the region's highest median home value at $193,100, the low tax rate yields a median bill of just $1,088 annually. With a mortgage, owners pay $1,142; without, they pay $1,034.

Low rates don't eliminate appeal value

Maries County's favorable tax rate is a plus, but assessment appeals remain valuable. If your home was recently reassessed higher than comparable properties, an appeal could still deliver savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Maries County

via CostByCounty

Maries County rents are exceptionally cheap

At 11.6%, Maries County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, allowing renters to keep the largest share of income for other needs. With median monthly rents of just $594, the county undercuts national rental markets by a substantial margin.

Missouri's most affordable rental market

Maries County's $594 median rent is the lowest in this eight-county group and sits 23% below Missouri's state average of $768. Its 11.6% rent-to-income ratio ties with Linn County for the best affordability rate in the region.

Maries leads affordability across the board

Maries County's $594 rent beats every peer in this comparison, while its median home values of $193,100 offer surprisingly strong homeownership value. This combination—rock-bottom rents paired with reasonable home prices—creates unique advantages for both renters and buyers.

Just 11.6% of income on rent

Renters here spend $594 monthly while homeowners pay $673, with median home values of $193,100—an excellent price-to-value ratio. At 11.6% of income, rent costs rank among the lowest regionally, leaving substantial room in household budgets.

Maries County: unbeatable rental value

If you're moving to Missouri on a tight budget, Maries County offers the region's lowest rents without sacrificing homeownership opportunities. Its 11.6% rent-to-income ratio makes it an exceptional choice for renters and first-time homebuyers alike.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Maries County

via IncomeByCounty

Maries County income trails national median

At $61,359, Maries County's median household income falls $13,396 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks near the bottom nationally, around the 42nd percentile.

Slightly above Missouri state average

Maries County's $61,359 median household income exceeds the state average of $59,503 by $1,856. The county performs slightly better than typical Missouri households.

Solid middle ground among peers

Maries County's $61,359 median income sits between Linn County ($61,975) and Livingston County ($60,148). The county holds competitive standing within its regional peer group.

Excellent housing cost position

Maries County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this cohort at 11.6%, indicating exceptional rental affordability. With a median home value of $193,100, homeownership remains achievable for most households.

Low housing costs enable savings

With housing consuming less than 12% of income, Maries County residents have ample opportunity to fund retirement accounts and investment portfolios. Consider maximizing IRA contributions and exploring tax-advantaged savings vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Maries County

via CrimeByCounty

Maries County is exceptionally safe

Maries County enjoys an impressive safety score of 98.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 757.0 per 100,000 residents is roughly 68% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outranking the majority of Missouri

With a safety score of 98.8, Maries County is significantly safer than the average Missouri county, which scores a 97.0. The total crime rate is less than half the state average of 1,926.2.

Top-tier safety in the regional landscape

Maries County stands out as a low-crime area with only 757.0 total crimes per 100,000 people. This rate is far lower than the state benchmarks, making it a regional leader in public security.

Low property crime but higher violent ratio

Property crime is remarkably low at 449.5 per 100,000. However, the violent crime rate of 307.5 is closer to the national average of 369.8, indicating that personal safety is a key area for local awareness.

Maintaining security in Maries County

Despite very low property crime rates, standard home security measures like deadbolts and smart cameras are always recommended. Engaging in community watch programs can help keep both property and violent crime rates trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Maries County

via HealthByCounty

Maries County lags U.S. health standards

At 74.3 years, Maries County residents live 2.1 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, indicating chronic health challenges. With 22.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds national benchmarks, reflecting high disease burden and preventive care gaps. These metrics place Maries County firmly in America's health-challenged communities.

Exactly at Missouri's state average

Maries County's 74.3-year life expectancy matches Missouri's state average exactly, placing it in the middle statewide—neither a leader nor an outlier. However, the 22.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds state averages, suggesting residents live longer but with greater disease burden. This pattern indicates survival despite chronic conditions rather than robust health and prevention.

Lower performance than most regional peers

Maries County's 74.3-year life expectancy falls below neighboring Lincoln County (75.7 years) and Livingston County (76.1 years), with a 22.0% poor/fair health rate that exceeds all nearby counties except Linn (22.1%) and McDonald (25.4%). Primary care data is limited (N/A reported), suggesting supply challenges that impede routine physician access. The 36 mental health providers per 100K fall short of regional standards, indicating sparse behavioral health support.

Highest uninsured rate in the cluster

Maries County's 13.1% uninsured rate ranks above Missouri's state average of 12.5%, representing structural gaps in coverage pathways. Primary care provider data is unavailable, suggesting limited physician supply that creates true access barriers beyond insurance gaps. Residents likely travel significant distances for routine preventive care, delaying diagnoses and worsening health trajectories.

Coverage is your entry to care

More than 1 in 8 Maries County residents lack health insurance—a higher rate than most peers—closing off preventive services that could extend life and reduce disease burden. Visit Healthcare.gov during open enrollment to compare plans; many offer free preventive care even before deductibles apply. Coverage won't solve all access barriers, but it's the essential first step.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Maries County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education Across Two Rural Districts

Maries County provides a focused educational landscape with 5 public schools serving 966 students. Two districts, Maries Co. R-I and R-II, oversee these elementary, middle, and high school facilities.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

Maries County achieves an elite 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both state and national averages. This high performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,588, which is lower than the Missouri average of $6,334.

Dual Districts Serve Rural Communities

Maries Co. R-II is the larger of the two districts, with 730 students across three schools. The county operates without any charter schools, maintaining a 100% traditional public school enrollment.

An Entirely Rural School Experience

All five schools in Maries County are classified as rural, reflecting the county's quiet, open character. The schools are small and personal, with an average size of 193 students and no school exceeding 275 students.

Join a Community with Top Graduation Rates

Maries County is a premier choice for families who want the peace of rural living combined with high academic success. Explore properties in the Vienna or Belle areas to find a home in these top-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Maries County

via RiskByCounty

Maries County ranks among safest areas

With a composite risk score of 20.83, Maries County is among the nation's safest counties from natural disaster exposure. This very low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure across all major disaster types.

Second-safest county in Missouri

Maries County's score of 20.83 ranks second-lowest in Missouri after Livingston County (23.03), placing it in the state's safest tier. The county sits well below Missouri's average of 50.56 across all hazard categories.

Safest in the central region

Maries County at 20.83 offers the lowest risk in central Missouri, below nearby Marion County (47.87), Macon County (36.77), and Linn County (31.23). Only Livingston County to the northeast provides comparable safety.

Earthquake and tornado exposure moderate

Earthquake risk at 51.46 and tornado risk at 43.86 are Maries County's highest hazards, both well below state averages. Flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks are all minimal, making this one of Missouri's most hazard-resilient counties.

Basic insurance with tornado awareness

Maries County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without purchasing specialized earthquake or flood coverage given the county's low exposure. Maintain basic tornado safety awareness and a weather alert system during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Maries County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the National Median

Maries County averages 56.5°F annually, placing it above the national median for U.S. counties. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with 44 inches of annual precipitation. This moisture level matches the state average while providing a lush, green environment.

Above the Missouri Average

The county's average temperature of 56.5°F is roughly 1.6 degrees warmer than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. This makes Maries one of the warmer central counties in the state. It typically experiences less severe winter cooling than northern Missouri regions.

Mirroring Miller County Patterns

Maries County shares an identical annual average temperature of 56.5°F with its neighbor, Miller County. Both counties see similar July peaks near 78°F, though Maries receives slightly more annual rainfall at 44 inches. This consistency creates a stable climate profile across the central Ozark border.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

Summers are intense with 33 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 78.5°F. Winters remain relatively mild with a January average of 32.8°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, the winter average of 35.5°F suggests most precipitation falls as rain.

Prepare for Humidity and Heat

High efficiency HVAC systems are essential to manage the 33 extreme heat days each year. Residents should plan for heavy spring rainfall, as the county receives 44 inches of precipitation. Consistent moisture and heat make dehumidification a priority for home maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Maries County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Missouri Acidity Levels

Maries County features an average pH of 5.98, which is very close to the state average of 6.09. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the Ozark border region. Taxonomic order and specific texture data are currently limited for the dominant soils.

High Silt Content with Low Clay

The soil is comprised of 64.9% silt, 17.0% clay, and 16.7% sand. This high silt concentration can make the soil feel velvety to the touch but prone to erosion if not covered by vegetation. The moderate clay content provides a basic level of nutrient retention for local flora.

Steady Water Capacity and Average Organic Matter

Available water capacity stands at 0.185 in/in, aligning closely with the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter is 2.14%, just slightly above the national benchmark of 2.0%. These average figures result in a soil score of 55.7, indicating a need for careful land management.

Subaqueous Drainage and Hydrological Limits

The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, pointing toward soils that often stay wet. There is no recorded hydrologic group for the primary soil units in the county. Proper site assessment is critical before starting any major construction or agricultural drainage projects.

Zone 6b Gardening Opportunities

Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a long growing season for summer favorites like corn and squash. Native Missouri grasses and wildflowers will thrive in these silty, moisture-consistent soils. It is a great environment for establishing a resilient, sustainable backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Maries County

via LawnByCounty

Maries County Maintenance Needs

With a score of 56.9, Maries County is one of the more challenging areas in Missouri for lawn maintenance. Despite being in Hardiness Zone 6b, homeowners must work harder than the national average to keep their grass healthy.

Extended Growing Seasons

The county experiences 33 extreme heat days and a high 4,275 growing degree days, which accelerates water demand. Though it receives 44.0 inches of rain annually, the heat often outpaces the moisture during the mid-summer months.

Balanced Soil Ratios

A soil pH of 5.98 is just on the edge of the ideal range, meaning a small amount of lime could significantly boost nutrient availability. The soil is relatively balanced with 17.0% clay and 16.7% sand, providing a fair mix of retention and drainage.

Conserving Water During Dryness

Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, following a year where lawns spent 31 weeks in drought conditions. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain soil moisture and recycle nutrients during these dry stretches.

Timing the Maries Bloom

Heat-tolerant varieties of tall fescue are best suited for the long growing season that starts after the April 12 frost. Ensure your lawn is established and well-fed before the first frost arrives around October 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maries County's county score?
Maries County, Missouri has a composite county score of 64 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 Maries County rank among counties in Missouri?
Maries County ranks #6 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 Maries County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Maries County is $1,088, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Maries County a tax score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Maries County?
The median household income in Maries County, Missouri is $61,359 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Maries County earns an income score of 43.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Maries County, Missouri a good place to live?
Maries County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Maries 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 Maries County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.