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.

2040608010078.985.467.631.546.743.379.28663.1Tax78.9Cost85.4Safety67.6Health31.5Schools46.7Income43.3Risk79.2Water86Weather63.164/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Maries County DNA

D+overall

How Maries County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Maries County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Cost of Living (85.4/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Health (31.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.9+26.900000000000006
Cost
85.4+37.400000000000006
Safety
67.6+12.599999999999994
Health
31.5-18.5
Schools
46.7
Income
43.3
Risk
79.2+32.2
Water
86+28
Weather
63.1
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Think property taxes are too high in Maries County?

Many homeowners in Maries 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

$193,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$594/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$193,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,359/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
Compare Maries County with Parke County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Terrell County
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Goochland County
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Cuming County
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64.1
Grant County
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64.1

Nearby counties

Phelps County
Missouri
43
Osage County
Missouri
67.2
Gasconade County
Missouri
59.2
Cole County
Missouri
54.9
Miller County
Missouri
54.3
Pulaski County
Missouri
49.8
Crawford County
Missouri
40.7
Callaway County
Missouri
39.7

Deep Dives

Maries County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Maries County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Water Compliance in Maries County

Maries County earns a Grade A for drinking water safety, with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is a perfect mark compared to the state average of 81.5. Public water systems here are currently meeting all federal requirements.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unreported

Maries County water bodies have not yet been evaluated for impairment under the Clean Water Act §303(d) guidelines. Because there is no ATTAINS data for this county, the current ecological health of local streams is not officially categorized. Baseline studies would be the next step in understanding local watershed health.

Extensive Monitoring for Organic Compounds

Maries County maintains 30 monitoring sites that have recorded 5,636 measurements in the last five years. These efforts stand out for their focus on organics and pesticides, alongside physical water properties. This high density of sites provides a strong scientific foundation for the county.

No Active USGS Gauges in Maries

There are currently no representative USGS streamgages located within Maries County to provide live flow data. Without live NWIS data, local water managers rely more heavily on the county's excellent compliance and monitoring records. This data gap makes historical groundwater and well monitoring even more important.

Maintain High Standards via Monitoring

Maries County has a perfect compliance record and an impressive monitoring footprint focused on organic compounds. Since there is no live river flow data, residents should continue to support the extensive monitoring of groundwater and local wells. Be proactive by requesting seasonal water quality reports from your local utility.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
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.