countyscore
44.7
County Score
Property Tax 81.8Cost of Living 71.4Weather & Climate 63

County Report Card

About McDonald County, Missouri

Underperforming the National Livability Index

McDonald County scores 44.7 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0. Economic and health factors are the primary drivers of this below-average ranking.

Behind the Missouri State Performance

With a 44.7 score, McDonald County is behind the Missouri average of 50.3. It struggles to compete with the health and income metrics found in many other parts of the state.

Very Low Taxes and Affordable Housing

A stellar Tax Score of 81.8 is a major draw, featuring an effective tax rate of just 0.539%. The Cost Score of 71.4 also highlights affordability, with median home values at a low $134,100.

Deep Challenges in Health and Income

The county faces critical issues with an Income Score of 11.2 and a Health Score of 13.2. A median household income of $48,145 is among the lowest in the state, limiting local economic mobility.

Best for Extreme Budget Seekers

McDonald County is a destination for those who prioritize the lowest possible taxes and living costs above all else. It suits residents who are comfortable with fewer local services and lower health scores in exchange for fiscal freedom.

Score breakdown

Tax81.8Cost71.4Safety26.6Health13.2Schools39.5Income11.2Risk36Water33.8Weather63
🏛81.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨48.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.8
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in McDonald County

Whether buying or refinancing in McDonald County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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 McDonald County with Chambers County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Chambers County
Alabama
Median income: $49,295
44.7
Wayne County
Georgia
Median income: $49,562
44.7
Kearny County
Kansas
Median income: $74,135
44.7
Mower County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,495
44.7
Carter County
Tennessee
Median income: $48,435
44.7
San Jacinto County
Texas
Median income: $59,526
44.7
Albemarle County
Virginia
Median income: $102,617
44.7
Sonoma County
California
Median income: $102,840
44.8

Nearby counties

Newton County
Missouri
42.6
Delaware County
Oklahoma
39
Benton County
Arkansas
38.7
Ottawa County
Oklahoma
35.2
Barry County
Missouri
45.9
Cherokee County
Kansas
42.1
Jasper County
Missouri
32
Craig County
Oklahoma
39.4

Deep Dives

McDonald County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McDonald County

via TaxByCounty

McDonald County: The region's lowest taxes

McDonald County's 0.539% effective rate sits in the 19th percentile nationally, far below the U.S. median of 0.64%. The median tax bill of $723 is the lowest in this eight-county group—less than 27% of the national median of $2,690.

Among Missouri's most favorable rates

McDonald County ranks 109th among Missouri's 114 counties in effective tax rate, among the state's lowest five. Its median tax of $723 falls well below Missouri's state median of $1,199.

Most favorable rate in the region

McDonald County's 0.539% rate is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed, edging out Maries County (0.563%) and creating a significant advantage versus Livingston County (0.899%).

A median home costs just $723 yearly

With a median home value of $134,100, typical McDonald County homeowners pay only $723 in annual property taxes—the lowest median in this eight-county cluster. Including a mortgage, the figure rises to $805; without, it drops to $637.

Even low rates warrant an assessment check

McDonald County's favorable tax rate is a major advantage, but overassessment can still occur. Verify your home's assessed value matches comparable properties—an appeal costs nothing and could provide additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McDonald County

via CostByCounty

McDonald County's affordability crisis

At 19%, McDonald County's rent-to-income ratio far exceeds both national and state averages, making housing costs a genuine burden for renters. With the lowest median household income in this group ($48,145) paired with $764 monthly rents, residents face a serious affordability squeeze.

Missouri's least affordable county here

McDonald County's 19% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst among all eight counties and significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%. This means renters here spend nearly one-fifth of their income on housing—the highest burden in the regional comparison.

McDonald struggles compared to peers

McDonald County's $764 rent sits in the middle regionally, but paired with the lowest median income ($48,145), creates the worst affordability ratio. Residents pay a 19% rent-to-income ratio—more than 3 percentage points above the state average.

Nearly 20% of income on rent

Renters in McDonald County spend $764 monthly while homeowners pay $692, with median home values of $134,100. At 19% of income dedicated to rent, housing costs create the tightest squeeze in this eight-county group.

McDonald County demands careful planning

McDonald County's 19% rent-to-income ratio signals genuine affordability challenges—housing costs will eat significantly into your budget here. Before moving, compare your income carefully to these costs and explore neighboring counties like Maries or Linn for better affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McDonald County

via IncomeByCounty

McDonald County faces significant income gap

McDonald County's median household income of $48,145 falls $26,610 below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, around the 18th percentile.

Well below Missouri's state average

At $48,145, McDonald County's median household income runs $11,358 below the state average of $59,503. The county represents the lowest-income tier in Missouri.

Significantly trailing peer counties

McDonald County's $48,145 median income lags all neighboring counties in this cohort by $10,000 or more. The county faces the steepest economic challenges in the region.

Housing costs create acute pressure

McDonald County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this entire cohort, pushing families toward housing affordability crisis. With a median home value of $134,100, homeownership remains out of reach for many households.

Access community support and services

McDonald County residents should explore nonprofit financial assistance programs, skill-building workshops, and wage advancement opportunities. Contact local workforce development agencies to investigate training and education programs that boost earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McDonald County

via CrimeByCounty

McDonald County safety is near national norms

McDonald County reports a total crime rate of 1,783.5 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 97.2.

Aligning closely with Missouri averages

The county's safety score of 97.2 is just slightly above the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,783.5 is also lower than the state average of 1,926.2.

Comparing local trends to state figures

Seven local agencies manage a crime rate that is about 7% lower than the Missouri state average. While generally safer than the state as a whole, certain crime categories show higher intensity than national levels.

High violent crime rate requires attention

The violent crime rate in McDonald County is 697.1 per 100,000, which is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is lower than national levels, standing at 1,086.4 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Staying safe in McDonald County

Because violent crime rates are elevated, personal safety awareness and home security are critical. Residents should focus on well-lit entryways and ensuring all household members are practiced in safety protocols.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McDonald County

via HealthByCounty

McDonald County faces severe health crisis

At 72.2 years, McDonald County residents live 4.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—among the nation's poorest longevity outcomes. More than 1 in 4 (25.4%) report poor or fair health, far exceeding national rates and indicating widespread chronic disease. Combined with 18.0% uninsured—the highest in the state cluster—McDonald County represents America's healthcare access and outcome crisis.

Missouri's most health-challenged county

McDonald County's 72.2-year life expectancy ranks 2.1 years below Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, making it among the state's most vulnerable communities. The 25.4% poor/fair health rate far exceeds state norms, indicating severe chronic disease burden and prevention failures. These metrics demand urgent, sustained intervention across healthcare, social services, and economic development.

Worst outcomes in the entire cluster

McDonald County's 72.2-year life expectancy is 3.5 years below neighboring Lincoln County (75.7 years) and 3.9 years behind Livingston County (76.1 years)—the region's most catastrophic gap. At 25.4% poor/fair health, McDonald County suffers the cluster's highest disease burden, tied only with Linn County's 22.1%. With just 9 primary care providers per 100K and only 21 mental health providers per 100K, the county lacks healthcare infrastructure to serve its most vulnerable population.

Crisis-level uninsured rate, severe provider shortage

McDonald County's 18.0% uninsured rate—nearly 1 in 5 residents—is the highest in the state cluster and 5.5 percentage points above Missouri's average. With only 9 primary care providers per 100K, the county falls far below national standards of 60 per 100K, leaving serious access deserts. Mental health providers at 21 per 100K are similarly scarce, forcing residents to travel significant distances for behavioral care or go untreated.

Coverage is urgent in McDonald County

McDonald County's healthcare emergency—nearly 1 in 5 uninsured, severe provider shortages, lowest life expectancy—demands immediate action starting with insurance. Visit Healthcare.gov today to explore Medicaid expansion, subsidized marketplace plans, and community health center sliding scales. Coverage alone won't solve McDonald County's 4-year longevity gap, but it's the essential foundation for accessing scarce providers and preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McDonald County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Unified District for the Whole County

McDonald County operates 11 public schools for its 3,777 students, all managed under a single unified district. The infrastructure focuses heavily on elementary education with seven primary-level buildings.

Exceeding State Averages in Graduation

Students here achieve a 92.0% graduation rate, surpassing the Missouri state average of 91.3%. The county maintains a school score of 52.2 while spending $5,890 per pupil, showcasing efficient use of educational resources.

The Power of McDonald Co. R-I

The McDonald Co. R-I district manages 10 of the county's schools, creating a streamlined educational experience for 3,522 students. There are no charter schools, ensuring a cohesive and integrated public school system.

A Purely Rural Learning Environment

All 11 schools are set in rural locales, providing students with a consistent, country-focused environment. McDonald County High is the largest campus with 1,051 students, while the average school size is 343.

Discover Rural Living with Academic Success

McDonald County offers the unique benefit of a single unified district, making school research simple for new residents. Explore homes across the county to find a rural retreat that doesn't sacrifice high graduation standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McDonald County

via RiskByCounty

McDonald County faces above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 63.99, McDonald County ranks as relatively low but significantly above the national average for disaster risk. The county's profile reflects material exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires that warrant active preparedness.

Higher risk than most Missouri counties

McDonald County's score of 63.99 substantially exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 115 counties. The county faces more comprehensive hazard exposure than most of its peers statewide.

Riskiest in its immediate region

At 63.99, McDonald County far exceeds the risk profiles of nearby Maries County (20.83), Marion County (47.87), and Macon County (36.77). It ranks second only to Lincoln County (67.08) among this cluster of counties.

Triple threat: floods, tornadoes, wildfires

Flood risk at 73.73, tornado risk at 73.35, and wildfire risk at 72.81 create a formidable trio of hazards in McDonald County. These three hazards each exceed state averages and require comprehensive local preparedness strategies.

Multi-hazard insurance essential

McDonald County residents must secure flood insurance, maintain comprehensive homeowners coverage for tornado and wind damage, and understand wildfire mitigation strategies. Work with local emergency management to ensure your property is protected from all three primary threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McDonald County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet Southwest Missouri

McDonald County is significantly warmer than the national median with an annual average of 57.2°F. It also receives 46.8 inches of rain, exceeding both national and state averages for precipitation. This combination creates a lush, humid environment in the state's southwestern corner.

One of Missouri's Warmest Counties

McDonald County's average temperature of 57.2°F is well above the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. The county experiences significantly more heat than northern regions like Mercer or Marion. It ranks as a leader in state temperatures due to its southern latitude.

Warmer than Central Neighbors

McDonald County is notably warmer than central counties like Moniteau, which averages 54.9°F. It experiences 37 days of extreme heat, which is more than Morgan or Maries counties. Precipitation is also higher here than in almost all neighboring regions at 46.8 inches.

Long Summers and Brief Winters

The county faces 37 days per year over 90°F, driven by a July average of 78.2°F. Winter remains mild with a January average of 35.1°F and only 9.4 inches of snow. This allows for a longer growing season and shorter periods of deep frost.

Plan for High Rainfall

With 46.8 inches of annual rain, robust gutter systems and proper site drainage are essential for homeowners. Air conditioning systems see heavy use during the 37 days of extreme summer heat. Winter preparations are lighter, but the 9.4 inches of snow still require basic clearing tools.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McDonald County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols of the Southwest

McDonald County's dominant soils are Entisols with an average pH of 5.82. This is more acidic than both the Missouri state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is characteristic of the rugged southwest corner of the state.

Silty Clay Loam with Balanced Sand

The dominant texture is silty clay loam, containing 60.4% silt and 16.1% clay. With nearly 20% sand, these soils often offer better drainage than the heavier clays found in northern Missouri. This mix provides a stable base for both native forests and local pastures.

High Organic Matter but Lower Capacity

Organic matter is impressive at 3.91%, nearly double the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is lower than the state average at 0.140 in/in. While the soil is rich in nutrients, it may require more frequent irrigation during the peak of summer.

Well-Drained Soils Support Rapid Infiltration

The county features well-drained soils, which is a significant advantage for preventing root rot in gardens. It belongs to Hydrologic Group C, indicating slow infiltration when fully saturated. This combination helps manage the heavy rainfall common in the Ozark plateau.

Warmer Zone 7a Gardening Potential

As one of the few Missouri counties in Zone 7a, McDonald County enjoys a longer growing season. The acidic, well-drained soil is particularly suited for berries and native hardwood trees. This is a great region for experimental gardening with slightly more heat-tolerant varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McDonald County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Missouri Lawn Care

McDonald County faces a difficulty score of 58.8, making it tougher for lawns than the Missouri average. As a Hardiness Zone 7a region, the warmer climate and soil conditions create unique maintenance needs for residents.

High Humidity and Rainfall

The county receives a high 46.8 inches of rain but also endures 37 extreme heat days. This combination can lead to high humidity, which increases the risk of fungal diseases in many common cool-season turfgrasses.

Acidic and Well-Drained Soil

Well-drained silty clay loam with a 5.82 pH means the soil is slightly acidic and often requires lime amendments. While the drainage is good, the 16.1% clay and 19.7% sand mix require regular monitoring to ensure nutrients don't leach away.

Severe Drought Hurdles

The county is currently in a 100% severe drought state, presenting a major hurdle for lawn health. After 19 weeks of drought in the past year, focusing on drought-resistant species and efficient irrigation is mandatory for survival.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Turf

Because of the Zone 7a warmth, heat-tolerant tall fescues or warm-season grasses like Zoysia are excellent choices. Aim for planting between the April 15 last frost and the October 26 first frost to maximize the 4,251 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McDonald County's county score?
McDonald County, Missouri has a composite county score of 44.7 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 McDonald County rank among counties in Missouri?
McDonald County ranks #81 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 McDonald County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in McDonald County is $723, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns McDonald County a tax score of 81.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McDonald County?
The median household income in McDonald County, Missouri is $48,145 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McDonald County earns an income score of 11.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is McDonald County, Missouri a good place to live?
McDonald County scores 44.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate McDonald 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 McDonald 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.