countyscore
54.3
County Score
Cost of Living 74Property Tax 71.4Weather & Climate 61.3

County Report Card

About Miller County, Missouri

Solid Performance Near the National Center

Miller County posts a composite score of 54.3, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a livability profile that provides more value than the typical American county.

Beating the Missouri State Average

The county's 54.3 score places it ahead of the Missouri average of 50.3. This margin suggests that Miller County offers a more competitive mix of costs and services than many of its state peers.

Low Taxes and Affordable Living

Taxpayers benefit from a strong tax score of 71.4, driven by an effective tax rate of just 0.627%. Affordability remains a pillar of the community, evidenced by a cost score of 74.0 and a median gross rent of $724.

Economic and Utility Limitations

Income growth remains a challenge with a score of 25.3, as the median household income sits at $55,172. Water quality also lags with a score of 27.5, indicating a need for local utility improvements.

A Value-Driven Choice for Commuters

Miller County suits families and workers looking to maximize their take-home pay through low property taxes. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who can find stable employment in the surrounding lake area.

Score breakdown

Tax71.4Cost74Safety46.4Health38.4Schools53.5Income25.3Risk44.9Water27.5Weather61.3
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.9
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

Camden County
Missouri
48.5
Cole County
Missouri
54.9
Morgan County
Missouri
53.7
Moniteau County
Missouri
59.1
Maries County
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64
Osage County
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Pulaski County
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Laclede County
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Deep Dives

Miller County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Miller County

via TaxByCounty

Miller County taxes run below national average

Miller County's effective tax rate of 0.627% sits comfortably below the national median of approximately 0.82%, offering relief compared to most American counties. Although the median home value of $169,800 trails the national median of $281,900, the lower tax rate helps offset that difference.

Missouri's tax-friendly side

Miller County's effective rate of 0.627% ranks among Missouri's lowest, sitting 14% below the statewide average of 0.733%. The median tax bill of $1,065 remains below Missouri's median of $1,199, reflecting both a lower rate and moderately valued homes.

A bargain among regional competitors

At 0.627%, Miller County offers the second-lowest effective rate in this rural Missouri region, beating all neighbors except Morgan County at 0.610%. Compared to Mercer (0.950%), Mississippi (0.877%), and Moniteau (0.716%), Miller stands out as genuinely tax-friendly.

Median tax bill: about $1,065 annually

A median-value home in Miller County at $169,800 generates an annual property tax of roughly $1,065, or $1,196 with mortgage escrow included. That's approximately $89 per month—among the lowest burdens in Missouri.

Still worth a reassessment check

Even in tax-friendly Miller County, homeowners should verify their assessed values are accurate and current. A simple appeal could confirm you're getting the lowest rate possible on your property.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Miller County

via CostByCounty

Miller's rent burden slightly above average

Miller County renters spend 15.8% of their income on rent, slightly above the comfortable 12-15% national range. While not dire, this means less cushion in household budgets compared to the national average.

Slightly pricier than Missouri average

Miller County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% trails the state average of 15.6% by just 0.2 percentage points, making it nearly middle-of-the-pack among Missouri counties. Housing costs here track closely with statewide affordability trends.

Middle ground in central Missouri

Miller's median rent of $724/month sits between more affordable Mercer ($548) and pricier Moniteau ($766). While $724 exceeds the state average of $768 by just a hair, Miller offers moderate costs for the region.

Miller's housing cost reality

With a median household income of $55,172, Miller County residents pay $724/month in rent or $717/month for mortgages on homes valued at $169,800. Housing absorbs roughly 16% of income for renters, leaving limited flexibility for other priorities.

Miller works for moderate budgets

If you seek moderate housing costs with home values near $170,000, Miller County offers a balanced option between affordability and property investment. The region's relatively stable rent-to-income ratio reflects predictable, manageable housing expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Miller County

via IncomeByCounty

Miller County lags national earnings

Miller County's median household income of $55,172 falls about $19,600 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This represents one of the lower income levels among the surveyed counties, though Miller benefits from strong per capita income of $30,290.

Below average across Missouri

With a median household income of $55,172, Miller County trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by roughly $4,300. The county ranks in the lower half of Missouri counties, indicating economic challenges relative to state peers.

One of the lower earners locally

Miller County's $55,172 median income trails most nearby counties, particularly Moniteau ($65,161) and Montgomery ($61,042). Only Mississippi County ($46,258) and Monroe County ($48,299) earn notably less, placing Miller near the lower end of the regional income spectrum.

Housing stretches household budgets

Miller County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is manageable but trending higher, signaling housing costs take a meaningful bite out of earnings. While still below the 30% affordability ceiling, the median home value of $169,800 represents a large commitment relative to household income.

Strategic saving despite tighter budgets

Miller households should prioritize high-yield savings accounts and low-cost investment options to maximize each dollar. Even $50 per paycheck, invested consistently, builds substantial wealth and protects against unexpected hardship.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Miller County

via CrimeByCounty

Miller County Maintains High Safety Marks

Miller County earns a high safety score of 98.1, indicating a secure environment for residents and visitors. Its total crime rate of 1,202.9 per 100K is about half the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Missouri Safety Averages

Miller outshines the Missouri average safety score of 97.0, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 114 counties. Three reporting agencies coordinate to keep the total crime rate well below the state average of 1,926.2.

Stability in the Lake Region

Compared to neighboring regions, Miller’s crime rate of 1,202.9 per 100K reflects a stable rural-suburban balance. It maintains lower incident counts than many peer counties in the Lake of the Ozarks region.

Property Crime Below National Average

The county sees 333.9 violent crimes and 869.0 property crimes per 100K residents. While violent crime tracks near the national average of 369.8, property crime is significantly lower than the U.S. rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Residents can bolster this high safety standing by participating in neighborhood watch programs. Basic security measures like doorbell cameras help deter the 869.0 property crimes reported per 100K people.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Miller County

via HealthByCounty

Miller matches the U.S. health baseline

At 74.9 years, Miller County's life expectancy closely mirrors the national average of 74.4 years, indicating typical American health outcomes. The county's 20.2% poor or fair health rate is in line with national figures, reflecting a population facing typical chronic disease burdens.

Just above Missouri's state average

Miller's life expectancy of 74.9 years edges 0.6 years above Missouri's 74.3-year average, placing it in the healthier half of the state's counties. The county's uninsured rate of 12.6% slightly exceeds the state average of 12.5%.

Stable health, shared resources

Miller County's 74.9-year life expectancy sits between Mercer County (75.8 years) and Moniteau County (74.8 years), reflecting comparable regional health profiles. The county's 32 primary care providers per 100K outpace many neighbors, supporting accessible front-line medical care.

Low uninsurance with provider strength

Miller's 12.6% uninsured rate is nearly at Missouri's state average, meaning most residents carry health coverage but coverage gaps remain. With 63 mental health providers per 100K, Miller exceeds state benchmarks for behavioral health access.

Don't stay uninsured in Miller

Miller's strong provider network only works if you can afford care—uninsured residents miss preventive visits and face devastating medical debt. Check marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility at healthcare.gov or MO Health Net to ensure your family has protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Miller County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive School Network in Miller County

Miller County features a robust network of 16 public schools across five different districts. This infrastructure supports 5,108 students with a mix of seven elementary, two middle, and six high schools.

Stellar Graduation Rates Lead the State

The county boasts an impressive 95.4% graduation rate, far exceeding the national 87% average and the Missouri state average. Despite spending slightly less per pupil than the state average at $6,107, Miller County maintains a solid 54.4 school score.

School of the Osage Leads Districts

The School of the Osage and Eldon R-I are the county's primary districts, serving 2,063 and 1,998 students respectively. No charter schools operate in the county, making these established public districts the heart of the educational community.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

The county offers diverse environments with 11 rural schools and 5 schools located in town settings. Osage High is the largest campus with 666 students, providing a more traditional high school experience compared to smaller local counterparts.

Move Near Top-Performing Miller Schools

High graduation rates make Miller County an attractive destination for families focused on long-term academic success. Consider exploring real estate near Lake of the Ozarks or Eldon to access these high-performing school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Miller County

via RiskByCounty

Miller faces above-average national risk

Miller County's composite risk score of 55.09 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but slightly above the national median. This score reflects elevated exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and tornado threats that demand attention.

Higher risk than most Missouri counties

Miller's score of 55.09 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, putting it in the upper-middle range of risk across the state. It ranks as a higher-exposure county within Missouri's natural disaster landscape.

Riskier than most adjacent counties

Miller's 55.09 significantly exceeds neighboring Mercer (12.28) and Monroe (21.18), though it aligns closely with Moniteau (31.01). Compared to statewide peers, Miller carries notably more hazard exposure.

Wildfire and tornado pose dual threats

Wildfire risk scores 70.04 and tornado risk 69.47—both well above state averages and among Miller's most pressing hazards. Earthquake risk also ranks elevated at 66.89, creating a multi-threat environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Consider flood and windstorm coverage

Miller residents should evaluate flood insurance alongside standard homeowners policies, as flood risk scores 61.48. Reinforcing roof anchors and upgrading windows protects against Miller's elevated tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Miller County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Central Missouri Hub

Miller County averages 56.5°F annually, which is warmer than the national median for U.S. counties. The county sees 43.4 inches of rain, aligning closely with the Missouri state average. This climate provides a balance of warmth and sufficient moisture for the local landscape.

Exceeding the Missouri Average

The county's average temperature of 56.5°F sits 1.6 degrees above the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. Miller ranks as a warmer central county, influenced by its location near the northern Ozarks. It typically avoids the extreme cold found in the state's northern tier.

A Mirror to Maries County

Miller County shares an identical annual average temperature of 56.5°F with neighboring Maries County. However, Miller sees slightly more extreme heat with 36 days over 90°F compared to Maries' 33. It also records 5.9 inches of annual snowfall, providing a clearer winter picture.

High Heat and Quick Snows

Summer is a dominant season with 36 days of extreme heat and a July average of 78.6°F. Winters are relatively mild, featuring a January average of 32.2°F and only 5.9 inches of snow. Most snow melts quickly, as the average winter temperature stays above freezing at 35.2°F.

Manage Peak Summer Heat

With 36 days reaching 90°F or higher, residents should invest in efficient cooling and shaded outdoor spaces. The 5.9 inches of annual snowfall require only light maintenance gear. Property owners should prepare for the 43.4 inches of rain with proper drainage solutions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Miller County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisol Soils of Miller County

Miller County is dominated by Entisols, which are relatively young soils with limited profile development. The average pH of 6.03 is more acidic than the national 6.5 median and slightly below the state average.

Working with Silty Clay Loam

The soil is classified as a silty clay loam, featuring a high 64.8% silt content and 17.8% clay. This mix makes the ground relatively easy to work while maintaining enough structure for farming.

Average Water Capacity and Moderate Fertility

Organic matter content reaches 2.47%, outperforming the national 2.0% average but falling short of the state’s high 4.74% benchmark. An available water capacity of 0.182 in/in aligns closely with the Missouri state average.

Well-Drained Land for Stable Building

Classified as well-drained and falling into hydrologic group C, this soil sheds excess water effectively. These characteristics are favorable for construction and agriculture, though plants may need irrigation during Missouri's summer heat.

Thriving in the 6b Climate

The 6b hardiness zone offers a generous growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and fruit trees. Start your garden today to take advantage of soil that is among the most workable in the region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Miller County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance for Central Missouri Lawns

Miller County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.9, placing it just slightly below the Missouri state average of 63.7. In Hardiness Zone 6b, homeowners face a more standard set of challenges compared to the national median. While it is not the easiest environment in the state, it remains very manageable for dedicated gardeners.

Abundant Rain but Standard Heat

Miller County receives a healthy 43.4 inches of rain annually, nearly matching the state average. You can expect about 36 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F, requiring careful monitoring of soil moisture. With 4,253 growing degree days, your grass will grow vigorously throughout the warmer months.

Excellent Drainage for Healthy Turf

The soil here is characterized as well-drained silty clay loam with a pH of 6.03. This pH level is on the lower end of the ideal range, so a light application of lime might help optimize nutrient uptake. The low sand content of 15.6% helps the soil hold onto essential minerals for your grass.

Surviving Long Stretches of Dry Weather

Homeowners have faced 25 weeks of drought over the last year, which is a significant portion of the growing season. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, though severe drought is currently at 0%. Using mulch or taller mowing heights can help protect your grass during these prolonged dry spells.

Timing Your Zone 6b Planting

Tall Fescue is the champion for this region, as it handles the 36 heat days better than many other species. Plan your spring seeding after the April 7 frost date or your fall sodding before November 1. Your environment supports a long, productive growing season if you manage your water use wisely.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miller County's county score?
Miller County, Missouri has a composite county score of 54.3 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 Miller County rank among counties in Missouri?
Miller County ranks #43 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 Miller County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Miller County is $1,065, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Miller County a tax score of 71.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Miller County?
The median household income in Miller County, Missouri is $55,172 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Miller County earns an income score of 25.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Miller County, Missouri a good place to live?
Miller County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Miller 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 Miller 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.