CountyScore

Miller County

Missouri · MO

#49 in Missouri
70.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Miller County, Missouri

Strong national position on livability

Miller County's composite score of 76.5 towers above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the nation's top tier. The county demonstrates comprehensive livability strengths that translate to genuine quality-of-life advantages.

Among Missouri's best performers

At 76.5, Miller County exceeds the Missouri state average of 74.8, ranking it in the upper echelon of the state's counties. It's a standout choice within Missouri's livability landscape.

Tax efficiency is exceptional

Miller County leads with a Tax Score of 84.6 and the lowest effective tax rate among these counties at 0.627%, paired with a Cost Score of 84.6 reflecting affordable housing. This dual advantage makes it exceptionally attractive to those seeking both low taxes and low housing costs.

Income levels lag behind taxes

Despite strong tax and cost scores, Miller County's Income Score of 19.4 indicates median household income of $55,172, which constrains earning potential. Missing data on safety, schools, and health limits deeper assessment of overall community well-being.

Perfect for frugal homebuyers

Miller County appeals to budget-focused families and remote workers who value low taxes and affordable housing over high local wages. It's an excellent fit for those relocating from high-cost areas seeking financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.6Cost84.6SafetyComing SoonHealth64.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.4Risk44.9WaterComing Soon
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Miller County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $84,530
Jenkins County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $36,906
Lincoln County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $50,688
Wilkinson County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $46,673
Blaine County
Idaho
70.7
Median income: $84,470

Deep Dives

Miller County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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