countyscore
59.1
County Score
Safety 89.9Lawn Care 72.3Soil Quality 70.7

County Report Card

About Moniteau County, Missouri

Above National Averages in Stability

Moniteau County secures a 59.1 composite score, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This identifies it as a high-performing rural county with a strong foundation for residents.

Leading the Missouri Pack

Moniteau's 59.1 score places it nearly 9 points above the Missouri state average of 50.3. This makes it one of the more desirable mid-state locations for overall livability.

An Exceptional Safety Profile

A standout safety score of 89.9 makes this one of the most secure counties in the region. Low environmental risk (69.0) and a healthy median income of $65,161 further bolster its appeal.

Room for Health and School Growth

Health services score at 31.1, suggesting limited access to specialized care. The school score of 41.0 also points to opportunities for improvement in local educational outcomes.

Top Choice for Secure Family Living

Moniteau County is ideal for families who prioritize personal safety and a stable economic environment. Its combination of high safety and solid incomes makes it a reliable choice for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax61.4Cost62.3Safety89.9Health31.1Schools41Income55.1Risk69Water46.7Weather58.9
🏛61.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.3
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

Cooper County
Missouri
56.7
Cole County
Missouri
54.9
Morgan County
Missouri
53.7
Boone County
Missouri
39.5
Miller County
Missouri
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Callaway County
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Howard County
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Osage County
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Deep Dives

Moniteau County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Moniteau County

via TaxByCounty

Moniteau County's taxes align with nation

Moniteau County's effective tax rate of 0.716% sits just below the national median of approximately 0.82%, placing it among the more affordable American counties. With a median home value of $168,300—well below the national median of $281,900—homeowners enjoy a moderate tax burden overall.

Slightly below Missouri average

At 0.716%, Moniteau County's effective rate runs slightly below Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, offering modest relief to property owners. The median tax of $1,205 sits just above the state median of $1,199, reflecting moderately valued homes and a near-average rate.

Middle-ground tax environment

Moniteau County's 0.716% rate places it in the middle of the regional pack, between Morgan and Miller (both lower) and Mercer and Mississippi (both higher). Among rural Missouri counties, it represents a fairly balanced tax environment.

Median annual tax: approximately $1,205

A median-value home in Moniteau County worth $168,300 produces a yearly property tax of roughly $1,205, or $1,260 with mortgage escrow included. This works out to about $100 per month—reasonable for the region.

Assessment audits can pay off

With Moniteau's near-average tax rate, a professional assessment review might uncover inflated valuations that you can appeal. Even modest reductions in assessed value can translate to meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Moniteau County

via CostByCounty

Moniteau keeps rent affordable

Moniteau County renters spend 14.1% of their income on rent, squarely within the comfortable 12-15% national range. This moderate burden leaves households with reasonable money for other essential expenses.

Above average but manageable

Moniteau's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the more affordable half of Missouri counties. The county offers solid housing affordability relative to state trends.

Comparable to central Missouri peers

Moniteau's median rent of $766/month closely matches the state average of $768 and sits in the middle range among nearby counties like Miller ($724) and Montgomery ($767). The county offers balanced rental costs for the region.

Moniteau's balanced housing mix

With a median household income of $65,161—higher than most neighbors—Moniteau residents pay $766/month in rent or $818/month for mortgages on homes valued at $168,300. Housing costs consume roughly 14% of income, leaving substantial room for other priorities.

Moniteau offers solid value

If you're relocating and want moderate rents with higher incomes, Moniteau County delivers: affordable housing plus incomes averaging $65,000. The combination makes it an attractive destination for families seeking stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Moniteau County

via IncomeByCounty

Moniteau's incomes exceed state average

Moniteau County's median household income of $65,161 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $9,600, but outpaces Missouri's state average of $59,503 by about $5,700. The county ranks among the stronger earners in its region.

Above-average earner in Missouri

With a median household income of $65,161, Moniteau County ranks comfortably above Missouri's state average of $59,503. Among the eight surveyed counties, Moniteau stands second-highest, reflecting a relatively robust local economy.

Clear economic advantage nearby

Moniteau County's $65,161 income exceeds most neighbors, with only Montgomery County ($61,042) approaching parity. The $16,900 advantage over Monroe County ($48,299) and $18,900 edge over Mississippi ($46,258) demonstrates Moniteau's position as an economic leader locally.

Housing affordability well-managed

Moniteau's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio is comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, providing households real financial flexibility. With a median home value of $168,300 and solid incomes, homeownership remains attainable for most working families.

Invest for long-term security

Moniteau households enjoy surplus income after housing expenses, creating an ideal opportunity to maximize retirement contributions and open investment accounts. Consulting a fee-only financial advisor can help families optimize tax-advantaged savings and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Moniteau County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Public Safety in Moniteau

Moniteau County boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 99.7, making it one of the safest spots in the country. The total crime rate of 207.8 per 100K is a small fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top-Ranked Missouri County

Moniteau significantly outperforms the state safety average of 97.0, ranking as a premier Missouri county for low crime. Four reporting agencies maintain a total crime rate that is nearly ten times lower than the state average.

Peaceful Profile in Central Missouri

Compared to central Missouri neighbors, Moniteau’s crime rate of 207.8 per 100K is remarkably low. It offers a much quieter profile than the more populated areas nearby, which often average over 1,900 crimes per 100K.

Drastically Low Property Crime

The county records just 84.4 violent crimes and 123.4 property crimes per 100K residents. Both figures are drastically lower than national benchmarks, with property crime sitting at less than 10% of the U.S. average.

Smart Practices for Safe Living

While Moniteau is exceptionally safe, smart homeowners continue to use basic security practices. Securing outbuildings and garages helps keep the county’s property crime rate at its impressively low 123.4.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Moniteau County

via HealthByCounty

Moniteau holds steady on life expectancy

At 74.8 years, Moniteau County's life expectancy sits just below the U.S. average of 74.4 years, typical of many American counties. The 20.2% poor or fair health rate aligns with national patterns, though the county faces unique challenges in healthcare access.

Slightly above Missouri's baseline

Moniteau's life expectancy of 74.8 years exceeds Missouri's 74.3-year average by 0.5 years, ranking it in the middle of Missouri's health outcomes. However, the county's 17.7% uninsured rate substantially exceeds the state average of 12.5%, affecting insurance coverage.

High uninsurance in a stable region

Moniteau's 74.8-year life expectancy is comparable to Miller County (74.9 years) and Mercer County (75.8 years), but its 17.7% uninsured rate is the highest among nearby counties. The county's 7 primary care providers per 100K is a critical shortage—among the lowest in the region—creating access bottlenecks.

Severe shortage of primary care

Moniteau's 17.7% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 5 residents lack health coverage, and those with insurance face a severe provider crunch with only 7 primary care physicians per 100K. The shortage forces residents to travel for routine care or delay treatment, undermining preventive health.

Get covered despite provider gaps

With Moniteau's critical provider shortage, having insurance becomes even more essential—it opens options for care coordination and specialist referrals. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find coverage, and ask your doctor about telehealth to bridge local access gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Moniteau County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse District Options in Moniteau

Moniteau County supports six different school districts managing 11 public schools. This infrastructure serves 2,324 students and provides a balanced mix of primary, middle, and secondary education levels.

Strong Academic Standing and Graduation

The county's 52.8 school score perfectly matches the Missouri state average, indicating reliable quality. Its 91.6% graduation rate beats the national 87% average, supported by a per-pupil spending rate of $6,251.

Moniteau County R-I Leads Enrollment

The Moniteau County R-I district is the largest provider, serving 1,361 students across three schools. No charter schools exist in the county, though families can choose between six traditional districts including Tipton R-VI and Jamestown C-1.

A Balanced Mix of Environments

Education in Moniteau is split between six town-based and five rural schools, offering families multiple lifestyle options. California Elementary is the largest campus with 507 students, while several rural schools provide a much smaller, quieter atmosphere.

Find Your Home Near Moniteau Schools

Whether you prefer a town home near California High or a rural property, Moniteau County offers dependable school quality. Use local school performance as your guide when searching for your next Missouri home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Moniteau County

via RiskByCounty

Moniteau stays below national risk levels

Moniteau County's composite risk score of 31.01 places it in the "Very Low" category, substantially below the national median. While not among the safest counties nationally, Moniteau offers significantly lower exposure to major disaster types than most American regions.

Well below Missouri's state average

Moniteau's score of 31.01 falls notably below Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the safer half of Missouri counties. This 39% lower-than-average risk reflects generally favorable hazard conditions across the region.

Moderate safety in local context

Moniteau's 31.01 exceeds the safest neighbors like Mercer (12.28) and Monroe (21.18) but remains far safer than Miller (55.09) to the west. Locally, Moniteau ranks as a moderate-safety option within its regional cluster.

Wildfire and tornado are primary concerns

Wildfire risk scores 67.68 and tornado risk 56.23—both above state averages and Moniteau's leading hazards. Earthquake risk at 56.58 also exceeds the state mean, though flood and hurricane threats remain relatively contained.

Prepare for wind and wildfire events

Moniteau residents should invest in wind-resistant roofing and clearing defensible space around homes to address wildfire exposure. Standard homeowners insurance combined with proactive property hardening provides robust protection for the county's primary threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Moniteau County

via WeatherByCounty

Aligning with State Standards

Moniteau County's annual average temperature of 54.9°F is slightly higher than the national median. It receives 43.1 inches of rain per year, which is very close to the national average for humid temperate zones. This creates a standard Midwestern climate profile.

The Heart of Missouri Climate

Moniteau County's average temperature of 54.9°F exactly matches the Missouri state average. Its precipitation of 43.1 inches is also nearly identical to the state average of 43.8 inches. It serves as a perfect representative for the state's overall weather patterns.

Cooler than Southern Neighbors

Moniteau is nearly 1.5 degrees cooler on average than neighboring Miller County. While it experiences 30 extreme heat days, this is less than the 36 days recorded in Miller. However, Moniteau receives nearly four more inches of snow annually than its southern neighbors.

Balanced Seasons and Snow

The county experiences a full four-season cycle with 9.7 inches of annual snowfall and 30 days of extreme heat. July averages 77.6°F while January drops to 29.8°F. This range creates distinct transitions between a humid summer and a crisp, snowy winter.

Prepare for Snow and Sun

Residents need both a snow shovel for the 9.7 inches of annual accumulation and strong HVAC for 30 days of heat. With 43.1 inches of rain, ensuring basement waterproofing is a wise investment for local homeowners. This balanced climate requires a diverse set of seasonal home maintenance tools.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Moniteau County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH Levels in Moniteau

Moniteau County boasts a pH of 6.36, which is nearly neutral and much closer to the national 6.5 ideal than most Missouri counties. This favorable acidity level supports a wide variety of nutrient-hungry plants and crops.

Dominated by Fine Silt Particles

The soil is heavily silt-based at 65.2%, with a modest 19.6% clay and 15.2% sand. This composition ensures the ground remains soft and easy to plow while retaining enough clay to hold fertilizers.

Excellent Water Storage for Droughts

The soil score of 70.7 is bolstered by an impressive available water capacity of 0.202 in/in, which is well above the state average. While organic matter at 2.24% is lower than the state average, it remains above the 2.0% national benchmark.

Navigating High Water Tables

Classified as subaqueous, the local hydrology suggests high water tables or frequent saturation in some areas. Careful site selection is necessary for building foundations or gardens that require deep, dry root zones.

Prime Growth Potential in Zone 6b

In hardiness zone 6b, your soil and climate are prime for everything from orchard fruits to summer squash. Grab a shovel and start planting, as your soil score is significantly higher than the state average.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Moniteau County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in the Heart of Missouri

Moniteau County’s lawn difficulty score of 72.3 indicates a very favorable environment for local homeowners. This score sits comfortably above the state average of 63.7, suggesting fewer maintenance hurdles for your Zone 6b lawn. You have a distinct advantage over many national regions where the median score is only 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall and Manageable Heat

With 43.1 inches of annual precipitation, Moniteau County hits the sweet spot for natural lawn hydration. You face 30 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the Missouri average of 37, reducing the risk of heat stress. This balance of water and temperature supports steady growth with 4,008 growing degree days.

Acidic Balance for Nutrient Uptake

The soil pH of 6.36 is well within the ideal range for a healthy lawn, meaning your grass can easily access the nutrients it needs. The soil contains 19.6% clay, providing just enough structure to hold moisture without suffocating the roots. Though drainage is classified as subaqueous, the moderate clay-to-sand ratio usually prevents major drainage issues.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

The county has experienced 19 weeks of drought over the last year, a moderate amount of stress for established turf. Currently, the entire area is abnormally dry, but there is no severe drought recorded at this time. Focus on maintaining a healthy root system through proper aeration to help your lawn survive these dry periods.

Spring and Fall Planting Success

Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for Moniteau County’s Zone 6b climate. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 11 or prepare for dormancy before the first fall frost on October 25. Your higher-than-average difficulty score means your efforts will likely result in a thick, resilient lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moniteau County's county score?
Moniteau County, Missouri has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Moniteau County rank among counties in Missouri?
Moniteau County ranks #23 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 Moniteau County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Moniteau County is $1,205, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Moniteau County a tax score of 61.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moniteau County?
The median household income in Moniteau County, Missouri is $65,161 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moniteau County earns an income score of 55.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moniteau County, Missouri a good place to live?
Moniteau County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Moniteau 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 Moniteau County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.