Monroe County scores 76.5 on the composite index, substantially surpassing the national median of 50.0. This upper-tier positioning signals strong livability fundamentals across the measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Strong performer statewide
At 76.5, Monroe County ties for the highest score among these eight counties and exceeds Missouri's 74.8 average. It ranks among the state's better-performing counties in overall livability.
3 / 5
Outstanding housing affordability
Monroe County excels with a Cost Score of 88.1, supporting very affordable housing with median rent of $667 monthly and a median home value of $147,400. The Tax Score of 81.5 ensures reasonable tax obligations alongside low housing costs.
4 / 5
Income opportunities are limited
The Income Score of 14.9 reveals that median household income of $48,299 trails significantly behind comparable counties. Critical data on safety, schools, health, and environmental quality remains unavailable, leaving gaps in the livability assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for remote workers seeking value
Monroe County is ideal for individuals earning income outside the local economy (remote workers, freelancers) who prioritize ultra-low housing costs and taxes. It's an excellent relocation option for those wanting maximum financial flexibility.
Monroe County scores 76.5 on the composite index, substantially surpassing the national median of 50.0. This upper-tier positioning signals strong livability fundamentals across the measured dimensions.
Strong performer statewide
At 76.5, Monroe County ties for the highest score among these eight counties and exceeds Missouri's 74.8 average. It ranks among the state's better-performing counties in overall livability.
Outstanding housing affordability
Monroe County excels with a Cost Score of 88.1, supporting very affordable housing with median rent of $667 monthly and a median home value of $147,400. The Tax Score of 81.5 ensures reasonable tax obligations alongside low housing costs.
Income opportunities are limited
The Income Score of 14.9 reveals that median household income of $48,299 trails significantly behind comparable counties. Critical data on safety, schools, health, and environmental quality remains unavailable, leaving gaps in the livability assessment.
Perfect for remote workers seeking value
Monroe County is ideal for individuals earning income outside the local economy (remote workers, freelancers) who prioritize ultra-low housing costs and taxes. It's an excellent relocation option for those wanting maximum financial flexibility.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Monroe County's effective tax rate of 0.737% sits comfortably below the national median of roughly 0.82%, marking it as a relatively affordable jurisdiction nationwide. The median home value of $147,400 trails the national median of $281,900, but the lower rate helps keep overall tax burdens manageable.
Right at Missouri's average
Monroe County's effective rate of 0.737% essentially matches Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, making it a typical environment for property owners in the state. The median tax of $1,086 falls modestly below the state median of $1,199.
Moderate tax rate for the region
Monroe's 0.737% rate places it in the middle-to-upper range of regional competitors, below Mercer and Mississippi but above Morgan and Miller. It represents a fairly standard tax climate in rural north-central Missouri.
Expect roughly $1,086 yearly
Homeowners with a median-value property in Monroe County worth $147,400 pay approximately $1,086 annually in property taxes, or $1,216 with mortgage escrow. That comes to about $91 per month in tax obligations.
Regular assessment reviews recommended
Even in a county matching the state average, homeowners should periodically verify their assessed values haven't drifted upward. An appeal process exists and many property owners successfully reduce their tax burden through this avenue.
Monroe County renters spend 16.6% of their income on rent, above the comfortable 12-15% national range. This squeezed budget means less flexibility for unexpected expenses or savings.
Worse than Missouri average
Monroe's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the less affordable tier of Missouri counties. The 1-percentage-point gap signals tighter housing affordability than the state norm.
Mid-range rents, low incomes
Monroe's median rent of $667/month is moderate compared to neighbors like Mississippi ($782) and Miller ($724), but the county's median income of $48,299 is among the region's lowest. This income-to-cost mismatch drives the affordability challenge.
Monroe's income-cost imbalance
Monroe County residents earn $48,299 annually, paying $667/month in rent or $557/month for mortgages on homes valued at $147,400. For renters, housing devours roughly one-sixth of gross income, limiting resources for other needs.
Monroe requires careful budgeting
If you're considering Monroe County, the 16.6% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter affordability than statewide averages. Compare it to nearby Mercer (10.9%) or Moniteau (14.1%) to ensure the best fit for your budget.
Monroe County's median household income of $48,299 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $26,400, reflecting significant economic disadvantage. The county ranks among the lower-earning areas in the region.
Well below Missouri's state average
Monroe County's median household income of $48,299 falls roughly $11,200 short of Missouri's state average of $59,503. Among the eight surveyed counties, Monroe ranks near the bottom, indicating pronounced economic stress compared to state peers.
Among the lowest earners regionally
Monroe County's $48,299 income ranks second-lowest in its cluster, exceeding only Mississippi County at $46,258. The $16,900 gap to Moniteau County ($65,161) and $12,700 deficit versus Mercer ($60,357) underscore Monroe's economic vulnerability.
Rent pressures household budgets
Monroe County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is the third-highest among surveyed counties, indicating housing absorbs a substantial share of earnings. A median home value of $147,400 paired with modest household income constrains financial stability for renters and homebuyers alike.
Prioritize debt reduction and safety nets
Monroe households should focus on building small emergency reserves and eliminating high-interest debt before investing. Credit unions and community banks often offer low-cost savings products and financial literacy programs tailored to moderate-income families.
At 76.1 years, Monroe County boasts one of Missouri's highest life expectancies—2.7 years above the U.S. average of 74.4 years. The county's 20.6% poor or fair health rate sits comfortably below national averages, indicating a relatively healthy population.
Missouri's top-tier health outcomes
Monroe's 76.1-year life expectancy ranks among Missouri's best, exceeding the state average of 74.3 years by 1.8 years. The county's 13.4% uninsured rate is only slightly above Missouri's 12.5% average, suggesting strong coverage rates.
Regional health standout
Monroe's 76.1-year life expectancy significantly outpaces Mercer County (75.8 years) and Moniteau County (74.8 years), making it a regional health leader. The county's 34 primary care providers per 100K ranks among the region's strongest physician supplies.
Strong coverage, limited mental health
Monroe's 13.4% uninsured rate is near Missouri's state average, meaning most residents have health coverage and access to primary care with 34 providers per 100K. However, at 23 mental health providers per 100K, the county faces a notable gap in behavioral health services compared to neighboring counties.
Keep Monroe's health edge strong
Monroe's strong health profile depends on residents staying covered—but 13.4% uninsured means thousands lack protection. Check marketplace plans and Medicaid at healthcare.gov to ensure your coverage is current and meets your family's mental health needs.
Monroe County's composite risk score of 21.18 places it in the "Very Low" category, well below the national median. This score reflects genuinely favorable exposure to natural disasters compared to most American counties.
Second-safest county in Missouri
Monroe's score of 21.18 ranks second only to Mercer County (12.28) in Missouri, sitting 58% below the state average of 50.56. Monroe residents enjoy among the lowest natural disaster risk in the entire state.
Clearly safer than surrounding counties
Monroe's 21.18 substantially undercuts neighboring Moniteau (31.01), Miller (55.09), and Mississippi (57.19). Only Mercer to the north matches Monroe's exceptional safety profile.
Tornado and earthquake pose minor threats
Tornado risk scores 43.16 and earthquake risk 45.96—both well below state averages and Monroe's most notable hazards. All other disaster types remain minimal, with flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks all scoring under 32.
Standard coverage meets Monroe's needs
Your exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides comprehensive protection across all major hazards. Focus on routine policy reviews to ensure adequate coverage limits rather than specialized disaster insurance.