countyscore
54.3
County Score
Property Tax 77.6Cost of Living 73.5Lawn Care 66.9

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Missouri

Competitive National Standings

Morgan County's 53.7 composite score places it above the national median of 50.0. This reflects a lifestyle that leverages low taxes and housing costs to attract new residents.

Surpassing the State Benchmark

With a score of 53.7, Morgan County beats the Missouri average of 50.3. Its tax and cost advantages make it a standout choice for those looking to relocate within the state.

Exceptional Tax and Cost Benefits

A tax score of 73.1 is supported by a low effective rate of 0.610%. Coupled with a cost score of 75.0, residents find their money goes much further here than in urban centers.

Environmental and Health Vulnerabilities

The county faces significant hurdles with a risk score of 24.5 and a health score of 22.5. Water quality is also a concern, as the score of 9.5 indicates infrastructure needs attention.

Perfect for Tax-Conscious Retirees

Morgan County is a top contender for retirees or investors seeking a low-tax haven with high affordability. Residents should be prepared for a more rugged rural infrastructure in exchange for those savings.

2040608010077.673.562.822.553.218.324.59.562.3Tax77.6Cost73.5Safety62.8Health22.5Schools53.2Income18.3Risk24.5Water9.5Weather62.354.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Morgan County DNA

Foverall

How Morgan County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Morgan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (77.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.6+25.599999999999994
Cost
73.5+25.5
Safety
62.8
Health
22.5-27.5
Schools
53.2
Income
18.3-32.7
Risk
24.5-22.5
Water
9.5-48.5
Weather
62.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$194,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$721/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$194,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,412/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Moniteau County
Missouri
60.8
Camden County
Missouri
48.9
Miller County
Missouri
54.1
Benton County
Missouri
51.8
Cole County
Missouri
54.5
Pettis County
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40.5
Cooper County
Missouri
57.1
Hickory County
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59.5

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan County offers tax relief nationwide

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 0.610% ranks among the lowest in the nation, falling well below the national median of roughly 0.82%. Despite a median home value of $180,400—below the national median of $281,900—residents enjoy genuinely affordable property taxation.

One of Missouri's most tax-friendly

At 0.610%, Morgan County boasts one of Missouri's lowest effective tax rates, running 17% below the statewide average of 0.733%. The median tax bill of $1,101 sits below the state median of $1,199, reflecting both a low rate and moderately valued homes.

Second-lowest in the region

Morgan County's 0.610% rate ranks as the second-lowest in this rural Missouri area, trailing only to—well, actually, it ties with Miller County's 0.627% rate as the region's most tax-friendly. Both significantly undercut neighbors like Mercer, Mississippi, and Montgomery.

Median tax bill: roughly $1,101 yearly

Owners of a median-value home in Morgan County worth $180,400 pay approximately $1,101 annually in property taxes, or $1,202 with mortgage escrow. This translates to about $92 per month—among the best rates in Missouri.

Even tax deals deserve verification

While Morgan County offers notably low tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessed values are accurate and fair. Confirming your assessment keeps your tax advantage secure for years to come.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan County's income falls short nationally

Morgan County's median household income of $49,663 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $25,100, indicating substantial economic gap. Despite lower household income, Morgan's per capita income of $30,589 suggests above-state-average individual earnings.

Below state average, lower ranked

Morgan County's median household income of $49,663 lags Missouri's state average of $59,503 by nearly $10,000. Among the eight surveyed counties, Morgan ranks in the lower half, reflecting limited household earning power.

Lower-tier earner in region

Morgan County's $49,663 income ranks fifth among eight counties, exceeding only Mississippi ($46,258), Monroe ($48,299), and New Madrid ($49,237). The $15,500 gap to Moniteau ($65,161) highlights economic disparities within the immediate region.

High home values challenge affordability

Morgan County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability strain, and the situation worsens when paired with the median home value of $180,400—the highest in the dataset. Households earn modestly while facing the steepest homeownership costs, creating real barriers.

Seek down-payment assistance programs

Morgan households aspiring to homeownership should explore state and federal first-time buyer programs, which can reduce down payments and closing costs. Consulting a HUD-certified housing counselor clarifies available grants and low-interest loan options.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County Exceeds National Standards

Morgan County is highly rated with a 98.6 safety score, reflecting a total crime rate of 859.8 per 100K. This rate is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Secure Living in the Ozarks

Outperforming the state safety average of 97.0, Morgan County is one of Missouri's safer lakeside destinations. Its total crime rate is less than half the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K.

Favorable Regional Safety Comparisons

At 859.8 crimes per 100K, Morgan holds a similar safety profile to its neighbor, Montgomery County. It consistently reports fewer incidents than many high-traffic recreational areas in the Ozarks.

Property Crime Remains Notably Low

The county records 335.4 violent crimes and 524.4 property crimes per 100K. While violent crime sits just below the national average, property crime is nearly four times lower than the U.S. rate of 2,015.7.

Securing Property and Equipment

Effective home security starts with locking doors and securing valuable outdoor equipment. These simple steps help keep Morgan's property crime rate significantly below the national trend.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Damp Ozark Border

Morgan County averages 55.8°F annually, which is warmer than the national median for U.S. counties. It receives 44.9 inches of precipitation, making it one of the wetter regions in the state. This combination of heat and rain creates a lush, humid environment common to the Ozark region.

Warmer than the State Median

The county's average temperature of 55.8°F is nearly a full degree higher than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. Its precipitation level of 44.9 inches also exceeds the state average of 43.8 inches. Morgan is consistently warmer and wetter than the average Missouri county.

Dampest in the Local Region

Morgan County receives 44.9 inches of rain, more than neighbors like Miller or Moniteau. While its annual temperature of 55.8°F is slightly cooler than Miller, it experiences the same 30 days of extreme heat as Monroe and Moniteau. This makes it the regional leader in annual moisture.

Steamy Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot and humid with an average of 78.3°F and 30 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winter remains relatively mild with a January average of 31.3°F. Although official snowfall data is missing, the winter average of 34.1°F suggests rain is more common than snow.

Focus on Moisture Management

With 44.9 inches of annual rain, residents should focus on high-capacity gutters and yard drainage to prevent flooding. The 30 days of extreme heat require well-maintained cooling systems. Prepare for high humidity during the long summer months when the average hits 76.3°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Missouri Soil Acidity

Morgan County's soil has a pH of 6.07, nearly identical to the Missouri state average of 6.09. This level of acidity is typical for the region, though it is more acidic than the 6.5 national median.

One of Missouri's Siltiest Soils

The soil is remarkably silty at 66.9%, which is one of the highest concentrations in the state. This is balanced by 17.9% clay and a low 13.5% sand content, resulting in a smooth, fine-textured earth.

Above-Average Water Storage

The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is higher than the state average, helping plants survive during hot summers. Organic matter clocks in at 2.30%, exceeding the 2.0% national average.

Saturated Ground and Subaqueous Soils

The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, indicating that parts of the landscape are naturally prone to holding water. This hydrology is better suited for moisture-tolerant plants than for projects requiring dry, stable soil.

Easy Digging in Zone 6b

Located in zone 6b, the county is an ideal spot for starting a garden full of native wildflowers or hardy vegetables. The high silt content makes digging easy, so grab your tools and get outside today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Potential for Local Lawns

Morgan County features a lawn difficulty score of 66.9, which is slightly better than the Missouri state average of 63.7. As part of Hardiness Zone 6b, the area supports a wide range of hardy turfgrasses. Residents can expect a generally favorable experience compared to the national median difficulty of 50.0.

Rain-Heavy Climate for Lush Growth

With 44.9 inches of annual precipitation, Morgan County is wetter than the state average of 43.7 inches. You will face 30 extreme heat days each year, requiring supplemental watering when the mercury rises. Your 4,143 growing degree days ensure a long and productive window for grass to establish and spread.

Nutrient-Rich Foundation with a Low pH

The soil pH in Morgan County is 6.07, which is just inside the ideal range but may benefit from occasional lime treatments. The soil contains 17.9% clay and 13.5% sand, a mix that creates a rich environment for root health. Although drainage is classified as subaqueous, the low sand content helps the soil hold on to nutrients effectively.

Strong Performance During Dry Years

Morgan County has only experienced 17 weeks of drought over the past year, one of the lower counts in the region. Currently, the entire county is abnormally dry, but no areas are suffering from severe drought conditions. This natural resilience makes it easier to maintain a green lawn without constant irrigation.

Timing Your Morgan County Lawn

The growing season begins in earnest after the April 8 frost and continues until the first freeze around October 29. Tall Fescue is an ideal choice here, as it can handle the county's specific blend of high rainfall and moderate heat. Start your seeding in the early fall to take advantage of the generous 44.9 inches of annual rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Missouri?
Morgan County ranks #44 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 Morgan County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $1,082, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 77.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Missouri is $53,412 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 18.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Missouri a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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