countyscore
38.1
County Score
Cost of Living 79.8Property Tax 62.3Weather & Climate 61.3

County Report Card

About New Madrid County, Missouri

Challenging National Comparisons

New Madrid County scores 38.1 overall, trailing the national median of 50.0 significantly. The county faces broad socioeconomic challenges that impact its national standing.

Trailing Missouri's State Average

The county's composite score of 38.1 is well below the Missouri average of 50.3. While housing is very cheap, the county lacks the safety and health scores found in higher-performing areas.

Low Housing Costs and Property Taxes

Affordability is the county's strongest suit, with a cost score of 79.8 and a median home value of $105,500. A tax score of 62.3 further helps residents keep more of their income.

Critical Safety and Health Concerns

Safety is a major concern with a score of 1.0, and the health score of 17.0 indicates poor access to care. Income also remains low, with a score of 13.0 and a $49,237 household median.

For the Budget-Driven Resident

New Madrid County is best suited for those where low cost of entry is the primary motivator for residency. It requires a trade-off between extreme affordability and personal safety and health infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax62.3Cost79.8Safety1Health17Schools39.1Income13Risk28.1Water20.3Weather61.3
🏛62.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.2
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

Lake County
Tennessee
47.1
Fulton County
Kentucky
50.5
Pemiscot County
Missouri
34.6
Mississippi County
Missouri
35.4
Obion County
Tennessee
45.2
Stoddard County
Missouri
47
Hickman County
Kentucky
67.9
Scott County
Missouri
54

Deep Dives

New Madrid County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in New Madrid County

via TaxByCounty

New Madrid taxes sit below national standard

New Madrid County's effective tax rate of 0.707% falls below the national median of approximately 0.82%, offering tax relief compared to most American counties. The median home value of $105,500 lags the national median of $281,900, contributing to a lower overall tax burden.

Below Missouri's statewide average

At 0.707%, New Madrid County's effective rate runs slightly below Missouri's average of 0.733%, making it a relatively affordable jurisdiction within the state. The median tax of $746 ranks among the lowest in Missouri, reflecting both a modest rate and lower home values.

Among the most affordable locally

New Madrid's 0.707% rate positions it among the region's tax bargains, outpacing Mercer, Mississippi, Moniteau, Monroe, and Montgomery, while trailing only Morgan and Miller. It represents one of the more wallet-friendly counties in rural Missouri.

Median tax just $746 per year

A median-value home in New Madrid County worth $105,500 generates approximately $746 annually in property taxes, or $905 with mortgage escrow included. At roughly $62 per month, this stands among the lowest tax burdens in the region.

Low rates don't guarantee fair assessments

Even with favorable tax rates, New Madrid homeowners should periodically check that their assessed values haven't drifted upward. A simple assessment review could confirm you're capturing the full benefit of the county's low-rate environment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in New Madrid County

via CostByCounty

New Madrid faces severe rent burden

New Madrid County renters spend 17.9% of their income on rent, well above the comfortable 12-15% national range. This strained budget leaves households with minimal resources for savings, emergencies, or other essentials.

Significantly worse than Missouri

New Madrid's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% substantially exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it among the least affordable counties in the state. The 2.3-percentage-point gap signals a serious affordability challenge.

High rents strain low incomes

New Madrid's median rent of $734/month rivals nearby Mississippi ($782), while the county's median income of $49,237 is among the region's lowest. This combination creates one of the region's toughest affordability situations.

New Madrid's income-housing crisis

New Madrid County residents earn just $49,237 annually, paying $734/month in rent or $619/month for mortgages on homes valued at $105,500. For renters, nearly 18% of gross income vanishes to housing costs, severely limiting financial flexibility.

New Madrid challenges budget seekers

If affordability is your priority, New Madrid County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio makes it a difficult choice compared to neighbors like Mercer (10.9%) or Moniteau (14.1%). Explore surrounding counties before committing to relocate here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in New Madrid County

via IncomeByCounty

New Madrid trails national income levels

New Madrid County's median household income of $49,237 falls roughly $25,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks among the lowest-earning areas in the surveyed group, reflecting economic stress relative to the broader nation.

Significantly below Missouri average

New Madrid County's median household income of $49,237 lags Missouri's state average of $59,503 by about $10,250. Among the eight surveyed counties, New Madrid ranks near the bottom, indicating substantial economic disadvantage.

Bottom-tier earnings in cluster

New Madrid County's $49,237 income ranks near the regional bottom, exceeding only Mississippi County ($46,258) and Monroe County ($48,299). The county trails Moniteau by nearly $16,000, highlighting concentrated economic challenges.

Housing costs take steep toll

New Madrid County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest among surveyed counties, placing severe pressure on household budgets. While the median home value of $105,500 is relatively modest, it still consumes a disproportionate share of the county's limited median income.

Access community support services

New Madrid residents should connect with local nonprofits, workforce development programs, and food banks to free up budget room for savings. Many counties offer free financial literacy workshops and assistance applying for tax credits and benefits designed to boost family income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in New Madrid County

via CrimeByCounty

High Crime Rates in New Madrid

New Madrid County faces significant safety challenges with a score of 88.8, much lower than the national average. The total crime rate of 7,117.1 per 100K is nearly triple the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety Below the Missouri Average

With a safety score well below the state average of 97.0, New Madrid is one of Missouri's higher-crime regions. Eleven reporting agencies document a total crime rate that is nearly four times the Missouri average.

Regional Comparisons in Southeast Missouri

New Madrid’s crime rate of 7,117.1 per 100K is substantially higher than its neighbor Mississippi County. This contrast suggests concentrated public safety issues that require intensive community and law enforcement focus.

Elevated Violent and Property Crimes

The county reports 1,909.3 violent crimes and 5,207.8 property crimes per 100K residents. Both figures far exceed national averages, with property crime being more than double the U.S. rate of 2,015.7.

Strengthening Residential Security

In an area with over 5,000 property crimes per 100K, comprehensive home security is essential. Residents should consider integrated alarm systems and community-led safety initiatives to protect their households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in New Madrid County

via HealthByCounty

New Madrid faces severe mortality gap

At 69.0 years, New Madrid County residents face a devastating 5.4-year life expectancy gap compared to the U.S. average of 74.4 years. The county's 24.0% poor or fair health rate ranks among America's worst, reflecting endemic poverty, chronic disease, and critical healthcare barriers.

Missouri's lowest life expectancy

New Madrid's 69.0-year life expectancy is the lowest in Missouri, 5.3 years below the state average of 74.3 years. This extreme gap signals a county in crisis, where residents face health outcomes comparable to developing nations, not the American Midwest.

Worst outcomes in the region

New Madrid's 69.0-year life expectancy is 7.1 years shorter than Monroe County (76.1 years) and 1.0 year lower than neighboring Mississippi County (70.0 years)—a regional outlier. With only 6 primary care providers per 100K, the county faces a critical provider shortage matched only by Moniteau County.

Dual crisis: uninsurance and provider shortage

New Madrid's 12.5% uninsured rate meets Missouri's state average, but just 6 primary care providers per 100K—the county's lowest supply—leaves residents without care access even if insured. Mental health services at 32 per 100K fall below regional averages, leaving behavioral health needs unmet.

Coverage first, advocacy second

New Madrid's 69-year life expectancy demands immediate action: ensure you and your family have health insurance, then advocate for provider recruitment. Visit healthcare.gov or MO Health Net to enroll, and contact local officials about the critical shortage of physicians and mental health care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in New Madrid County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network

New Madrid County supports 14 public schools across five school districts. This infrastructure serves 2,764 students, providing a wide array of options including seven elementary schools and six high schools.

Consistent Performance and Solid Spending

The county's school score of 52.8 perfectly aligns with the Missouri state average. Its 89.9% graduation rate beats the national 87% benchmark, supported by a per-pupil investment of $6,677, which is higher than the state average.

New Madrid County R-I Leads Local Districts

New Madrid County R-I is the largest local district with 1,354 students, while Portageville serves another 668. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring that all public funding goes directly to these traditional district schools.

A Versatile Mix of Rural and Town

The county features nine rural schools and five town schools, offering varied environments for students. Central High School is the largest campus with 400 students, while the average size across all 14 schools is 230 students.

Choose a Home Near Quality Schools

With per-pupil spending that exceeds the state average, New Madrid County is investing heavily in its students' futures. Explore housing options in New Madrid or Portageville to find a community with strong educational ties.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in New Madrid County

via RiskByCounty

New Madrid faces elevated national risk

New Madrid County's composite risk score of 71.91 places it in the "Relatively Low" category but well above the national median. This score reflects substantially higher exposure to natural disasters than the typical American county.

Second-highest risk in Missouri

New Madrid's score of 71.91 ranks second only to Morgan County (75.48) in Missouri, standing 42% above the state average of 50.56. New Madrid carries among the state's most significant natural disaster exposure.

Distinctive earthquake risk regionally

New Madrid's 71.91 far exceeds most surrounding counties, though nearby Mississippi County (57.19) shares elevated seismic exposure. New Madrid's 96.12 earthquake score stands among Missouri's highest, distinguishing it sharply from regional peers.

Earthquake and tornado are primary threats

Earthquake risk scores an exceptional 96.12—the highest in Missouri—while tornado risk reaches 59.51. Hurricane risk at 43.26 ranks elevated, though flood and wildfire threats remain minimal due to the county's agricultural landscape.

Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable

New Madrid's extreme earthquake risk at 96.12 makes dedicated earthquake coverage absolutely essential for homeowners seeking protection. Securing structural anchors, bracing chimneys, and maintaining emergency supplies prepares households for the county's distinctive seismic threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in New Madrid County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Pocket of the American Midwest

New Madrid County maintains an average annual temperature of 58.9°F, significantly warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate stays active year-round with nearly 50 inches of annual precipitation.

Well Above the Missouri Average

The county's 58.9°F annual average sits four degrees higher than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. This makes it one of the warmest regions in the state, driven by its southern position in the Bootheel.

Regional Heat in the Bootheel

New Madrid is slightly cooler than neighboring Pemiscot County, which averages 59.5°F. However, it remains much warmer and wetter than central Missouri counties like Osage.

Long Summers and Mild Winters

Residents face 56 extreme heat days per year where temperatures top 90°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, the winter average of 38.0°F suggests that frozen precipitation is less frequent here than in northern Missouri.

Preparing for Humidity and Heat

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency cooling systems to manage the 56 days of extreme summer heat. With 49.3 inches of rain annually, ensuring proper property drainage and moisture barriers is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in New Madrid County

via SoilByCounty

Young Floodplain Soils of New Madrid

New Madrid County features Entisols, which are young, minimally developed soils common in floodplains. The average pH of 6.20 is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 median but more balanced than the state average.

Sandy Texture for Easy Working

This is a loamy sand soil with a high 38.0% sand content and 40.3% silt. This coarse mixture makes the ground very easy to work, though it holds less moisture than clay-heavy soils.

Lower Moisture Retention Requires Attention

The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is below the Missouri average, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation. Organic matter is also low at 1.75%, trailing both the national and state benchmarks.

Excessive Drainage and Rapid Water Movement

Classified as excessively drained and part of hydrologic group A, water moves through this soil very rapidly. This is excellent for preventing root rot but means the ground dries out quickly after a rain.

Heat-Loving Favorites in Zone 7b

In the warm 7b hardiness zone, you can grow long-season crops like sweet potatoes and melons that thrive in sandy earth. Despite a lower soil score, this unique environment is perfect for specialized gardening.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in New Madrid County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Challenges in the Deep South

New Madrid County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.2, making it one of the more challenging areas in Missouri for turf. This score is significantly lower than the state average of 63.7 and only just above the national median. Being in Hardiness Zone 7b, your lawn must endure a much warmer and more demanding environment.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

You face a staggering 56 extreme heat days per year, which is 19 days more than the Missouri average. While you receive a generous 49.3 inches of rain, the 4,747 growing degree days mean your grass grows fast and needs constant attention. The combination of heat and high growth rates creates a stressful environment for traditional cool-season grasses.

Sand-Heavy Soils Drain Rapidly

The soil in New Madrid is a loamy sand with a high sand content of 38.0%, leading to an 'excessively drained' classification. While the pH of 6.20 is ideal, the fast drainage means water and nutrients move through the soil quickly. You will likely need to water more frequently and apply fertilizer in smaller, more regular doses.

Severe Drought Risks in the Delta

Over the past year, the county has seen 20 weeks of drought, with 21.4% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Because your loamy sand soil doesn't hold moisture well, these drought conditions hit your lawn harder than in other counties. Implementing water-saving measures like drip irrigation or drought-resistant grass is essential here.

The Right Grass for a Long Season

With your long growing season starting after March 28 and ending November 3, warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the best performers. These varieties are built to handle the 56 heat days and sandy soil better than Fescue or Bluegrass. Embrace the southern climate by choosing varieties that love the sun and drain well.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Madrid County's county score?
New Madrid County, Missouri has a composite county score of 38.1 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 New Madrid County rank among counties in Missouri?
New Madrid County ranks #105 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 New Madrid County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in New Madrid County is $746, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns New Madrid County a tax score of 62.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in New Madrid County?
The median household income in New Madrid County, Missouri is $49,237 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. New Madrid County earns an income score of 13/100 on CountyScore.
Is New Madrid County, Missouri a good place to live?
New Madrid County scores 38.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #105 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate New Madrid 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 New Madrid 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.