With a composite score of 75.0, Newton County scores 50% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This score reflects strong affordability and tax efficiency relative to the national picture.
2 / 5
Ranks at Missouri's middle benchmark
Newton County's 75.0 score aligns almost perfectly with Missouri's state average of 74.8, indicating it represents a typical experience for Missourians. Among the state's counties, it holds a competitive position in livability metrics.
3 / 5
Tax and housing values shine
Newton County leads with a tax score of 83.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.680%, paired with a cost score of 81.2 reflecting median home values of $175,300. Median gross rent of $777/month keeps housing accessible for renters as well.
4 / 5
Income growth presents opportunity
The county's income score of 25.5 lags significantly, with a median household income of $64,583 reflecting limited high-wage employment opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the full livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Newton County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over maximum earning potential. The strong tax and cost fundamentals make it an attractive choice for those seeking stability on a modest income.
With a composite score of 75.0, Newton County scores 50% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This score reflects strong affordability and tax efficiency relative to the national picture.
Ranks at Missouri's middle benchmark
Newton County's 75.0 score aligns almost perfectly with Missouri's state average of 74.8, indicating it represents a typical experience for Missourians. Among the state's counties, it holds a competitive position in livability metrics.
Tax and housing values shine
Newton County leads with a tax score of 83.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.680%, paired with a cost score of 81.2 reflecting median home values of $175,300. Median gross rent of $777/month keeps housing accessible for renters as well.
Income growth presents opportunity
The county's income score of 25.5 lags significantly, with a median household income of $64,583 reflecting limited high-wage employment opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the full livability picture.
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Newton County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over maximum earning potential. The strong tax and cost fundamentals make it an attractive choice for those seeking stability on a modest income.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Newton County's effective tax rate of 0.680% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.91%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $1,192 annually on a median home valued at $175,300—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690.
Among Missouri's most affordable counties
Newton County ranks well below Missouri's statewide average effective rate of 0.733%, meaning residents pay less per dollar of home value than typical Missourians. The county's $1,192 median property tax also undercuts the state median of $1,199, offering slight relief to local homeowners.
Newton favors homeowners in the region
Compared to neighboring Jasper and Barton counties, Newton offers competitive tax rates for the southwest Missouri region. Newton's 0.680% effective rate edges out some regional peers while remaining moderate across the Ozark-influenced territory.
What a Newton homeowner pays yearly
On Newton's median home value of $175,300, an owner-occupant pays approximately $1,192 annually in property tax. With mortgage and other obligations factored in, that rises to $1,276—still manageable for the county's median homeowner.
Check if your assessment is accurate
Even in moderate-tax counties like Newton, homeowners often discover their properties are overassessed during reassessment cycles. A simple appeal with your county assessor could lower your tax bill if your home's market value has declined or your assessment doesn't match comparable sales.
At 14.4%, Newton County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of their paychecks on housing than most Americans. The county's median household income of $64,583 trails the national figure of $74,755, yet housing remains more accessible here than in many parts of the country.
A Rare Affordable Pocket in Missouri
Newton County outperforms Missouri's state average rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, ranking among the state's most affordable counties for renters. With median rent at $777 per month—just $9 above the state average—the county offers a genuine housing value proposition within Missouri.
Newton Undercuts Its Regional Rivals
Newton's median rent of $777 falls between nearby Nodaway County ($754) and Perry County ($923), positioning it as a middle option in its region. When paired with a median home value of $175,300, Newton offers balanced housing costs compared to its neighboring counties.
Where Your Housing Dollar Goes
Renters in Newton County dedicate $777 monthly to rent while homeowners commit $875 to mortgage payments, with both groups spending less than 15% of their $64,583 median income on housing. This leaves substantial room in household budgets for other essentials compared to national and state averages.
Consider Newton for Balanced Living
If affordable rent and manageable ownership costs matter to your relocation decision, Newton County delivers on both fronts without requiring you to sacrifice income or opportunity. Compare Newton's housing-to-income ratio against your current county to see your potential savings.
Newton County's median household income of $64,583 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 13.6%. While the county ranks below the U.S. average, it positions itself solidly in the middle tier of American counties.
Well above Missouri's median income
Newton County households earn $64,583 annually, exceeding Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 8.5%. This places Newton in the upper half of Missouri's 114 counties for household income.
Outearning nearby counties
Newton's $64,583 median outpaces Pettis County ($60,232) and Perry County ($63,356). The county's per capita income of $32,855 ranks higher than most surrounding counties in southwest Missouri.
Housing costs stay reasonable
Newton's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% falls well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, signaling strong housing affordability. The median home value of $175,300 is achievable for households earning near the county median.
Build savings from solid income base
With above-average income and affordable housing, Newton County households have room to invest. Starting an emergency fund and exploring retirement accounts can help local families convert their income advantage into long-term wealth.
At 74.3 years, Newton County residents live as long as the Missouri average but fall short of the U.S. life expectancy of 76.1 years. About 17.4% of Newton County adults report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 18.5%, suggesting manageable overall health challenges.
Newton ranks middle of the pack statewide
Newton County ties Missouri's average life expectancy at 74.3 years, placing it squarely in the state's middle tier for health outcomes. With a 17.4% poor/fair health rate, Newton performs marginally better than the state average, indicating stable but not exceptional health conditions.
Newton faces provider shortages compared to peers
Newton County has just 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—half the rate of nearby Osage County (22) and a quarter of Pettis County (56). While mental health providers are reasonably available at 41 per 100,000, primary care access remains the critical gap for Newton residents.
Over 1 in 8 Newton residents lack health coverage
Newton County's uninsured rate of 13.4% slightly exceeds Missouri's average of 12.5%, meaning roughly 3,400 residents lack health insurance. Combined with limited primary care options, this creates real barriers to preventive care and routine checkups for vulnerable families.
Explore coverage options this open enrollment
If you're among Newton County's uninsured, now is the time to explore health insurance plans through the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid. Even modest coverage protects against catastrophic medical bills and connects you with the primary care providers your county needs.
With a composite risk score of 77.51, Newton County faces relatively low natural disaster risk overall, yet scores higher than the national average across multiple hazard types. This elevated risk profile stems primarily from tornado and wildfire exposure, which threaten residents and property year-round.
Newton ranks well above Missouri average
Newton County's composite risk score of 77.51 significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the riskier counties statewide. The county's tornado risk of 87.95 and wildfire risk of 77.29 are the primary drivers of this elevated standing.
Newton faces tougher hazards than neighbors
Newton County's composite risk score of 77.51 towers over adjacent Jasper County and nearby Pettis County (61.96), making it notably more vulnerable overall. While neighboring counties share tornado concerns, Newton's wildfire risk is substantially higher, reflecting its geographic exposure.
Tornadoes and wildfires dominate
Tornadoes pose the greatest threat to Newton County with a risk score of 87.95, well above state and national averages, making basement shelters and weather alerts essential. Wildfire risk at 77.29 also demands attention, particularly for properties near forested or grassy areas vulnerable to rapid fire spread.
Secure comprehensive disaster coverage
Newton County residents should prioritize tornado and severe weather coverage, including reinforced shelter spaces and impact-resistant roofing where feasible. Homeowners near wildland-urban interfaces must also verify wildfire exclusions in standard policies and consider additional coverage or defensible space maintenance around structures.