42.6
County Score
Property Tax 65.5Weather & Climate 61.6Cost of Living 56.2

County Report Card

About Newton County, Missouri

Newton County Trails the National Median

With a composite score of 42.6, Newton County sits below the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the lower half of livability rankings across the country.

Falling Short of the Missouri Average

Newton County's overall score of 42.6 is significantly lower than the Missouri state average of 50.3. It ranks among the state's middle-to-lower tier counties for overall quality of life.

Strong Tax and Income Profiles

The county boasts a robust tax score of 65.5, fueled by a low effective tax rate of 0.680%. Residents also benefit from a respectable median household income of $64,583 and an income score of 52.4.

Safety and Environmental Risks

The county faces hurdles with a safety score of 24.0 and a risk score of 22.5. Additionally, the school score of 24.3 suggests significant room for improvement in local educational outcomes.

A Fit for Budget-Conscious Households

This county is best suited for families who prioritize low taxes and affordable housing costs. While income levels are stable, residents must weigh these financial perks against lower scores in safety and schools.

Score breakdown

Tax65.5Cost56.2Safety24Health42.2Schools24.3Income52.4Risk22.5Water47Weather61.6
🏛65.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠56.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼52.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡24
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
42.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓24.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
22.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧47
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤61.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨54.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱48.9
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Newton County

Whether buying or refinancing in Newton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Newton County

via TaxByCounty

Newton's tax rate runs below national average

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.

Cost of Living in Newton County

via CostByCounty

Newton: Below National Affordability Squeeze

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.

Income & Jobs in Newton County

via IncomeByCounty

Newton exceeds national income average

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.

Safety in Newton County

via CrimeByCounty

Newton County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Newton County reports a total crime rate of 1912.9 per 100,000 residents, which sits well below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.0 out of 100. Residents enjoy a community that is statistically safer than many peers across the country.

Matching Missouri's Strong Safety Standards

With a safety score of 97.0, Newton County perfectly matches the Missouri state average. Eight local reporting agencies contribute to this data, ensuring a comprehensive view of the region's security. This alignment shows the county maintains the high standards found across the state's safest regions.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

Newton County's crime rate of 1912.9 per 100K is notably lower than neighboring Pettis County, which sees over 2,080 crimes per 100K residents. While slightly higher than rural neighbors like McDonald, Newton maintains a competitive edge in safety for its size. This balance reflects a stable environment for families and businesses alike.

Property Crimes Dominate Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports at 1702.8 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 210.1. In practical terms, residents are much more likely to encounter theft than physical confrontation. The violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Securing Your Newton County Property

Since property crime is the primary concern here, basic home security can make a significant difference. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting or smart cameras help deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant and locking doors remains the best defense for your household.

Health in Newton County

via HealthByCounty

Newton's life expectancy matches state average

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.

Schools in Newton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Infrastructure in Newton County

Newton County supports 9,483 students across a network of 24 public schools and 6 school districts. The infrastructure includes 10 elementary, 6 middle, and 5 high schools to serve the growing community. Three additional specialized facilities round out the local education system.

Solid Graduation Rates Despite Leaner Spending

The county achieves an 88.7% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87.0% though slightly trailing the state mark. Local districts manage this with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,560, which is below both state and national spending benchmarks. The overall school score stands at 49.7, essentially matching the national median.

Neosho Leads the Local District Mix

Neosho School District is the county's primary provider, managing 10 schools and 4,897 students. Seneca R-VII follows with 1,535 students, while no charter schools currently operate in the county. Families can also find capacity in the Diamond R-IV district, which serves 763 students.

Rural Roots and Varied Campus Sizes

Most students attend one of the 16 rural schools, though 7 schools are in town settings and one serves a city locale. Neosho High is the largest campus with 1,491 students, while the average school size across the county is 431. This mix offers families a choice between large-scale secondary environments and smaller primary settings.

Explore Homes Near Top Newton Schools

With graduation rates that beat the national average, Newton County is an attractive target for families. Use local school performance as a guide while you research available homes in Neosho or Seneca. Finding the right house often starts with finding the right district.

Disaster Risk in Newton County

via RiskByCounty

Newton's risk is above national average

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.

Weather & Climate in Newton County

via WeatherByCounty

Southwest Missouri's Temperate Climate

Newton County averages 57.8°F annually, placing it above the national median temperature. The region experiences a humid climate with a healthy 48.4 inches of yearly rainfall.

A Warm Southern Tier County

With an annual average of 57.8°F, Newton County is notably warmer than the state average of 54.9°F. It ranks among the warmer counties in Missouri's southern half.

Warmer than the Ozark Interior

Newton County's 57.8°F average is warmer than nearby Ozark County's 57.0°F. It also sees more snowfall than its eastern neighbors, averaging 8.1 inches per year.

Defined Seasons with Sharp Peaks

July averages a warm 79.3°F with 43 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F. Winters are manageable but chilly, with a January average of 35.0°F and roughly 8 inches of snow.

Balance Cooling and Winter Readiness

The 43 extreme heat days require reliable HVAC systems, while the 8.1 inches of snow make a good shovel necessary. Residents should also plan for heavy spring rains given the 48.4-inch annual precipitation.

Soil Quality in Newton County

via SoilByCounty

Newton’s Acidic Soil Foundation

Newton County features a distinctly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.62, which is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While local taxonomic records are limited, the soil score of 54.3 suggests a landscape that requires careful amendment for most traditional crops. This acidity can lock away essential nutrients, making lime applications a common necessity for local growers.

Silt-Heavy Texture Drives Workability

The county's soil consists of 60.3% silt and 16.8% sand, creating a smooth texture that is generally easy to work with tools. With 15.4% clay, the soil maintains enough structure to hold some nutrients without becoming impossibly sticky when wet. This balanced blend provides a versatile base for various land uses, provided the acidity is managed.

Rich Organic Matter, Moderate Thirst

Newton County boasts an impressive 6.37% organic matter, far exceeding the Missouri state average of 4.74%. However, the available water capacity of 0.156 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.183 in/in. This means the soil is biologically rich but may require supplemental irrigation during dry Ozark summers.

Managing Subaqueous Drainage Challenges

The dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, suggesting that certain areas may face persistent saturation or high water tables. Because specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, local developers and farmers should prioritize site-specific drainage tests. This classification often indicates limitations for traditional basement construction or heavy farming machinery in low-lying spots.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7a

Sitting in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Newton County is ideal for growing blueberries, azaleas, and other acid-loving plants that thrive in its 5.62 pH soil. Gardeners can also succeed with hardy greens and root vegetables if they manage the soil's moderate water-holding capacity. Grab a shovel and start a garden that celebrates this unique Ozark chemistry.

Lawn Care in Newton County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Patch in Southwest Missouri

With a lawn difficulty score of 48.9, Newton County is slightly harder to maintain than the national median of 50.0. This score trails significantly behind the Missouri state average of 63.7, placing it in the harder half of the state for turf management. Residents in this 7a hardiness zone face unique pressures from both heat and soil quality.

High Heat and Ample Rain

The county receives 48.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 43.7 inches. However, 43 extreme heat days per year and 4463 growing degree days mean turf frequently enters stress during the peak of summer. Mowing schedules must remain flexible to accommodate rapid growth during wet, warm spring months.

Managing Acidic Soils and Poor Drainage

The soil pH of 5.62 is well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0, necessitating regular lime applications to reduce acidity. Drainage is classified as subaqueous, which can lead to root rot if not managed carefully. With a low clay content of 15.4%, the soil structure requires organic matter to hold nutrients effectively.

Combating Severe Drought Stress

Approximately 79.3% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions or worse, despite the high annual rainfall totals. Newton County has experienced 24 weeks of drought over the past year, making deep, infrequent watering essential for survival. Focus on early morning irrigation to maximize absorption before the heat sets in.

Start Your Newton County Lawn

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for this 7a climate due to their heat tolerance. Aim to seed after the last frost around April 18 or wait for the cooling temperatures of early September. Proper timing ensures your lawn establishes strong roots before the first frost hits around October 31.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newton County's county score?
Newton County, Missouri has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Newton County rank among counties in Missouri?
Newton County ranks #92 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 Newton County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Newton County is $1,192, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Newton County a tax score of 65.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Newton County?
The median household income in Newton County, Missouri is $64,583 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Newton County earns an income score of 52.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Newton County, Missouri a good place to live?
Newton County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Newton 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 Newton County with other counties side by side.