countyscore
50.3
County Score
Lawn Care 82.7Soil Quality 76.7Cost of Living 67.5

County Report Card

About Nodaway County, Missouri

Nodaway County Matches the National Pulse

Nodaway County earns a composite score of 50.3, placing it just slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is very much in line with the typical American experience.

A Precise Reflection of Missouri

The county's score of 50.3 perfectly mirrors the Missouri state average of 50.3. It stands as a reliable benchmark for what residents can expect from the state as a whole.

Affordable Living and Solid Health

Nodaway excels in affordability with a cost score of 67.5, supported by a median home value of $165,100. A healthy community is also a priority here, evidenced by a strong health score of 60.0.

Lagging Incomes and Water Quality

The income score is a weak point at 27.5, reflecting a median household income of $55,970. Water quality also presents a challenge, with a score of 28.4 that lags behind other local metrics.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Renters

With a median gross rent of only $754 and high health scores, this county suits individuals looking for wellness and low living costs. It is a great middle-ground option for those who don't mind a more modest income environment.

Score breakdown

Tax52.3Cost67.5Safety36Health60Schools46Income27.5Risk54.4Water28.4Weather49.9
🏛52.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱82.7
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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Deep Dives

Nodaway County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nodaway County

via TaxByCounty

Nodaway taxes run moderately high nationally

Nodaway County's effective tax rate of 0.812% exceeds the national median of 0.91% by a narrow margin, positioning it slightly above average for U.S. counties. Residents pay $1,340 annually on homes valued near the national median, yet their home values ($165,100) fall well below the U.S. median of $281,900.

Nodaway ranks above Missouri's statewide rate

At 0.812%, Nodaway's effective tax rate exceeds Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, placing it among the state's higher-tax counties. The median property tax of $1,340 also runs $141 above Missouri's median of $1,199, signaling steeper tax burdens for local homeowners.

Nodaway ranks higher than nearby counties

Nodaway's 0.812% rate surpasses neighboring Worth and Andrew counties in northwest Missouri, making it one of the region's pricier tax jurisdictions. Homeowners relocating here should expect noticeably higher property tax bills than in adjacent areas.

Annual property tax in Nodaway County

A homeowner with a $165,100 property in Nodaway pays roughly $1,340 in annual property tax, or about $119 more per month than the state median. With mortgage obligations included, that climbs to $1,434, making tax planning important for local buyers.

Review assessments in higher-tax counties

Counties with above-average tax rates like Nodaway see more frequent overassessment disputes. Request a reassessment from your county assessor—particularly if your home's recent market value dropped or local comparable sales suggest your assessment is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nodaway County

via CostByCounty

Nodaway Renters Face Above-Average Strain

Nodaway County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% exceeds the national baseline, meaning renters here dedicate a larger portion of their $55,970 median income to housing than the typical American household. Despite relatively low rent of $754 per month, income constraints create measurable affordability pressure.

Below Missouri Average, But Tighter Than Peers

Nodaway County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it in the middle tier of Missouri counties for affordability. The county's median rent of $754 matches the state average almost exactly, yet lower household income drives the affordability challenge.

Affordable Rent, but Income Lags the Region

Nodaway's $754 rent represents the lowest in its region, yet its median household income of $55,970 is substantially below Newton County ($64,583) and Osage County ($75,355). This income-to-rent mismatch explains why Nodaway renters feel affordability pressure despite competitive rental prices.

A Tight Housing Budget in Nodaway

Renters pay $754 monthly while homeowners spend $758, consuming 16.2% and 16.2% of the median income respectively—uncomfortably high by national standards. The near-parity between rent and ownership costs offers renters little advantage when household income struggles to keep pace.

Nodaway Works If Income Rises With You

Nodaway County offers genuinely low housing costs, but the county's affordability gains evaporate if your household income doesn't exceed $55,970. Test whether a prospective job move would push your income above the county median to unlock true housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nodaway County

via IncomeByCounty

Nodaway income lags national average

Nodaway County's median household income of $55,970 trails the national median of $74,755 by 25.1%. The county ranks in the lower third of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Below Missouri state average income

Nodaway County households earn $55,970 annually, falling $3,533 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. This places Nodaway in the lower half of Missouri's 114 counties.

Struggling against neighboring counties

Nodaway's $55,970 median trails Newton County ($64,583) by $8,613 and falls below Perry County ($63,356). The county's per capita income of $28,894 ranks among the lower figures in northwest Missouri.

Rental burden growing for residents

Nodaway's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% approaches the affordability threshold, indicating moderate housing stress. While still manageable, this ratio limits discretionary spending for renters in the county.

Maximize limited income through planning

Nodaway County households face tighter budgets, making strategic financial planning essential. Prioritizing debt reduction and exploring employer retirement benefits can help residents build wealth despite lower median earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nodaway County

via CrimeByCounty

Nodaway County Scores High for Safety

Nodaway County boasts an impressive safety score of 97.7, far exceeding the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 1485.3 per 100,000 residents is roughly 38% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers highlight a remarkably secure environment for the local community.

Exceeding Missouri's Safety Benchmarks

Nodaway County ranks higher than the Missouri average safety score of 97.0. Local law enforcement across three agencies reports a total crime rate that is significantly lower than the state average of 1926.2 per 100K. This makes it one of the more secure counties in the Northwest Missouri region.

Safer Than Many Nearby Counties

Compared to Newton County's 1912.9 crimes per 100K, Nodaway maintains a much lower frequency of reported incidents. Its total crime rate of 1485.3 demonstrates a high level of regional security. This distinction makes Nodaway an attractive area for those prioritizing low-crime environments.

Low Violent Crime Rates Define Nodaway

The violent crime rate in Nodaway is just 217.6 per 100K, which is nearly half the national average. Property crime sits at 1267.7 per 100K, representing the bulk of local law enforcement activity. These statistics suggest that most residents will rarely experience serious criminal threats.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Even in high-safety areas like Nodaway, home security remains a smart investment. Focus on securing entry points and ensuring your property is well-lit at night to prevent property crimes. Community awareness and neighborly watch efforts further strengthen this county's safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nodaway County

via HealthByCounty

Nodaway County leads Missouri in life expectancy

Nodaway County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 80.2 years—nearly 6 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years and nearly 6 years above Missouri's 74.3-year average. Yet 19.9% still report poor or fair health, suggesting that longevity masks underlying health challenges for a significant segment.

Nodaway outranks nearly all Missouri counties

At 80.2 years, Nodaway County has the longest life expectancy in Missouri—a remarkable 5.9 years ahead of the state average. This exceptional longevity, paired with a low 10.3% uninsured rate (below Missouri's 12.5%), reflects strong economic and healthcare infrastructure.

Nodaway excels in mental health provider access

Nodaway County offers 150 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, far exceeding most neighbors and providing robust psychiatric and counseling services. With 38 primary care providers per 100,000, Nodaway's healthcare workforce is also competitive regionally, supporting its exceptional life expectancy.

Nodaway residents enjoy solid insurance coverage

Just 10.3% of Nodaway County residents lack health insurance, beating Missouri's average by 2.2 percentage points and ensuring most families have regular access to care. Combined with excellent provider availability, Nodaway's healthcare system is among Missouri's most robust.

Help uninsured friends and family get coverage

While Nodaway's uninsured rate is already low, nearly 2,000 residents still lack coverage. If you know someone without insurance, encourage them to visit the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace or check Medicaid eligibility to close this remaining gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nodaway County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-School Focused Learning in Nodaway

Nodaway County operates 17 public schools across 7 districts, serving a total of 2,433 students. The system features a unique profile with 9 high schools and 7 elementary schools. This distribution ensures localized access to secondary education for students across the county.

Beating National Averages with Strong Investment

The county reports a 90.4% graduation rate, which is well above the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment reaches $6,963 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $6,334. The composite school score of 53.7 also outperforms the state average of 52.8.

Maryville R-II Serves the County Core

Maryville R-II is the largest district by far, educating 1,386 students across 5 schools. Small rural districts like Northeast Nodaway Co. R-V and Jefferson C-123 provide intimate learning environments for fewer than 225 students each. There are no charter schools currently operating in the county.

Intimate Schools in Rural Settings

Nodaway features 11 rural schools and 6 town-based schools, with a remarkably small average school size of 162 students. Maryville High is the largest facility with 506 students, while many elementary schools serve around 125 children. This creates a close-knit educational environment where teachers and students know each other well.

Settle Down Near Top-Performing Districts

Nodaway County offers high graduation rates and per-pupil spending that exceeds state averages. For families seeking small class sizes and strong results, this area provides excellent residential opportunities. Explore homes in Maryville to stay close to the county's largest educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nodaway County

via RiskByCounty

Nodaway's risk sits near national average

Nodaway County's composite risk score of 45.58 places it in the relatively low risk category, performing slightly below Missouri's state average of 50.56. The county's primary hazard is tornado risk at 75.32, which elevates exposure despite otherwise manageable hazard levels.

Nodaway ranks below Missouri average

With a composite risk score of 45.58, Nodaway County performs better than Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the safer counties statewide. However, its tornado risk of 75.32 reminds residents that below-average overall risk does not mean immunity from severe weather events.

Nodaway safer than some northwest peers

Nodaway County's composite risk score of 45.58 is lower than Worth County to the north, reflecting somewhat better overall hazard profiles. Tornado risk remains relatively consistent across this northwest region, though Nodaway avoids the extreme earthquake exposure found in some neighboring counties.

Tornadoes the primary concern

Tornado risk dominates Nodaway County at 75.32, substantially higher than the county's other hazard exposures and reflecting the Midwest's seasonal severe weather patterns. Residents should maintain storm shelters and monitor spring and fall weather forecasts closely during peak tornado season.

Prioritize severe weather preparedness

Nodaway County homeowners should ensure their insurance covers tornado damage and consider basement or interior room reinforcement for added safety. Regular maintenance of weather alert systems and family emergency plans are equally critical given the county's tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nodaway County

via WeatherByCounty

A Brisk Northern Missouri Climate

Nodaway County's annual average of 51.5°F is cooler than the national median. This region experiences true continental weather with distinct, often harsh, seasonal shifts.

One of Missouri's Coolest Counties

Nodaway County sits well below the state average of 54.9°F. Its northern location makes it one of the coldest spots in Missouri, especially during the winter months.

Leading the Region in Snowfall

Compared to central and southern counties, Nodaway is significantly colder and snowier. Its 17.4 inches of annual snow far exceeds the totals found in counties like Perry or Osage.

Hard Winters and Mild Summers

Winter is intense here, with a January average of just 24.1°F and significant snowfall. Summers are comparatively mild, featuring only 27 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Prioritize Insulation and Winter Gear

Heavily insulated homes and high-performance heating systems are vital for the 27.3°F winter average. Residents should maintain reliable snow removal equipment for the 17.4 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nodaway County

via SoilByCounty

The Rich Mollisols of Nodaway

Nodaway County is defined by Mollisols, the dark and fertile prairie soils that power the American breadbasket. Its average pH of 6.31 sits comfortably near the national median of 6.5 and exceeds the Missouri average of 6.09. These characteristics earn the county a high soil score of 76.7, reflecting its superior agricultural potential.

Silty Clay Loam Structure

The soil is a silty clay loam, comprised of 53.5% silt and a significant 28.0% clay. This high clay content provides excellent nutrient retention but can make the ground heavy and slow to warm in the spring. With only 18.5% sand, the soil remains stable but requires mindful management to avoid compaction.

Superior Water Storage Capacity

Nodaway County excels in water storage, with an available water capacity of 0.204 in/in, well above the state average of 0.183 in/in. Although its 3.38% organic matter is lower than the state average of 4.74%, it remains higher than the national average of 2.0%. This combination creates a resilient environment for row crops even during dry spells.

Well-Drained Soils for Efficient Farming

The land is characterized as well-drained, allowing water to move through the profile at an ideal rate for plant health. It falls into hydrologic group C, suggesting a somewhat slow infiltration rate when the soil is thoroughly wet. This profile is generally favorable for both large-scale agriculture and residential building projects.

A Heartland Garden in Zone 5b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Nodaway County is a powerhouse for corn, soybeans, and hearty cool-weather vegetables. The high available water capacity makes it an excellent spot for deep-rooted perennials and fruit trees. If you enjoy gardening, these rich prairie soils offer one of the best growing foundations in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nodaway County

via LawnByCounty

Lush Lawns Come Easy in the North

Nodaway County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 82.7, making it one of the easiest places in Missouri to grow grass. This score far exceeds the state average of 63.7 and the national median of 50.0. The cooler 5b hardiness zone provides a hospitable environment for popular cool-season turf varieties.

Moderate Temperatures Support Growth

With only 27 extreme heat days annually, grass stays greener longer here compared to the state average of 37 days. The county receives 38.5 inches of rain, which falls perfectly within the ideal range of 30-50 inches for lawns. A growing season supported by 3510 degree days provides consistent, manageable growth throughout the summer.

Ideal Soil for Thriving Turf

The soil pH of 6.31 sits comfortably within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, meaning most lawns require very few amendments. Well-drained silty clay loam with 28.0% clay content provides a stable foundation that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. This natural balance simplifies seasonal prep work for local homeowners.

Resilient Landscapes and Low Stress

Nodaway County has faced only 9 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 0% of the area is in severe drought. While the entire county is classified as abnormally dry, standard watering practices are usually sufficient. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain the moisture you do have.

Optimal Planting for Zone 5b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in this northern Missouri climate. The window between the April 19 last frost and October 20 first frost provides a long, reliable growing season. Late summer or early fall is the prime time to aerate and overseed for a thick, resilient spring lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nodaway County's county score?
Nodaway County, Missouri has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Nodaway County rank among counties in Missouri?
Nodaway County ranks #59 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 Nodaway County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Nodaway County is $1,340, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Nodaway County a tax score of 52.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nodaway County?
The median household income in Nodaway County, Missouri is $55,970 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nodaway County earns an income score of 27.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nodaway County, Missouri a good place to live?
Nodaway County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Nodaway 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 Nodaway County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.