countyscore
68.2
County Score
Cost of Living 87.2Income & Jobs 76.5Property Tax 73.9

County Report Card

About Osage County, Missouri

A National Leader in Quality of Life

Osage County delivers a powerhouse composite score of 67.2, vastly outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as one of the most livable counties in the entire country.

Top-Tier Performance in Missouri

The county's 67.2 score is nearly 17 points above the Missouri state average of 50.3. It is a premier destination for those seeking the best metrics the state has to offer.

High Earnings and Low Costs

Osage combines a high income score of 77.8 with an excellent cost score of 81.1. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $75,355 while paying a median gross rent of just $644.

Room to Improve Water Quality

While most scores are high, the water score of 44.0 is the county's relative weak point. School scores also sit at a moderate 48.1, which is average compared to its other stellar metrics.

Best for High-Earning Families

This county is a rare find that offers both high wages and extreme affordability. It is an ideal spot for established professionals and families looking for financial security and safety.

2040608010073.987.263.767.448.176.567.14458.5Tax73.9Cost87.2Safety63.7Health67.4Schools48.1Income76.5Risk67.1Water44Weather58.568.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Osage County DNA

C-overall

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

Osage County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (87.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73.9+21.900000000000006
Cost
87.2+39.2
Safety
63.7+8.700000000000003
Health
67.4+17.400000000000006
Schools
48.1
Income
76.5+25.5
Risk
67.1+20.099999999999994
Water
44-14
Weather
58.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Osage County?

Many homeowners in Osage County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$223,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$639/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$223,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,681/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Osage County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Osage County

via TaxByCounty

Osage sits below national tax averages

Osage County's effective tax rate of 0.594% falls well below the national median of 0.91%, placing it in the bottom half of U.S. counties for tax burden. Though homes here average $205,700—closer to the national median—residents pay just $1,222 annually, roughly 45% of the national median tax of $2,690.

Osage ranks below Missouri's statewide average

At 0.594%, Osage County's effective tax rate runs about 19% lower than Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%. The median property tax of $1,222 nearly matches the state median of $1,199, offering slightly better-than-average value for mid-priced homes.

Osage offers competitive rates regionally

Osage County's 0.594% rate sits between neighboring Cole and Montgomery counties in central Missouri, positioning it as a moderate-tax locale in the region. For families prioritizing tax efficiency, Osage presents solid middle ground among central Missouri options.

Osage homeowner annual tax bill

A typical Osage resident with a $205,700 home pays approximately $1,222 in annual property tax. Adding mortgage and other assessed costs brings the total to $1,272—a reasonable burden for central Missouri property values.

Appeal overassessments in Osage County

Properties in Osage County undergo regular reassessment cycles; homeowners should compare their assessment to recent comparable sales in the neighborhood. If your assessed value exceeds similar homes' market prices, file a reassessment appeal with your local assessor to reduce your tax obligation.

Income & Jobs in Osage County

via IncomeByCounty

Osage exceeds national income median

Osage County's median household income of $75,355 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 0.8%. The county ranks in the upper half of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Top earner among Missouri counties

Osage County households earn $75,355 annually, exceeding Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 26.6%. This places Osage County in the top tier of Missouri's 114 counties for median household income.

Clear income leader in region

Osage County's $75,355 median significantly outperforms all surrounding counties, including Newton County ($64,583) and Perry County ($63,356). The county's per capita income of $41,107 is the highest among the eight counties analyzed.

Exceptional housing affordability

Osage County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.3% ranks well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, offering exceptional housing value. The median home value of $205,700 is highly achievable for households earning the county median.

Leverage strong income for investing

With above-average income and excellent housing affordability, Osage County households have real capacity to build wealth. Establishing diversified investments, retirement contributions, and long-term savings plans can accelerate financial growth.

Safety in Osage County

via CrimeByCounty

Osage County Maintains Exceptional Safety

Osage County's total crime rate of 845.0 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average. This earns the county a stellar safety score of 98.7. The area remains one of the most secure regions in the country for residents and visitors.

Outpacing the Missouri Safety Average

The county's safety score of 98.7 sits well above the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate is roughly half of the 1926.2 state average reported across Missouri. Data from two reporting agencies highlights a consistent trend of high public safety.

Leading the Way in Central Missouri

Osage County is safer than many of its Missouri counterparts, such as Pettis County, which has over double its crime rate. It maintains a similar safety profile to its neighbor Ozark County. This consistency makes the region a regional hub for secure rural living.

Very Low Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime in Osage County is extremely rare, with a rate of just 74.8 per 100K compared to the 369.8 national average. Property crime sits at 770.2, which is also significantly below national trends. Residents experience a very high level of personal safety in their daily lives.

Keeping Your Osage County Home Secure

Even with low crime rates, basic home security provides a necessary layer of protection. Ensure all exterior doors have working deadbolts and consider installing smart doorbells for remote monitoring. These simple precautions help maintain the high level of security Osage County is known for.

Weather & Climate in Osage County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Mid-American Weather Patterns

Osage County's annual average of 54.8°F aligns closely with the national median. It experiences a balanced mix of precipitation totaling 43.7 inches per year.

A Perfect Mirror of Missouri

Osage County's 54.8°F average is nearly identical to the state average of 54.9°F. It serves as a representative climate for the central Missouri region.

Snowier than Southern Neighbors

Osage County sees 10.7 inches of snow annually, more than double the amount found in southern counties like Oregon or Perry. It is cooler than the Bootheel but warmer than the northern plains.

Four Truly Distinct Seasons

The county experiences a 75.0°F summer average with 30 days of extreme heat. Winter brings a January average of 30.3°F and regular snowfall exceeding 10 inches.

Versatile Home Systems Needed

Homeowners need efficient systems for both heating and cooling to handle the 30-degree winter and 30 days of extreme summer heat. Keep snow tires or shovels ready for the 10.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Soil Quality in Osage County

via SoilByCounty

The Alfisols of Osage County

Osage County is dominated by Alfisols, which are naturally productive soils typically found under forest cover. With an average pH of 6.28, these soils are more neutral than the state average of 6.09 and close to the national median of 6.5. This chemical balance contributes to a respectable overall soil score of 64.9.

Dominant Silt Loam Texture

The county features a classic silt loam texture, driven by a high silt content of 65.0%. Sand makes up 15.5% and clay accounts for 19.0%, creating a mix that offers excellent workability and moderate nutrient storage. This texture is highly prized by farmers for its ability to produce a fine seedbed.

Excellent Water Storage Capacity

Osage County boasts an available water capacity of 0.192 in/in, outperforming the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. While the organic matter is relatively low at 2.28% compared to the state’s 4.74%, the soil’s ability to hold water provides a safety net during dry spells. Improving organic matter through composting could significantly boost its already high growing potential.

Reliable Well-Drained Landscapes

The land is categorized as well-drained, which is ideal for preventing the root rot and aeration issues common in wetter regions. It belongs to hydrologic group C, indicating that while it drains well, it has a slower rate of water transmission when fully saturated. This makes the county generally suitable for most agricultural and construction activities.

Gardening Success in Zone 6b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Osage County is perfect for a wide variety of vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamental shrubs. The silt loam texture and neutral pH mean you can plant almost anything with minimal soil correction. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, these Alfisols provide a dependable foundation for growth.

Lawn Care in Osage County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Conditions for Osage Gardeners

Osage County earns a lawn difficulty score of 64.7, aligning closely with the Missouri state average of 63.7. This makes it slightly easier to manage a lawn here than in the average American county. Residents in this 6b hardiness zone benefit from a relatively stable climate for traditional lawn care.

Predictable Climate for Steady Growth

The county averages 43.7 inches of precipitation per year, matching the Missouri state average exactly. With 30 extreme heat days, the summer stress is more manageable than in the southern parts of the state. These 3913 growing degree days support a healthy, active growing season for most grass types.

Strong Foundation in Silt Loam

A soil pH of 6.28 is nearly perfect for lawn health, sitting right in the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The well-drained silt loam contains 19.0% clay, providing a great balance of moisture retention and aeration. Most lawns will thrive with standard fertilization and very few chemical amendments.

Navigating a Long Dry Season

While 0% of the area is in severe drought, the county has seen 31 weeks of drought over the past year. Abnormally dry conditions affect 100% of the county, so supplemental watering remains a necessity during the summer months. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn receives at least one inch of water per week.

Spring and Fall Planting Success

Tall fescue is the most popular choice for the 6b hardiness zone in Osage County. Frost dates typically span from April 11 to October 21, offering a generous window for lawn establishment. Early spring is a great time to tackle bare spots, while fall is best for a complete lawn renovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osage County's county score?
Osage County, Missouri has a composite county score of 68.2 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 Osage County rank among counties in Missouri?
Osage County ranks #1 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 Osage County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Osage County is $1,307, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Osage County a tax score of 73.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Osage County?
The median household income in Osage County, Missouri is $76,681 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Osage County earns an income score of 76.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Osage County, Missouri a good place to live?
Osage County scores 68.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Osage 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 Osage County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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