countyscore
67.2
County Score
Cost of Living 81.1Income & Jobs 77.8Property Tax 75.1

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.

2040608010075.181.163.767.448.177.867.14458.5Tax75.1Cost81.1Safety63.7Health67.4Schools48.1Income77.8Risk67.1Water44Weather58.567.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Osage County DNA

C-overall

How Osage County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Osage County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (81.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.1+23.099999999999994
Cost
81.1+33.099999999999994
Safety
63.7+8.700000000000003
Health
67.4+17.400000000000006
Schools
48.1
Income
77.8+26.799999999999997
Risk
67.1+20.099999999999994
Water
44-14
Weather
58.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$205,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$644/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,355/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.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Pickett County
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Union County
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Robertson County
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Wyandot County
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Nearby counties

Cole County
Missouri
54.9
Maries County
Missouri
64
Gasconade County
Missouri
59.2
Callaway County
Missouri
39.7
Miller County
Missouri
54.3
Phelps County
Missouri
43
Moniteau County
Missouri
59.1
Boone County
Missouri
39.5

Deep Dives

Osage County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Osage County

via CostByCounty

Osage County: The Affordability Winner

Osage County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.3% ranks among Missouri's most affordable housing markets, well below the national baseline and allowing renters to dedicate minimal income to housing. With a median household income of $75,355—exceeding the national average—the county offers genuine housing security.

Missouri's Most Accessible Housing Market

Osage County's 10.3% rent-to-income ratio substantially outperforms Missouri's 15.6% state average, positioning it as the county's most housing-affordable option. The combination of strong median income and reasonable housing costs creates a rare affordability sweet spot within Missouri.

Income Advantage Drives Osage's Affordability

Osage County's $644 rent is the region's lowest, and its $75,355 median income is the region's highest—a powerful dual advantage that creates unmatched affordability. Even Newton County's $777 rent consumes proportionally more income due to Osage's superior earning power.

Housing That Won't Break Your Budget

Renters spend just $644 monthly on rent while homeowners commit $698, consuming only 10.3% and 11.1% of the $75,355 median income respectively. These figures leave substantial room in household budgets for savings, transportation, and quality-of-life investments.

Osage County Rewards the Prepared Mover

If you can secure employment near Osage County's median income of $75,355 or higher, you'll land in Missouri's most housing-affordable county with real financial breathing room. Compare Osage's 10.3% housing burden against your current county to quantify your affordability gain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Osage County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Osage County

Osage County provides education through 7 public schools organized into 3 districts. The county serves 1,534 students through 3 elementary schools, 3 high schools, and 1 specialized facility. This structure emphasizes local control and direct access to teachers.

Outstanding Graduation Performance

The county achieves an impressive 94.3% graduation rate, far exceeding the Missouri state average of 91.3%. Schools operate efficiently with $5,941 in per-pupil spending, which is below the state average yet yields high results. The 53.5 composite school score reflects this strong academic output.

Osage Co. R-III Drives Enrollment

Osage Co. R-III is the primary district, educating 758 students across 3 schools. Osage Co. R-II follows closely with 636 students, while the R-I district provides a very small environment for 140 students. No charter schools are present, keeping the focus entirely on traditional district performance.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

All 7 schools in Osage County are located in rural locales, providing a consistent environment for all students. Fatima High is the largest campus with 493 students, while the smallest elementary school serves only 72 children. The average school size of 256 students ensures that no child gets lost in the crowd.

Invest in a County That Excels

Osage County's graduation rates are among the best in the state, making it a premier choice for growing families. If you value a rural setting paired with high academic expectations, explore real estate near Linn or Westphalia. A home here puts your children in a proven system for success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Osage County

via RiskByCounty

Osage County has the lowest risk profile

Osage County's composite risk score of 32.92 rates as very low and sits well below both Missouri's state average of 50.56 and the national average. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure across all hazard types, making Osage one of Missouri's safest counties for natural disaster risk.

Osage ranks among Missouri's safest

With a composite risk score of 32.92, Osage County ranks significantly below Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. No single hazard type dominates Osage's profile, creating a balanced and generally favorable risk environment.

Osage safer than surrounding counties

Osage County's composite risk score of 32.92 is notably lower than adjacent Montgomery and Cole counties, reflecting a safer overall hazard profile. The county's moderate tornado risk of 53.56 remains below regional averages, contributing to its favorable standing.

Earthquake risk edges above other hazards

Osage County's highest individual risk is earthquake at 55.92, still moderate and below state averages, followed by flood risk at 47.52. This balanced hazard profile means residents face no single overwhelming threat, though preparedness remains prudent.

Maintain standard coverage and awareness

Osage County residents benefit from the county's favorable risk profile but should still maintain comprehensive homeowner insurance covering tornado, flood, and earthquake damage. Regular property inspections and emergency preparedness planning remain wise practices regardless of low-risk status.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Osage County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Performance Better Than Average

Osage County holds a D grade with only 2 health violations documented over the last five years. Its violation rate of 25.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the Missouri average of 81.5. This data reflects a relatively stable public water system compared to many neighboring counties.

Water Bodies Not Yet Formally Assessed

Osage County’s water bodies have not yet been categorized under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) assessment. This lack of ATTAINS data means that the share of impaired water bodies is currently unknown. Reporting is dependent on future state and federal evaluation cycles.

Minimal Federal Monitoring Data Available

Only one federal monitoring site is recorded in the county, with just 27 measurements taken over five years. Samplers have focused on physical attributes, cyanotoxins, and metals. This sparse data footprint makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions about overall county water quality.

Gasconade River Flow Significantly Reduced

The Gasconade River near Rich Fountain is currently flowing at 1800 cfs, just 57% of its long-term mean. This gauge drains a massive 3,180 square mile area. Such a significant drop in flow can influence both aquatic health and local water utility operations.

Conserve Water as River Levels Drop

With the Gasconade River at just 57% of its typical flow, water conservation becomes increasingly important for the region. Because monitoring data is sparse, residents should not assume water quality is consistent during this low-flow period. Utilizing home filtration is a prudent step given the D grade and limited sampling data.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osage County's county score?
Osage County, Missouri has a composite county score of 67.2 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 $1,222, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Osage County a tax score of 75.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Osage County?
The median household income in Osage County, Missouri is $75,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Osage County earns an income score of 77.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Osage County, Missouri a good place to live?
Osage County scores 67.2/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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