countyscore
60.2
County Score
Cost of Living 94.7Property Tax 89.3Disaster Risk 64.3

County Report Card

About Ozark County, Missouri

Beating the National Livability Median

Ozark County scores a 60.2 on the composite index, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This suggests a high level of overall satisfaction compared to the rest of the U.S.

Outperforming the Missouri Average

With a score of 60.2, Ozark County is well ahead of the Missouri state average of 50.3. It offers a superior quality of life compared to many of its neighboring counties.

Unbeatable Cost of Living

The county is remarkably affordable, boasting a cost score of 94.7 and a tax score of 89.3. With an effective tax rate of 0.466% and $626 median rent, it is a haven for the budget-conscious.

Significant Income and Health Gaps

Despite low costs, the income score is very low at 4.8, reflecting a $42,329 median household income. Health and water scores are also quite low at 19.3 and 11.4, respectively.

Suits Remote Workers and Retirees

Ozark County is perfect for those who bring their own income and want to maximize their purchasing power. Its safety and extreme affordability make it a compelling choice for those prioritized on financial ease.

2040608010089.394.763.819.347.64.864.311.463.3Tax89.3Cost94.7Safety63.8Health19.3Schools47.6Income4.8Risk64.3Water11.4Weather63.360.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Ozark County DNA

Doverall

How Ozark County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ozark County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (94.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.3+37.3
Cost
94.7+46.7
Safety
63.8+8.799999999999997
Health
19.3-30.7
Schools
47.6
Income
4.8-46.2
Risk
64.3+17.299999999999997
Water
11.4-46.6
Weather
63.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$156,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$626/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$156,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,329/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

91.2

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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Nearby counties

Marion County
Arkansas
48.3
Douglas County
Missouri
60.8
Baxter County
Arkansas
44.5
Howell County
Missouri
49.1
Taney County
Missouri
42.2
Fulton County
Arkansas
51.4
Boone County
Arkansas
53.2
Izard County
Arkansas
56.4

Deep Dives

Ozark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ozark County

via TaxByCounty

Ozark County: ultra-low national standing

Ozark County's effective tax rate of 0.466% ranks among America's lowest, sitting dramatically below the national median of 0.91%. Homeowners pay $728 annually on a median home worth $156,400—barely 27% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Ozark ranks second-lowest in Missouri

Ozark County's 0.466% effective rate ranks among Missouri's most tax-friendly jurisdictions, well below the statewide average of 0.733%. The $728 median property tax represents 61% of Missouri's median, making Ozark an exceptional bargain for rural property owners.

Ozark edges out nearby Howell and Ripley

Ozark's 0.466% rate ties Oregon County for the state's lowest tax burden, outpacing neighboring Ripley and Howell counties in the Ozark region. Residents enjoy some of southern Missouri's most favorable property tax conditions.

Minimal yearly taxes in Ozark County

On Ozark's median home value of $156,400, property owners pay approximately $728 annually in property tax—less than $61 per month. Even accounting for mortgage obligations, the total climbs to just $801, offering exceptional affordability.

Verify fair assessment in rural Ozark

Rural counties like Ozark sometimes experience assessment inconsistencies due to sparse comparable sales data. Review your assessment carefully against similar properties in your township; an appeal can eliminate errors and protect your already-minimal tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ozark County

via CostByCounty

Ozark County: Below National Affordability

Ozark County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national baseline, as renters dedicate nearly one-fifth of their $42,329 median income to housing costs. The county's bargain-basement rent of $626 per month provides only limited relief when household incomes fall this far below national averages.

Among Missouri's Most Challenged Markets

Ozark County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, ranking the county among the state's least affordable despite having among its cheapest rents. The county's primary challenge is income scarcity, not housing cost inflation.

Cheapest Rent Can't Offset Low Income

Ozark County's $626 rent is the region's lowest, yet its $42,329 median income matches Oregon County's crisis level and trails peers by $10,000-33,000. Low housing costs alone cannot solve an income problem that affects all aspects of household financial security.

Limited Budgets After Housing Costs

Renters in Ozark County spend $626 monthly on rent—17.8% of their $42,329 income—while homeowners commit $494, consuming 14% and leaving tight margins for non-housing expenses. Despite ownership's lower cost, both groups face constrained household budgets.

Ozark County Requires Income Strategy

Ozark County's ultra-low rents ($626) appeal only if you're relocating to employment substantially above the $42,329 county median, ideally $55,000+. Without a concrete, high-paying job opportunity, the county's cheap housing masks underlying affordability challenges.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ozark County

via IncomeByCounty

Ozark income falls well short nationally

Ozark County's median household income of $42,329 trails the national median of $74,755 by 43.4%. The county ranks in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Bottom tier in Missouri income ranking

Ozark County households earn $42,329 annually, $17,174 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. This places Ozark County among the lowest-earning counties in the state.

Income challenges across the region

Ozark County's $42,329 median is comparable to Oregon County ($44,259) and trails Perry County ($63,356) significantly. The county's per capita income of $29,824 reflects widespread economic challenges in the southern Ozark region.

Housing burden limits household savings

Ozark County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% places moderate stress on renters, reducing money available for other necessities. The median home value of $156,400 represents a significant stretch for households earning the county median.

Strategic planning essential for savings

Ozark County residents must prioritize careful budgeting to build financial security despite limited median income. Exploring low-cost saving options, community programs, and incremental investment approaches can help households create stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ozark County

via CrimeByCounty

Ozark County is Statistically Very Safe

Ozark County reports a total crime rate of 840.3 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an impressive safety score of 98.7. Data comes from a single reporting agency, indicating a highly consolidated and efficient view of local safety.

A Top Safety Performer in Missouri

Ozark County's safety score of 98.7 beats the Missouri average of 97.0. The county's crime rate is less than half the state average of 1926.2 per 100K. This puts the county in the top tier of Missouri's most secure rural jurisdictions.

Strong Safety Standing Among Neighbors

Ozark County's crime rate of 840.3 per 100K compares favorably to more populated counties like Pettis. It aligns closely with the safety profile of nearby Osage County. This regional stability makes the Ozarks a consistently secure place to call home.

Violent Crime Close to National Average

The violent crime rate stands at 322.3 per 100K, which is slightly below the national rate of 369.8. However, property crime is exceptionally low at 518.0, compared to the 2,015.7 national average. Most reported incidents in this single-agency county involve physical disputes rather than theft.

Focusing on Personal and Property Safety

Given that violent crime is closer to the national norm than property crime, situational awareness is key. Strengthening community ties and neighborly communication can help prevent local conflicts. Simple home security cameras provide an extra layer of deterrence for your peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ozark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Accessible Rural Education in Ozark County

Ozark County maintains 10 public schools across 5 districts, serving a total of 1,487 students. The landscape consists of 5 elementary schools, 4 high schools, and one other specialized facility. This distribution ensures that families in even the most remote areas have a local school nearby.

High Graduation Rates Beat State Average

The county reports a strong 92.9% graduation rate, outperforming the Missouri average of 91.3%. Local districts spend $6,278 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $6,334. These investments support a school score of 53.5, which is higher than the national median.

Gainesville R-V Leads the District List

Gainesville R-V is the largest district, managing 3 schools and 654 students. Bakersfield R-IV and Dora R-III serve smaller populations, with 397 and 284 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

Consistent Rural Learning Environments

The entire Ozark County school system is classified as rural, with all 10 schools set in quiet, countryside locales. Enrollment is intimate, with an average school size of 149 students and Gainesville High being the largest at 314. This creates a familiar atmosphere where students stay with the same peer group through graduation.

Find Your Home in Ozark County

Families seeking high-performing schools in a peaceful rural setting will find Ozark County highly appealing. The high graduation rates and small class sizes make it a strong candidate for a permanent move. Look for homes near Gainesville to be close to the county's largest educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ozark County

via RiskByCounty

Ozark County ranks very low for risk

Ozark County's composite risk score of 35.72 rates as very low and sits substantially below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This favorable standing reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across most natural disaster types, making Ozark a lower-risk location overall.

Ozark sits well below state average

Ozark County's composite risk score of 35.72 places it well below Missouri's state average of 50.56, ranking it among the state's safer counties. The county avoids extreme exposure in any single hazard category, creating a balanced and generally favorable risk profile.

Ozark safer than many surrounding areas

Ozark County's composite risk score of 35.72 compares favorably to neighboring Douglas and Taney counties, reflecting a more protected risk environment. The county's moderate earthquake risk of 64.66 and wildfire risk of 60.75 remain below state averages despite the Ozark region's natural hazard exposure.

Wildfire and earthquake moderate concerns

Ozark County's highest risks are wildfire at 60.75 and earthquake at 64.66, both moderate and below state averages, reflecting the county's Ozark region location. Tornado risk at 51.84 rounds out the hazard profile, creating a diversified but manageable overall exposure.

Balance coverage across multiple hazards

Ozark County homeowners should ensure standard coverage for tornado and earthquake damage while maintaining wildfire protection for properties near forested areas. The county's favorable overall risk profile doesn't eliminate the need for basic preparedness and appropriate insurance endorsements.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ozark County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate Triggers F Grade

Ozark County faces significant challenges with an F grade and a violation rate of 281.5 per 100K residents. This rate is more than triple the Missouri average of 81.5. These four health violations suggest systemic issues in providing consistent, safe drinking water to the community.

Federal Watershed Data Currently N/A

The water bodies in Ozark County are not yet assessed under the federal §303(d) standards. Without this data, it is impossible to determine the percentage of local streams that meet Clean Water Act goals. Residents must rely on local reports until federal assessments are completed.

Targeted Monitoring of Nutrient Levels

There are 3 monitoring sites in Ozark County which have contributed 1,148 measurements over the past five years. Data collection primarily targets nutrients, inorganics, and metals. This focused approach provides some insight into the chemical stressors affecting local water sources.

Bryant Creek Flow Near 60% Mean

The USGS gauge at Bryant Creek near Tecumseh reports a current discharge of 323 cfs. This flow is 60% of the historical mean for this location. The gauge covers a drainage area of 570 square miles, indicating a regional trend toward drier conditions.

Prioritize Testing Due to High Violations

The extremely high violation rate of 281.5 per 100K makes home water testing and filtration essential for Ozark County residents. Lower streamflow in Bryant Creek may also concentrate existing contaminants, increasing risks. Be proactive by checking your water provider's latest compliance reports for specific health warnings.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ozark County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet Ozark Plateau

Ozark County averages 57.0°F annually, making it warmer than the national median. The county receives 46.6 inches of rain, supporting its lush, forested landscape.

A Warm Spot in Southern Missouri

At 57.0°F, Ozark County is over two degrees warmer than the state average of 54.9°F. This warmth is typical for the counties lining the Arkansas border.

Warmer than its Eastern Neighbors

Ozark County's 57.0°F average makes it warmer than Oregon County to the east. It also experiences more extreme heat days than central Missouri counties like Osage.

Steamy Summers and Mild Winters

Summer features 35 days of temperatures hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are gentle, with a January average of 35.1°F and only 5.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Summer Outdoor Safety

With 35 days of extreme heat, outdoor workers and hikers must prioritize hydration and shade. Light winter gear is usually sufficient for the modest 5.8 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ozark County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Ozark County

Ozark County has an acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.57, sitting below both the state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. With a soil score of 44.6, the county faces more challenges than many of its Missouri neighbors. These soils often require careful management and pH adjustment for optimal plant health.

Silt and Sand Dominance

The soil composition is primarily 55.5% silt and 27.7% sand, with a relatively low clay content of 12.0%. This mix ensures the soil is easy to till but lacks the heavy nutrient-holding capacity that higher clay soils provide. The high sand percentage allows for decent aeration but can lead to faster drying in the sun.

Moderate Fertility and Low Storage

Organic matter in Ozark County is 4.45%, which is very close to the state average of 4.74% and double the national average. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.138 in/in compared to the state's 0.183 in/in. This means the soil is biologically active but struggles to hold onto water for long periods.

Navigating Subaqueous Drainage Realities

The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, a classification that suggests frequent saturation or poor internal drainage in many areas. Because specific hydrologic group and taxonomic data are missing, local land use requires careful on-site investigation. This is particularly important for anyone planning to build foundations or install septic systems.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 7a

With a 7a hardiness zone, Ozark County gardeners can enjoy a long growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and native wildflowers. The acidic pH is a natural fit for berries and evergreens, making it a great spot for a specialized orchard or forest garden. Use mulch to help preserve moisture in this low-capacity soil and watch your garden thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ozark County

via LawnByCounty

Middle-of-the-Road Maintenance in Ozark

Ozark County has a lawn difficulty score of 52.0, placing it right near the national median but below the state average of 63.7. This 7a hardiness zone presents some challenges, but it remains easier to manage than many of its southern neighbors. Success here depends on managing soil acidity and seasonal heat spikes.

Ample Rainfall Meets Ozark Heat

The county sees 46.6 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the Missouri average of 43.7. However, 35 extreme heat days and 4162 growing degree days mean that lawns can dry out quickly despite the rain. Mowing height should be raised during the summer to shade the soil and protect delicate root systems.

Addressing Soil Acidity and Texture

The soil pH of 5.57 is acidic, often requiring a lime application to bring it closer to the 6.0 target. With 27.7% sand and only 12.0% clay, the soil structure drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Subaqueous drainage classes suggest that low-lying areas may stay damp longer than expected.

Mitigating Severe Summer Drought

Ozark County has experienced 29 weeks of drought over the last year, with 59.3% of the area currently in severe drought. These conditions require proactive water conservation, such as using smart irrigation controllers or drought-tolerant cultivars. Keeping the grass a bit longer helps the soil retain the moisture it gets.

Planting Timing for the Ozarks

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are well-suited for the 7a zone and its 35 heat days. The growing window starts early with a last frost around April 9 and concludes with the first frost on October 23. Plant your new lawn in late spring once the soil is consistently warm for the fastest results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ozark County's county score?
Ozark County, Missouri has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Ozark County rank among counties in Missouri?
Ozark County ranks #17 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 Ozark County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Ozark County is $728, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Ozark County a tax score of 89.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ozark County?
The median household income in Ozark County, Missouri is $42,329 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ozark County earns an income score of 4.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ozark County, Missouri a good place to live?
Ozark County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Ozark 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 Ozark County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.