countyscore
34.6
County Score
Cost of Living 80.8Weather & Climate 65.3Soil Quality 55

County Report Card

About Pemiscot County, Missouri

Significant Challenges Below National Median

Pemiscot County holds a composite score of 34.6, which is well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces more livability hurdles than the average American county.

Below the Missouri State Average

The county's score of 34.6 trails the Missouri average of 50.3 by a wide margin. It ranks among the state's most challenged counties for overall quality of life.

Accessible Housing Costs

The primary strength in Pemiscot is affordability, with a cost score of 80.8. The median home value is just $95,900, making entry into the housing market easier than in most places.

Major Concerns in Safety and Health

Safety and health are primary concerns, with scores of 3.1 and 13.6 respectively. Economic opportunities also appear limited, reflected by an income score of only 3.2.

A Market for Low-Cost Housing

This county may appeal to those looking for the absolute lowest property prices in the state. However, prospective residents should be prepared for significant challenges in safety, health, and local wages.

Score breakdown

Tax37.3Cost80.8Safety3.1Health13.6Schools42.5Income3.2Risk22Water25.5Weather65.3
🏛37.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.5
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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Nearby counties

Lake County
Tennessee
47.1
Dyer County
Tennessee
44.8
New Madrid County
Missouri
38.1
Dunklin County
Missouri
40.9
Lauderdale County
Tennessee
45.3
Obion County
Tennessee
45.2
Fulton County
Kentucky
50.5
Mississippi County
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38.3

Deep Dives

Pemiscot County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pemiscot County

via TaxByCounty

Pemiscot carries Missouri's heaviest tax rate

Pemiscot County's effective tax rate of 1.012% ranks among the highest in the nation, nearly double the national median of 0.91%. Though homes here are affordable at $95,900 median value, the 1.012% rate produces steep tax liability compared to national standards.

Pemiscot leads Missouri in tax burden

Pemiscot County's 1.012% effective tax rate significantly exceeds Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, making it the state's highest-tax county. At $970 median property tax, residents pay about 81% of the state median despite homes valued $95,900—the state's lowest.

Pemiscot far outpaces neighboring counties

Pemiscot's 1.012% rate towers above Dunklin, Mississippi, and New Madrid counties in the Bootheel region, making it significantly more expensive. Homebuyers comparing Bootheel properties should factor in Pemiscot's notably steeper tax obligations.

Pemiscot's elevated property tax burden

Even on an affordable $95,900 home, Pemiscot residents pay $970 annually—among the state's highest taxes for lowest-priced homes. With mortgage obligations, taxes climb to $1,354, consuming a larger percentage of household income than in neighboring counties.

Challenge assessments in Pemiscot County

Pemiscot's high tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially critical—even small reductions yield significant annual savings. Request a reassessment from your county assessor and compare your assessed value against recent comparable sales to identify overvaluation opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pemiscot County

via CostByCounty

Pemiscot: America's Affordability Pressure Cooker

At 20.9%, Pemiscot County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's least affordable housing markets, with renters spending more than one-fifth of their $40,748 median income on rent alone. This extreme ratio—far above national averages—signals a critical mismatch between housing costs and earning power.

Missouri's Most Severe Affordability Crisis

Pemiscot County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio stands dramatically above Missouri's 15.6% state average, making it the state's least affordable county by a significant margin. The county's median income of $40,748 is the region's lowest, creating compounding affordability pressure.

Lowest Income Plus Above-Average Rent

Pemiscot County's $708 rent exceeds Oregon County and Ozark County's rates, yet its $40,748 median income is the region's lowest, creating the worst affordability squeeze in the peer group. This combination—higher-than-average rent on the lowest incomes—explains Pemiscot's extreme 20.9% ratio.

One-Fifth of Income Vanishes into Rent

Renters in Pemiscot County spend $708 monthly on rent—consuming 20.9% of their $40,748 household income—leaving severely constrained budgets for other essentials. Homeowners spend $651 monthly, or 19.1%, indicating affordability pressure affects both renters and owners.

Pemiscot Demands Dramatic Income Growth

Pemiscot County's affordability crisis is too severe for most relocating households unless you're securing employment at $55,000+ annually, well above the county median. Without a concrete, substantial income improvement, moving to Pemiscot will worsen your housing affordability, not improve it.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pemiscot County

via IncomeByCounty

Pemiscot income ranks among lowest

Pemiscot County's median household income of $40,748 falls 45.5% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Missouri's lowest-earning county

Pemiscot County households earn $40,748 annually, $18,755 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. This places Pemiscot at the very bottom of Missouri's 114 counties for median household income.

Most challenged county in analysis

Pemiscot County's $40,748 median is the lowest among the eight counties studied, trailing Oregon County ($44,259) and Ozark County ($42,329). The county's per capita income of $26,073 reflects acute economic stress in the bootheel region.

Housing costs create severe strain

Pemiscot County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% approaches the affordability crisis threshold, indicating substantial housing stress for renters. The median home value of $95,900 offers limited options for improving housing stability through homeownership.

Access support resources for stability

Pemiscot County residents face significant economic challenges requiring targeted support and planning. Seeking out nonprofit financial assistance, community development programs, and employer benefits can help households improve financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pemiscot County

via CrimeByCounty

Public Safety Challenges in Pemiscot County

Pemiscot County faces significant safety challenges with a total crime rate of 4069.4 per 100,000, which is much higher than the national average. Consequently, its safety score is 93.6 out of 100. Local officials and five reporting agencies are working to address these elevated incident rates.

Crime Rates Exceed Missouri State Average

The county's total crime rate is more than double the Missouri average of 1926.2 per 100K. Its safety score of 93.6 trails behind the state's average score of 97.0. This indicates a higher frequency of police activity compared to the typical Missouri county.

Regional Comparisons Show Safety Gaps

Pemiscot County's crime rate of 4069.4 is much higher than that of neighboring Pettis or Newton counties. While some rural counties enjoy very low rates, Pemiscot sees a higher density of reported crimes. This disparity highlights the unique public safety needs of the Bootheel region.

High Rates of Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime in Pemiscot is 784.3 per 100K, more than double the national average. Property crime is even higher at 3285.1 per 100K, suggesting that theft and burglary are significant local issues. In practical terms, residents face a higher statistical risk of encountering crime than in other parts of the state.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

Proactive security measures are essential in Pemiscot County to protect your property. High-quality locks, alarm systems, and external lighting can help deter potential property crimes. Staying informed about local crime trends through local law enforcement updates is highly recommended.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pemiscot County

via HealthByCounty

Pemiscot County faces catastrophic life expectancy gap

Pemiscot County residents live only 65.6 years on average—a shocking 10.5 years less than the U.S. average and 8.7 years below Missouri. With 26.9% reporting poor or fair health, Pemiscot experiences one of Missouri's most severe public health crises, driven by poverty, disease, and healthcare barriers.

Pemiscot has lowest life expectancy in Missouri

Pemiscot County's 65.6-year life expectancy is the lowest in Missouri, a staggering 8.7 years below the state average, reflecting decades of economic collapse and health system failure. This gap rivals some developing nations and demands emergency intervention.

Pemiscot has strong provider numbers but poor outcomes

Despite having 39 primary care providers and 212 mental health providers per 100,000—among the region's highest—Pemiscot's catastrophic life expectancy suggests these providers are overwhelmed or that deeper barriers (poverty, transportation, trust) prevent their use. The disconnect between availability and outcomes signals a system failure requiring investigation.

Pemiscot's uninsured rate compounds historic poverty

While Pemiscot's 11.9% uninsured rate is near Missouri's average, this masks deeper crises: available providers serve a population ravaged by poverty, obesity, diabetes, and substance abuse. Even insured residents struggle to convert coverage into health improvement without addressing the root causes of despair.

Pemiscot residents: coverage is a survival tool

If you're uninsured in Pemiscot County, health insurance removes at least one barrier to care and connects you with the county's available providers. Visit the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace or call 1-855-Missouri1 immediately—your life expectancy depends on it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pemiscot County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Eight Districts

Pemiscot County operates 18 public schools across 8 different districts, serving 2,859 students. The infrastructure includes 8 elementary schools, 7 high schools, and 1 middle school. This high number of districts relative to enrollment provides localized administration for diverse communities.

Solid Performance and Efficient Spending

The county's 91.4% graduation rate exceeds the national average and slightly beats the Missouri state average. Spending is efficient at $6,407 per pupil, slightly higher than the state average of $6,334. The school score of 53.0 indicates a performance level just above the state average.

Caruthersville 18 and South Pemiscot Leads

Caruthersville 18 is the largest district with 3 schools and 942 students. South Pemiscot Co. R-V serves another 604 students, providing several options for families in the area. No charter schools exist in the county, though one alternative school is available to meet specific student needs.

A Mix of Town and Rural Schools

Thirteen of the county's schools are in rural settings, while 5 serve town locales. Caruthersville Elementary is the largest campus with 496 students, but the overall average school size remains small at 191 students. This ensures that students receive individual attention regardless of whether they attend a town or rural facility.

Build Your Future in Pemiscot County

Pemiscot County offers a solid educational foundation with graduation rates that lead the national pack. Families can choose between more active town schools or quiet rural districts when selecting a home. Check out local real estate near Caruthersville to take advantage of the county's largest school resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pemiscot County

via RiskByCounty

Pemiscot faces exceptional earthquake risk

Pemiscot County's composite risk score of 77.96 places it among the higher-risk counties nationally, driven primarily by an exceptional earthquake risk score of 96.18. This seismic exposure reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, one of North America's most active fault systems.

Pemiscot ranks well above state average

Pemiscot County's composite risk score of 77.96 significantly exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it among the state's highest-risk counties. The county's earthquake risk of 96.18 is the highest in Missouri, making seismic hazards a primary concern for residents and property owners.

Pemiscot's earthquake risk stands alone

Pemiscot County's earthquake risk of 96.18 dramatically exceeds nearby Dunklin and New Madrid counties, making it a seismic hotspot in the bootheel region. While tornado risk at 83.84 matches regional patterns, the earthquake exposure sets Pemiscot apart as uniquely vulnerable to ground movement.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate threats

Pemiscot County faces exceptional earthquake risk at 96.18, the highest statewide, combined with tornado risk at 83.84 that ranks among state leaders. The convergence of these two major hazards creates a particularly vulnerable situation requiring comprehensive preparedness and specialized insurance protections.

Earthquake coverage is non-negotiable

Pemiscot County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance or special endorsements, as standard policies exclude seismic damage in this high-risk zone. Tornado protection remains equally critical; residents should combine structural reinforcement, weather alerts, and comprehensive coverage to address both dominant threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pemiscot County

via WeatherByCounty

The Warmest Reach of Missouri

Pemiscot County's 59.5°F annual average is among the highest in the Midwest, far exceeding the national median. It is a very wet county, receiving 52.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Missouri's Southern Thermal Leader

Averaging 59.5°F, Pemiscot is significantly warmer than the state average of 54.9°F. This reflects its position as the southernmost point in the Missouri Bootheel.

Leading the Bootheel in Heat

Pemiscot is warmer and wetter than neighboring New Madrid County. Its 52 inches of rain makes it one of the most precipitation-heavy counties in the entire state.

Intense Heat and Minimal Ice

The county faces 49 days of extreme heat each year with a July average of 80.4°F. Winters are the mildest in the state, averaging 39.1°F from December through February.

Focus on Cooling and Drainage

High-capacity air conditioning is a necessity for the 49 days of 90°F+ heat. Property owners should also invest in robust gutter and drainage systems to handle the heavy 52-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pemiscot County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils of the Bootheel

Pemiscot County features an average soil pH of 6.25, which is more neutral than the Missouri average of 6.09 and close to the national 6.5 ideal. Despite this balanced pH, the county’s overall soil score of 55.0 reflects specific regional challenges. It lacks a formal taxonomic classification in the current data, typical of many complex alluvial areas.

A Gritty, High-Sand Profile

At 34.8% sand, Pemiscot’s soil is much coarser than many northern Missouri counties, balanced by 41.6% silt and 23.6% clay. This high sand content improves drainage through the surface but may require more frequent fertilization. The clay fraction provides enough body to prevent the soil from being purely sandy and unstable.

Low Organic Matter, Average Storage

The county's organic matter is low at 1.70%, falling below the national average of 2.0% and well under the Missouri state average of 4.74%. However, the available water capacity is exactly at the state average of 0.183 in/in. This suggests that while the soil lacks deep carbon reserves, it manages moisture effectively for crop use.

Managing the Subaqueous Water Table

Drainage in Pemiscot is classified as subaqueous, which is common in the low-lying, water-influenced landscapes of the Missouri Bootheel. There is no specific hydrologic group on record, meaning local knowledge of water table fluctuations is vital for success. Farming and building here require a keen understanding of the region's unique water management history.

Hot Season Success in Zone 7b

As one of Missouri’s warmest regions in Zone 7b, Pemiscot is perfect for heat-loving crops like cotton, okra, and melons. The neutral pH of 6.25 means most garden plants will feel right at home without much adjustment. If you add some compost to boost the low organic matter, you will have a highly productive southern garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pemiscot County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Heat and Humidity in the Bootheel

Pemiscot County's lawn difficulty score of 49.5 is slightly below the national median and well below the Missouri average of 63.7. As a 7b hardiness zone, this is one of the warmest regions in the state, requiring specific grass types to handle the climate. Maintaining a green lawn here requires a focus on heat tolerance and moisture management.

Extreme Heat and Record Rainfall

This county endures 49 extreme heat days and 4856 growing degree days, the highest in this group. While 52.0 inches of annual precipitation is abundant, the intense heat can cause turf to wilt rapidly without proper care. The long, hot season requires constant attention to irrigation and potential fungal issues.

Favorable pH with Sandy Substrates

The soil pH of 6.25 is excellent for most grass types, falling right in the ideal range. However, the soil is quite sandy (34.8%), which helps with drainage but may lead to rapid nutrient leaching during heavy rains. The subaqueous drainage classification means that some areas may struggle with standing water during the wettest months.

Severe Drought in the Deep South

Current data shows 87.8% of the county is in severe drought, following 22 weeks of drought over the last year. These harsh conditions make deep-root watering essential to keep lawns from going dormant too early in the season. Reducing foot traffic on drought-stressed grass can prevent permanent damage to the turf.

Embrace Warm-Season Turf Varieties

In zone 7b, warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass are the most resilient options for the long summers. The frost-free period is extensive, stretching from March 25 to November 9. Early summer is the peak time to install sod or seed to take advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pemiscot County's county score?
Pemiscot County, Missouri has a composite county score of 34.6 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 Pemiscot County rank among counties in Missouri?
Pemiscot County ranks #111 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 Pemiscot County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Pemiscot County is $970, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Pemiscot County a tax score of 37.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pemiscot County?
The median household income in Pemiscot County, Missouri is $40,748 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pemiscot County earns an income score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pemiscot County, Missouri a good place to live?
Pemiscot County scores 34.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #111 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Pemiscot 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 Pemiscot 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.