countyscore
41.1
County Score
Lawn Care 76.5Soil Quality 73.9Property Tax 55

County Report Card

About Pettis County, Missouri

Livability Scores Below National Median

Pettis County records a composite score of 41.1, which falls below the national median of 50.0. This suggests there are notable areas for improvement compared to the average U.S. county.

Trailing Missouri's State Average

At 41.1, Pettis County is roughly 9 points behind the Missouri average score of 50.3. It occupies the middle-to-lower portion of the state's rankings.

Balanced Tax and Cost Profile

The county scores evenly across financial metrics, with a tax score of 55.0 and a cost score of 54.1. Median gross rent sits at $863, paired with a $60,232 median household income.

Low Safety and Water Scores

Safety is a significant concern in Pettis, as evidenced by a low score of 20.0. Environmental factors also weigh on the ranking, with a water quality score of 24.9.

Best for Middle-Income Earners

Pettis County offers a middle-of-the-road financial environment that may suit those looking for standard housing prices. Potential residents should carefully consider the lower safety and water quality metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax55Cost54.1Safety20Health35.9Schools44.9Income39.8Risk38.1Water24.9Weather53.9
🏛55
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.5
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

Benton County
Missouri
50.4
Johnson County
Missouri
44.9
Cooper County
Missouri
56.7
Morgan County
Missouri
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Henry County
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Saline County
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Moniteau County
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Lafayette County
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Deep Dives

Pettis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pettis County

via TaxByCounty

Pettis taxes run above national median

Pettis County's effective tax rate of 0.780% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.91%, positioning it slightly above-average for U.S. counties. Residents pay $1,259 annually on median property valued at $161,500—less than half the national median property tax of $2,690.

Pettis ranks above Missouri's statewide rate

At 0.780%, Pettis County's effective tax rate runs about 6% higher than Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's higher-tax areas. The $1,259 median property tax exceeds Missouri's median by $60, reflecting slightly elevated local tax pressure.

Pettis leans higher in central Missouri

Pettis County's 0.780% rate runs noticeably higher than neighboring Saline and Henry counties in central Missouri. Homebuyers in the region should expect notably steeper tax obligations in Pettis compared to immediately adjacent jurisdictions.

Annual property taxes in Pettis County

On Pettis's median home value of $161,500, homeowners pay approximately $1,259 yearly in property tax. With mortgage and other considerations factored in, total tax obligations reach $1,313—running about $110 monthly.

Appeal if assessment seems inflated

In above-average tax counties like Pettis, assessment accuracy becomes especially important; even small reductions yield meaningful annual savings. File a reassessment request with your county assessor if comparable sales suggest your home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pettis County

via CostByCounty

Pettis County: Moderate Affordability Strain

Pettis County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national baseline, with renters spending more than one-sixth of their $60,232 median income on rent monthly. The county's $863 median rent—among the region's highest—pushes affordability toward the challenging range despite moderate income levels.

Above Missouri Average, Above-Average Rents

Pettis County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's 15.6% state average, and its median rent of $863 ranks well above the state average of $768. The county represents a higher-cost housing market requiring stronger incomes than most Missouri counties.

Pettis Competes with Perry on Price

Pettis County's $863 rent trails only Perry County's $923, yet its $60,232 median income lags both Newton ($64,583) and Osage ($75,355) by meaningful margins. This positions Pettis as one of the region's pricier markets on more modest incomes than peers.

Higher Rents Strain Moderate Incomes

Renters in Pettis County spend $863 monthly—17.2% of their $60,232 median income—while homeowners commit $761, consuming 15.1% of household earnings. Both figures exceed comfortable affordability thresholds, leaving limited financial cushion for non-housing expenses.

Pettis Works for Income-Growing Relocators

Pettis County suits relocators confident their income will grow beyond the $60,232 county median within 1-2 years of moving, reducing housing burden below 15%. If your prospective income matches or trails the county average, compare more affordable neighbors like Newton or Osage before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pettis County

via IncomeByCounty

Pettis income trails national median

Pettis County's median household income of $60,232 falls 19.5% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Slightly above Missouri state average

Pettis County households earn $60,232 annually, exceeding Missouri's state average of $59,503 by 1.2%. This places Pettis County near the middle of Missouri's 114 counties for income.

Mid-tier earner in regional context

Pettis County's $60,232 median trails Newton County ($64,583) and Perry County ($63,356) but outperforms Nodaway County ($55,970). The county's per capita income of $30,954 ranks in the middle range of the eight counties analyzed.

Rent-to-income ratio nearing caution

Pettis County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% indicates moderate housing stress, approaching levels that limit discretionary spending. The median home value of $161,500 requires careful financial planning for households at the county median income.

Build savings with steady income

Pettis County households with average-to-slightly-above-average income can create wealth through disciplined planning. Starting emergency funds, maximizing employer retirement benefits, and exploring low-cost investment options are practical steps toward financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pettis County

via CrimeByCounty

Pettis County is Safer Than National Average

Pettis County reports a total crime rate of 2080.8 per 100,000 residents, outperforming the national rate of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.7 out of 100. This data, reported by two agencies, reflects a generally secure community compared to national trends.

Slightly Below the Missouri Safety Average

While Pettis County is safer than the national average, its safety score of 96.7 is slightly below the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its crime rate of 2080.8 is also just above the state average of 1926.2 per 100K. Local law enforcement continues to monitor these trends to align with state safety goals.

Comparing Safety Across Neighboring Counties

Pettis County has a higher crime rate than nearby Newton County, which reports 1912.9 per 100K. It is also significantly more active than the very low-crime Osage County. These numbers highlight Pettis as a busier hub with more frequent law enforcement activity.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime in Pettis is 315.8 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of local statistics at 1765.0 per 100K. This means residents are much more likely to encounter theft or burglary than violent incidents.

Practical Tips for Pettis County Residents

Protecting against property crime is the best way to improve personal safety in Pettis County. Install motion-sensor lights around your property and keep valuables out of sight in vehicles. Strengthening your home's physical security can significantly reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pettis County

via HealthByCounty

Pettis County life expectancy slightly exceeds U.S. average

Pettis County residents live 74.7 years on average—slightly below the U.S. average of 76.1 years but 0.4 years above Missouri's 74.3-year baseline. With 19.6% reporting poor or fair health (above the national 18.5%), Pettis faces modest health headwinds typical of Midwest manufacturing regions.

Pettis holds steady at Missouri's midline

Pettis County's 74.7-year life expectancy sits just above Missouri's 74.3-year average, placing it in the state's middle tier for health performance. The 19.6% poor/fair health rate indicates room for improvement but reflects manageable challenges compared to more distressed counties.

Pettis County leads in primary care access

Pettis County's 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is the highest in this analysis, exceeding all neighbors and ensuring strong preventive care capacity. With 124 mental health providers per 100,000, Pettis also excels in behavioral health access, supporting comprehensive primary and specialty care.

Pettis uninsured rate slightly exceeds state norm

At 14.0%, Pettis County's uninsured rate exceeds Missouri's 12.5% average by 1.5 percentage points, affecting roughly 3,600 residents without coverage. Despite excellent provider availability, this uninsured segment faces barriers to accessing Pettis's well-resourced healthcare system.

Pettis residents: your providers await coverage

Pettis County has invested in an exceptionally strong healthcare workforce, but thousands lack insurance to access it. If you're uninsured, the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid options are designed to connect you with Pettis's excellent primary and mental health providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pettis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Educational Infrastructure in Pettis

Pettis County supports a large student body of 6,711 across 20 public schools and 7 districts. The system includes 10 elementary, 2 middle, and 6 high schools, plus two specialized facilities. This diverse infrastructure accommodates a wide range of educational needs and levels.

High Graduation Rates and State-Level Quality

The county boasts an impressive 93.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Missouri average of 91.3%. Schools achieve these results while spending $5,757 per pupil, which is below the state average. The school score of 52.8 perfectly matches the Missouri state average, showing consistent quality.

Sedalia 200 is the County Hub

Sedalia 200 is the largest district by a wide margin, serving 5,042 students across 9 schools. Other options include Green Ridge R-VIII and Pettis Co. R-V, which serve between 300 and 400 students each. No charter schools are available, but the district variety offers different scales of education.

A Balanced Town and Rural Mix

Pettis features an even split with 10 town schools and 10 rural schools. Smith-Cotton High is a major regional facility with 1,474 students, while the county average enrollment is 353. Families can choose between large, city-style secondary schools or smaller, rural primary campuses.

Relocate Near High-Performing Pettis Schools

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Pettis County is a top contender for families moving to the area. Whether you want a home in the heart of Sedalia or a rural plot in a smaller district, the educational options are strong. Use local school scores to help guide your home search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pettis County

via RiskByCounty

Pettis faces moderate-high risk overall

Pettis County's composite risk score of 61.96 rates as relatively low but exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, reflecting above-average natural disaster exposure. The county faces elevated tornado risk at 80.47 and flood risk at 60.31, making severe weather a significant concern.

Pettis ranks above state average

Pettis County's composite risk score of 61.96 exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56 by a notable margin, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Tornado and flood risks drive this elevated profile, with tornado risk of 80.47 ranking among the highest statewide.

Pettis riskier than most central neighbors

Pettis County's composite risk score of 61.96 exceeds adjacent Osage, Moniteau, and Cole counties, making it notably more vulnerable to natural disasters. The county's tornado risk of 80.47 particularly stands out in the central Missouri region as a significant regional hazard.

Tornadoes and floods top concerns

Pettis County's tornado risk of 80.47 ranks among Missouri's highest, with spring and fall seasons posing peak danger to residents and structures. Flood risk at 60.31 creates secondary but significant exposure, particularly for properties near major waterways or in flood-prone terrain.

Comprehensive severe weather coverage essential

Pettis County homeowners must prioritize tornado coverage and consider basement or storm shelter installation given the county's high tornado risk. Flood insurance should also be verified or obtained for properties in or near floodplains, as standard homeowner policies typically exclude water damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pettis County

via WeatherByCounty

Pettis County Closely Mirrors National Medians

Pettis County maintains an annual average temperature of 54.3°F, placing it right in line with the national median. This climate is typical of the humid continental zone where warm summers meet cold, distinct winters.

Slightly Cooler Than the Missouri Average

The county's average temperature of 54.3°F is slightly lower than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It also receives 39.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly 4 inches less than the state benchmark.

Mid-State Climate Stability

Pettis is slightly cooler than southern neighbor Benton but shares a similar profile with Saline County to the north. Its 13.1 inches of snowfall is standard for Central Missouri, providing moderate winter coverage compared to the state's northern tier.

Hot Summers and Bracing Winters

July averages reach 77.1°F with residents facing 34 extreme heat days above 90°F annually. Winters are chilly, with a January average of 29.3°F and a total seasonal snowfall of 13.1 inches.

Prepare for Heat and Ice

Residents should invest in cooling systems to handle over a month of extreme heat. Reliable winter tires and salt are essential for managing the annual snowfall and freezing January temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pettis County

via SoilByCounty

Pettis County’s Neutral Ground

Pettis County features a balanced soil pH of 6.24, which is higher than the Missouri average of 6.09. This puts local soils in a 'sweet spot' for nutrient availability, very close to the national median of 6.5. The county earns a high soil score of 73.9, signaling its status as a premium agricultural region.

Silt-Rich Missouri Loam

The soil is dominated by 60.7% silt, providing a flour-like texture that is excellent for seed germination. It is balanced by 21.8% clay and 17.1% sand, offering enough structure to hold nutrients without the drainage problems of pure clay. This composition makes it one of the more workable and versatile soils in the state.

Superior Water Retention Potential

Pettis County shines with an available water capacity of 0.213 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.183 in/in. While the organic matter of 2.64% is below the state average of 4.74%, it still beats the national average of 2.0%. This soil is an excellent sponge, keeping crops hydrated long after the last rain.

Inferred Drainage and Stability

While specific drainage class and taxonomic data are not currently listed for the county, the high silt and moderate clay content typically indicate steady water movement. The high water capacity suggests the soil holds moisture well, though users should check for localized ponding in flat areas. Always consult a local soil map before planning major drainage or foundation work.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Pettis County is an ideal environment for growing staples like corn, beans, and squash. The exceptional water-holding capacity means your garden will be more resilient against heat waves than neighboring counties. It is the perfect time to plant a vegetable patch or an orchard in this high-performing soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pettis County

via LawnByCounty

A Green Thumb’s Paradise in Pettis

Pettis County is one of the easiest places in the state for lawn care, with a difficulty score of 76.5. This is well above both the national median (50.0) and the Missouri average (63.7). Homeowners in this 6b hardiness zone enjoy a favorable mix of climate and soil that rewards standard maintenance.

Ideal Rainfall and Manageable Heat

The county receives 39.9 inches of rain, which is slightly below the state average but still squarely in the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawns. With 34 heat days and 3846 growing degree days, the summer stress is moderate compared to southern Missouri. This allows for a more consistent green color throughout the warmer months.

Reliable Soil for Healthy Turf

A soil pH of 6.24 is nearly ideal, facilitating easy nutrient uptake for your grass. The soil features a healthy 21.8% clay content, which helps retain moisture and nutrients without the drainage issues found elsewhere. While specific texture and drainage data is limited, these indicators point to a very lawn-friendly environment.

Minimal Severe Drought Impacts

Pettis County is currently free of severe drought (0.0% of area), though it has seen 13 weeks of drought over the past year. Even though conditions are currently abnormally dry across the county, lawns are under less pressure here than in most other parts of Missouri. Regular, moderate watering should keep your grass thriving.

Perfect Timing for Pettis Lawns

In hardiness zone 6b, a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue provides a lush, durable lawn. The frost-free window runs from April 18 to October 26, offering plenty of time for new seeds to germinate. Late summer remains the most effective time for overseeding to ensure your lawn stays thick and weed-free.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pettis County's county score?
Pettis County, Missouri has a composite county score of 41.1 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 Pettis County rank among counties in Missouri?
Pettis County ranks #98 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 Pettis County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Pettis County is $1,259, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Pettis County a tax score of 55/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pettis County?
The median household income in Pettis County, Missouri is $60,232 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pettis County earns an income score of 39.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pettis County, Missouri a good place to live?
Pettis County scores 41.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #98 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Pettis 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 Pettis County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.