countyscore
40.5
County Score
Lawn Care 76.5Soil Quality 73.9Cost of Living 54.3

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.

2040608010052.954.32035.944.934.938.124.953.9Tax52.9Cost54.3Safety20Health35.9Schools44.9Income34.9Risk38.1Water24.9Weather53.940.5/100
This county
National avg
4 below average

Pettis County DNA

Foverall

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

Pettis County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (20/100), though Cost of Living (54.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.9
Cost
54.3
Safety
20-35
Health
35.9-14.100000000000001
Schools
44.9-9.100000000000001
Income
34.9-16.1
Risk
38.1-8.899999999999999
Water
24.9-33.1
Weather
53.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Pettis County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$166,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$885/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$166,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,430/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

2.3

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
Compare Pettis County with Whitfield County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Whitfield County
Georgia
Median income: $67,070
40.5
LaSalle County
Illinois
Median income: $73,045
40.5
Kennebec County
Maine
Median income: $69,077
40.5
Austin County
Texas
Median income: $75,789
40.5
Jasper County
Texas
Median income: $56,723
40.5
Montague County
Texas
Median income: $64,545
40.5
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $73,882
40.6
Faulkner County
Arkansas
Median income: $67,289
40.4

Nearby counties

Benton County
Missouri
51.8
Johnson County
Missouri
44.4
Cooper County
Missouri
57.1
Morgan County
Missouri
54.3
Henry County
Missouri
44.1
Saline County
Missouri
43
Moniteau County
Missouri
60.8
Lafayette County
Missouri
55.4

Deep Dives

Pettis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 40.5 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 #100 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 $1,289, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Pettis County a tax score of 52.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pettis County?
The median household income in Pettis County, Missouri is $60,430 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pettis County earns an income score of 34.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pettis County, Missouri a good place to live?
Pettis County scores 40.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.