countyscore
43
County Score
Property Tax 69.7Cost of Living 58.9Weather & Climate 56.8

County Report Card

About Phelps County, Missouri

Phelps County Trails the National Median

With an overall composite score of 43.0, Phelps County sits below the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the bottom half of all U.S. counties regarding total livability metrics.

Falling Short of Missouri Averages

Phelps County underperforms the Missouri state average composite score of 50.3. While it remains a regional hub, its 43.0 rating suggests it faces more headwinds than many of its state neighbors.

A Haven for Low Tax Burdens

The county's greatest strength is its tax environment, evidenced by a high Tax Score of 69.7 and a low effective tax rate of 0.640%. Residents also benefit from a cost score of 58.9, supported by an affordable median home value of $194,900.

Safety and Income Concerns Persist

A Safety Score of 10.2 represents the county's primary challenge to overall livability. Additionally, the Income Score of 26.2 reflects a median household income of $55,427, which limits local purchasing power.

Best for Budget-Focused Commuters

Phelps County suits individuals who prioritize low property taxes and affordable housing above all else. It is an ideal fit for those who can find high-quality employment outside the county while enjoying its lower cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax69.7Cost58.9Safety10.2Health34.2Schools48.4Income26.2Risk46.3Water49.5Weather56.8
🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.9
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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Deep Dives

Phelps County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Phelps County

via TaxByCounty

Phelps taxes lag national average

Phelps County's effective tax rate of 0.640% sits well below the national median, meaning homeowners here pay considerably less than their counterparts across the country. At $1,248 in median annual property taxes, Phelps residents pay less than half the national median of $2,690, placing the county in a lower-tax tier nationally.

Among Missouri's lowest tax counties

Phelps County ranks as one of Missouri's more affordable places for property taxation, with an effective rate of 0.640% compared to the state average of 0.733%. The county's median tax bill of $1,248 falls just above the state median of $1,199, offering homeowners modest tax savings.

Competitive with regional peers

Phelps County's 0.640% rate places it in the middle of the pack among nearby counties—below Pike County's 0.768% but above Polk County's 0.581%. Homeowners here pay moderate property taxes compared to their regional neighbors.

What $194,900 home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-priced home valued at $194,900 pays approximately $1,248 in annual property taxes in Phelps County. With a mortgage, that annual bill rises to $1,319; without one, it drops to $1,135.

Check if you're overassessed

Many homeowners in Phelps County may be paying more in property taxes than they should due to inflated assessments. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, you have the right to file an appeal with the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Phelps County

via CostByCounty

Phelps rents eat more than most

Renters in Phelps County spend 17.3% of income on rent, above the national sweet spot of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $55,427—nearly $20,000 below the U.S. average of $74,755—housing costs take a larger bite of paychecks here than they do nationally.

Slightly tighter than Missouri average

Phelps County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, putting it in the less affordable half of the state. However, the median rent of $801 is only $33 higher than the state median, suggesting the affordability gap is driven more by lower incomes than soaring rents.

Pricier than Pike, tighter than Pulaski

Phelps rents ($801/month) run higher than nearby Pike County ($742) but significantly lower than Pulaski County ($1,072). Renters here face moderate pressure—better than Pulaski's pinch but worse than Pike's bargain.

Renters feel it; homeowners manage

The median rent of $801/month consumes 17.3% of the median household income, while the median mortgage cost of $796 takes roughly 17.2% for homeowners. Both paths lean toward affordability stress, yet homeownership costs remain comparable to rental, offering little advantage to buyers.

Consider Phelps if stability matters most

Phelps offers stable, modestly priced housing with median home values around $194,900, making it an option for buyers seeking solid footing without big-city prices. Compare closely with Pike County if you prioritize rock-bottom rents, or consider Pulaski if job opportunities justify higher costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Phelps County

via IncomeByCounty

Phelps lags behind the nation

Phelps County's median household income of $55,427 falls 25.8% below the national median of $74,755. This gap suggests households here earn substantially less than the typical American family, reflecting broader rural income challenges across Missouri's interior.

Below Missouri average

Phelps County ranks in the lower half of Missouri counties, with median income running $4,076 below the state average of $59,503. The county's per capita income of $29,191 also trails Missouri's $31,011 average, indicating fewer high-earning households.

Neighbors show mixed fortunes

Phelps sits among a cluster of counties with modest incomes: Pike County ($57,572) and Putnam County ($56,875) are slightly ahead, while Polk County ($56,686) and Randolph County ($55,310) are nearly on par. Platte County ($95,748) stands as a clear regional outlier with nearly 73% higher household income.

Housing costs remain manageable

At 17.3%, Phelps County's rent-to-income ratio sits at a reasonable level, meaning renters spend a sustainable share of earnings on housing. However, the median home value of $194,900 still represents 3.5 years of median household income, requiring significant savings for homeownership.

Build financial security here

Phelps County households earning $55,427 can strengthen their position through consistent saving and investing. Starting with even a modest emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 protects against unexpected costs, while exploring employer retirement plans and low-cost index funds compounds wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Phelps County

via CrimeByCounty

Phelps County Security Overview

Phelps County maintains a safety score of 95.7, though its total crime rate of 2,754.1 per 100K residents slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This puts local crime figures roughly 15% higher than the U.S. benchmark for 2022.

Comparing Phelps to Missouri Standards

The county's total crime rate sits above the Missouri average of 1,926.2 per 100K, reflecting active reporting from seven different agencies. Despite higher incident volumes, the 95.7 safety score remains competitive within the state's diverse landscape.

Regional Safety Disparities

Phelps County faces a higher crime rate than neighboring Pulaski County, which reports a much lower 891.6 per 100K. While Pulaski maintains an elite 98.6 safety score, Phelps navigates more frequent property-related challenges.

Analyzing Property vs. Violent Incidents

Property crimes dominate the local data, accounting for 2,399.5 incidents per 100K compared to 354.6 for violent crimes. Residents should note that the violent crime rate actually sits below the national average of 369.8.

Prioritizing Home Security

With property crime as the primary driver of local statistics, home security remains a vital precaution. Installing smart cameras or lighting systems provides a reliable layer of defense for Phelps County households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Phelps County

via HealthByCounty

Phelps lags behind national life expectancy

At 73.2 years, Phelps County residents live about 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, compared to roughly one in eight nationwide.

Below Missouri's health baseline

Phelps County's life expectancy of 73.2 years falls 1.1 years below Missouri's average of 74.3 years. The county ranks in the lower half statewide for health outcomes.

Stronger than most rural peers

Phelps County has notably better provider access than neighboring Pike County (17 primary care providers per 100K) and Ralls County (10 per 100K). With 82 primary care providers per 100K, Phelps sits among its region's healthier-resourced counties.

11.7% uninsured, steady access

Phelps County's uninsured rate of 11.7% sits just below the state average of 12.5%, meaning most residents have coverage. The county maintains solid mental health capacity at 367 providers per 100K, well above state needs.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 11.7% of Phelps County residents without insurance, explore Medicaid, ACA marketplace plans, or employer benefits. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find plans that fit your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Phelps County

via SchoolsByCounty

A robust education network in central Missouri

Phelps County supports 6,418 students across 15 public schools, including six elementary and five high schools. Four distinct districts manage this infrastructure, ensuring a mix of primary and secondary options for local families. The county maintains one specialized school dedicated to special education services.

Exceeding state and national graduation standards

The county boasts a 92.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the 87% national average and the 91.3% Missouri state average. While per-pupil spending of $6,330 matches the state average, it remains well below the $13,000 national benchmark. Despite lower investment levels, the county achieves a 53.6 school score, surpassing the state median.

Rolla 31 leads the county's school system

The Rolla 31 school district is the region's largest, serving 4,161 students across eight different schools. St. James R-I follows as the second-largest provider with 1,666 students. No charter schools operate within the county, as all 15 schools are traditional public institutions.

A blend of town and rural campuses

Twelve of the county's schools are situated in town settings, while three serve rural areas. Students typically attend mid-sized campuses, with an average enrollment of 494. Rolla Sr. High stands as the largest institution with 1,323 students, while smaller rural schools provide a more intimate learning environment.

Invest in a community that values education

Families looking for strong academic outcomes will find Phelps County's high graduation rates a compelling reason to settle here. Explore homes near top-performing districts like Rolla 31 to secure a place in this high-achieving community. School quality remains a primary driver for local property values and long-term stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Phelps County

via RiskByCounty

Phelps County's moderate risk profile

Phelps County scores 53.72 on the national composite risk scale, placing it slightly above the national average and marking it as relatively low risk overall. This score reflects a balanced hazard profile where earthquake risk (79.48) stands out as notably elevated compared to other threats in the county.

Above average for Missouri

With a score of 53.72, Phelps County ranks above Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 114 counties. The county's composite risk is driven primarily by earthquake exposure rather than the flooding and tornado risks that dominate other parts of Missouri.

Compared to surrounding counties

Phelps County's risk profile (53.72) sits between nearby Pike County (40.30, very low) and Pulaski County (60.53, relatively low). While Phelps faces higher earthquake risk than Pike, it experiences lower overall composite risk than Pulaski, which sits directly to the south.

Earthquakes and wildfires pose concern

Phelps County's earthquake risk of 79.48 is its most significant hazard, substantially higher than the state average. Wildfire risk (57.86) and flood risk (52.35) round out the top three threats, though tornado risk (38.45) remains relatively modest compared to other Missouri counties.

Secure your home against multiple threats

Residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that covers earthquake damage, a rare but critical need in Phelps County. Adding flood insurance and ensuring adequate coverage for wildfire-related losses will provide protection against the county's full range of natural hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Phelps County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than National Norms

With an average annual temperature of 56.3°F, Phelps County is noticeably warmer than the national median. It also experiences heavy annual precipitation of 47.4 inches, significantly exceeding the national average.

A High-Heat Leader in Missouri

Phelps County ranks as warmer than the state average of 54.9°F and is wetter than the Missouri benchmark of 43.8 inches. It experiences 43 days of extreme heat annually, far surpassing many northern Missouri counties.

Ozark Plateau Heat Patterns

Phelps is warmer than its northern neighbor Gasconade and experiences more extreme heat days than Pettis County. Its 17.3 inches of snowfall is surprisingly high for its southern latitude, likely influenced by local Ozark elevations.

Intense Summer Sun and Ozark Winters

July reaches a warm average of 78.8°F, and the county endures 43 days per year where temperatures top 90°F. Despite the heat, winters bring 17.3 inches of snow and a January average of 31.7°F.

Manage Humidity and Peak Summer Heat

High-capacity air conditioning is a necessity given the 43 days of extreme heat. Additionally, the 47.4 inches of annual rain requires robust gutter systems and drainage planning for property owners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Phelps County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ozark Soils in Phelps County

Phelps County soils are notably acidic with an average pH of 5.75, falling below both the state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this area, the acidic profile is a signature characteristic of the Ozark Plateau region. This acidity influences how local plants access essential nutrients from the ground.

Silty Texture with Light Clay

The soil consists of 52.6% silt and 26.7% sand, creating a silty mix with a relatively low clay content of 13.2%. This high silt ratio ensures the ground is easy to work and manage for local growers. However, the moderate sand levels mean it may dry out faster than heavier clay soils found elsewhere in the state.

High Organic Matter, Lower Water Storage

Organic matter is impressively high at 5.85%, far exceeding the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 4.74%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is just 0.151 in/in, which is lower than the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. Gardeners should plan for supplemental irrigation during dry Ozark summers.

Saturated Subaqueous Drainage Patterns

The county features a subaqueous drainage class, indicating soils that are often saturated or influenced by proximity to water bodies. Because specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, land managers must observe local runoff carefully before building. Proper site selection is key to avoiding soggy foundations in these wet-leaning soils.

Cultivating Success in Zone 6b

In hardiness zone 6b, the high organic matter supports a wide range of native perennials and cool-season vegetables. While the soil is acidic, many Missouri natives thrive in these exact conditions. Start your garden today to take advantage of this naturally nutrient-dense ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Phelps County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Lawn Challenge in Phelps

Phelps County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.9, which sits slightly below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining turf in this Zone 6b climate is more demanding than the Missouri average of 63.7. High heat and acidity create a steeper learning curve for local homeowners.

High Heat Drives Mowing Schedules

The county faces 43 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the state average of 37. While the 47.4 inches of annual precipitation provides ample water, the 4294 growing degree days mean grass grows rapidly and requires frequent mowing. High July temperatures averaging 78.8°F can stress cool-season grasses quickly.

Amending Acidic and Saturated Soil

With a soil pH of 5.75, most lawns here are too acidic for optimal nutrient uptake and likely require lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil contains 26.7% sand and 13.2% clay, but a subaqueous drainage class suggests that some areas may struggle with persistent saturation. Proper aeration is essential to prevent compaction in these conditions.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

Currently, 100% of the county is classified as abnormally dry, and residents have managed 29 weeks of drought over the past year. To conserve water, homeowners should irrigate deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation during the 43 extreme heat days.

Start Growing in Zone 6b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are resilient choices for this Zone 6b climate. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 5 or in the early fall once summer heat breaks. Consistent care can overcome the local difficulty score to create a lush, green landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phelps County's county score?
Phelps County, Missouri has a composite county score of 43 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 Phelps County rank among counties in Missouri?
Phelps County ranks #89 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 Phelps County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Phelps County is $1,248, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Phelps County a tax score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Phelps County?
The median household income in Phelps County, Missouri is $55,427 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Phelps County earns an income score of 26.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Phelps County, Missouri a good place to live?
Phelps County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Phelps 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 Phelps 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.