countyscore
54.6
County Score
Cost of Living 79.2Soil Quality 73.5Lawn Care 71

County Report Card

About Pike County, Missouri

Pike County Outperforms National Standards

Pike County earns a composite score of 54.6, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a high quality of life relative to the rest of the United States.

Leading the Missouri Average

The county's 54.6 score is significantly higher than the Missouri state average of 50.3. It stands out as one of the more balanced counties in the state for cost and safety.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

Pike County shines with a Cost Score of 79.2, driven by a median home value of just $129,400. Median gross rent sits at a very accessible $742 per month, leaving more room in household budgets.

Water Infrastructure Needs Attention

The county's lowest mark is a Water Score of 16.1, indicating potential issues with quality or reliability. It also faces a modest Income Score of 31.8, reflecting a median household income of $57,572.

Ideal for Practical Rural Living

Pike County is a top choice for families seeking safe communities and some of the state's most affordable housing. It appeals most to those who value a low-cost lifestyle without sacrificing safety or environmental stability.

Score breakdown

Tax55.8Cost79.2Safety58.3Health37.1Schools47.3Income31.8Risk59.7Water16.1Weather54.1
🏛55.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71
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

Pike County
Illinois
55.6
Ralls County
Missouri
61.9
Lincoln County
Missouri
45
Calhoun County
Illinois
63
Greene County
Illinois
60.3
Marion County
Missouri
42.3
Montgomery County
Missouri
53.4
Warren County
Missouri
43.2

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike County taxes well below national median

Pike County's effective tax rate of 0.768% is significantly lower than the national norm, with homeowners paying just $994 in median annual property taxes versus $2,690 nationally. This means Pike County residents enjoy one of the lowest tax burdens for homeowners across the United States.

Mid-range property taxes for Missouri

Pike County's 0.768% effective rate sits slightly above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, yet its median tax bill of $994 remains notably below the state median of $1,199. The county offers a mixed picture: a marginally higher rate offset by lower home values.

Higher taxes than nearby counties

Pike County's 0.768% effective rate is notably higher than Phelps County's 0.640% and Polk County's 0.581%, though lower than Platte County's 1.060%. The county ranks among the higher-tax areas in its immediate region.

What $129,400 home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-priced home valued at $129,400 pays approximately $994 in annual property taxes in Pike County. With a mortgage, that bill increases to $1,076; without one, it falls to $912.

Appeal your assessment if needed

Pike County homeowners should verify their property assessments are accurate, as overassessments are common and can inflate tax bills unnecessarily. Contact your county assessor if your assessed value doesn't match recent comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike keeps housing costs lean

Pike County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits right at Missouri's state average and beats the national norm, meaning renters here enjoy genuine affordability. Median household income of $57,572 stays close to the state, but lower rents—$742/month—keep the housing burden light.

Missouri's affordable sweet spot

Pike County ranks among Missouri's more affordable counties with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio, nearly matching the state benchmark of 15.6%. At this level, housing takes a reasonable share of income, leaving room for other essentials.

The budget option in central Missouri

Pike's $742 median rent undercuts Phelps ($801) and trails Ralls ($765) only slightly, making it one of the cheapest rental markets in this region. Homebuyers face median values near $129,400, the lowest among immediate neighbors, amplifying Pike's bargain appeal.

Renting and owning both fit the budget

Renters pay $742/month (15.5% of income) while homeowners spend $615/month (12.8% of income), making Pike exceptional for affordability across both categories. The gap suggests strong homeownership value, with owner costs dramatically lower than rent.

Pike is a mover's smart play

If affordability drives your decision, Pike County delivers some of Missouri's lowest rents and lowest home values, freeing cash for savings or life goals. Compare it directly with Putnam County, which rivals Pike's affordability, to pick your perfect fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike trails the national income bar

Pike County's median household income of $57,572 remains 23% below the national median of $74,755. While the shortfall is slightly smaller than some rural peers, households here still earn meaningfully less than the typical U.S. family.

Middle ground in Missouri

Pike County sits slightly below Missouri's state average of $59,503, ranking in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. Per capita income of $27,443 lags the state's $31,011, suggesting concentrated earning power in fewer households.

Part of a rural income corridor

Pike County ($57,572) edges out Phelps ($55,427) and Polk ($56,686) but falls behind Platte County's exceptional $95,748. Ralls County ($62,054) and Putnam County ($56,875) offer useful benchmarks for the wider region's modest but stable income base.

Affordable housing supports stability

Pike County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is among the healthiest in this cluster, indicating housing costs consume a lean portion of earnings. The median home value of $129,400 is also the lowest in the region, requiring roughly 2.2 years of median income to purchase.

Leverage Pike's affordability

Pike County's lower home prices create a genuine opportunity for wealth-building through homeownership. With household income of $57,572, residents can realistically save for a down payment while exploring mortgage programs and tax-advantaged retirement accounts to accelerate long-term financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pike County

via CrimeByCounty

Pike County Outperforms National Safety

Pike County earns an impressive 98.5 safety score, signaling a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 959.5 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Missouri Safety Averages

The county ranks well above the Missouri average safety score of 97.0. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate roughly 50% lower than the state's average of 1,926.2.

Comparing Pike and Ralls Counties

While Pike County is very safe, its neighbor Ralls County reports an even lower crime rate of 482.8 per 100K. Both counties serve as regional leaders in low crime incident rates for the northeast corridor.

Focusing on Violent Crime Prevention

Violent crime in Pike County is exceptionally low at 163.7 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports but still stays under 800 per 100K.

Staying Vigilant in Secure Areas

High safety scores make Pike County a quiet place, but property security should never be ignored. Simple habits like locking doors and using motion-sensor lights help maintain this low-crime environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pike County

via HealthByCounty

Pike County outpaces national life expectancy

At 75.5 years, Pike County residents live 2.6 years longer than the U.S. average despite facing significant health challenges. However, one in five report poor or fair health status, nearly double the national rate.

Middling health outcomes statewide

Pike County's 75.5-year life expectancy exceeds Missouri's 74.3-year average by 1.2 years. Yet the county's 21.4% poor/fair health rate suggests underlying vulnerabilities that life expectancy alone doesn't capture.

Severe provider shortage regionally

Pike County has only 17 primary care providers per 100K residents—a critical shortage compared to Phelps County's 82 or Platte County's 81. Mental health services at 73 per 100K are equally strained, the lowest among neighboring counties.

13.1% uninsured in underserved area

Pike County's uninsured rate of 13.1% exceeds the state average of 12.5%, and limited provider access means uninsured residents face longer waits. Residents often travel to neighboring counties for specialized care.

Bridge the insurance gap in Pike County

With 13.1% of residents uninsured, Pike County benefits from accessible coverage pathways. Explore Medicaid eligibility, ACA plans, and community health centers by visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pike County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-town education across twelve public schools

Pike County manages 12 public schools serving a total enrollment of 2,559 students. The infrastructure is spread across four districts and includes five elementary schools and four high schools. This compact system ensures that educational facilities remain close to the communities they serve.

Strong graduation results from efficient spending

Pike County achieves a 92.5% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the 91.3% state average. The county spends $6,343 per pupil, aligning closely with the Missouri average but representing roughly half of the national spending level. A school score of 53.4 indicates performance that exceeds the state benchmark of 52.8.

Bowling Green R-I anchors the county

Bowling Green R-I is the largest district in the county, operating four schools for 1,331 students. Louisiana R-II serves another 721 students across three local campuses. All schools in the county are traditional public schools, with zero charter school presence.

Rural charm with small campus sizes

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of just 233 students. Seven schools are located in rural areas while five are in town settings, reflecting the county's agricultural roots. Bowling Green Elementary is the largest campus in the system, hosting 558 students.

Find your home in a tight-knit district

Pike County offers an ideal setting for families seeking high graduation rates within a smaller, manageable school system. Buying a home in the Bowling Green or Louisiana districts places your children in schools that outperform state averages. These rural and town-based campuses offer a sense of community that is hard to find in larger metros.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County ranks very low nationally

Pike County's composite risk score of 40.30 places it well below the national average, earning a very low risk rating overall. This favorable position reflects relatively modest exposure across most major hazard types, from tornadoes (37.95) to hurricanes (22.15).

Missouri's safest counties

Pike County's score of 40.30 sits significantly below Missouri's state average of 50.56, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. This resilience positions Pike among the safest places in Missouri for natural disaster exposure.

Safest among regional peers

Pike County (40.30) enjoys notably lower risk than nearby Phelps County (53.72) and Pulaski County (60.53), making it the safest county in its immediate region. Even compared to Randolph County (35.85), Pike maintains a solid low-risk standing with more balanced hazard exposure.

Earthquake risk tops modest threats

Pike County's highest risk comes from earthquakes at 62.69, though this remains below the state average for earthquake exposure. Flood risk (45.13) and wildfire risk (41.95) are secondary concerns, with tornado (37.95) and hurricane (22.15) risks substantially below state norms.

Standard coverage protects Pike County

A standard homeowners policy with earthquake endorsement provides adequate protection for Pike County residents facing minimal natural disaster risk. Flood insurance is optional but recommended for properties in mapped flood zones, though county-wide flood exposure remains low.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pike County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Continental Climate Along the Mississippi

Pike County’s annual average of 53.8°F matches the national median almost perfectly. This creates a balanced environment with four distinct seasons typical of the American heartland.

Cooler and Drier Than the State Average

The county stays slightly cooler than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. Its annual precipitation of 38.8 inches also falls about 5 inches below the statewide average of 43.8 inches.

Consistency in the Northeast Region

Pike County shares a nearly identical climate with neighbor Ralls County, though it is slightly cooler overall. Its 12.4 inches of snowfall is modest compared to the heavier totals found further north toward the Iowa border.

Steady Heat and Crisp Winters

Pike sees 32 days of extreme heat each year with July temperatures averaging 77.1°F. Winters are firm, with a January average of 27.6°F and about a foot of snow annually.

Balance Seasonal Household Maintenance

Winter weather stripping is key as January lows drop well below freezing. For the summer, residents should prepare for roughly a month of 90-degree days by servicing HVAC units early.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pike County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Balanced Pike County Soils

Pike County reaches an average pH of 6.36, aligning closely with the national median of 6.5 and exceeding the state average of 6.09. This near-neutral acidity makes it highly versatile for a wide range of agricultural crops and ornamental plants. It provides an ideal environment for nutrient availability.

Heavy Silt and Nutrient Retention

With 66.4% silt and 21.3% clay, this soil blend provides excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity. The low sand content of 12.3% keeps the ground firm and less prone to rapid moisture loss. This composition is excellent for stable, long-term cultivation.

High Water Capacity for Steady Growth

The soil holds 2.46% organic matter, which is slightly above the national average but below the Missouri average of 4.74%. Its high water capacity of 0.205 in/in beats the state average of 0.183 in/in. This ensures that crops remain hydrated even when rainfall becomes inconsistent.

Navigating Saturated Drainage Classes

Characterized by subaqueous drainage, these soils likely experience periods of significant moisture retention. While detailed hydrologic data is limited, the high silt and clay content suggest slow percolation. Checking for local saturation is essential before starting any large-scale building or drainage projects.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6a

Pike County gardeners in zone 6a benefit from soil that holds water exceptionally well, making it perfect for moisture-loving plants. Leafy greens and berries will flourish in this balanced pH environment. Grab your trowel and take advantage of this reliable and fertile ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pike County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Pike

Pike County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 71.0, making it significantly easier to maintain a yard here than the national average of 50.0. It even outperforms the Missouri state average of 63.7. The Zone 6a environment provides a balanced foundation for many popular grass varieties.

Moderate Heat and Steady Rainfall

Annual precipitation of 38.8 inches falls within the ideal lawn range, supporting steady growth without excessive water costs. The county experiences 32 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the Missouri average of 37. This milder summer profile helps cool-season grasses survive the July peak of 77.1°F.

Working with Balanced Soil pH

The local soil pH of 6.36 is nearly ideal for turf, sitting right within the recommended 6.0-7.0 window. While the soil features a 21.3% clay content, the subaqueous drainage class implies that low-lying areas may stay wet longer than expected. Most homeowners will find they need fewer chemical amendments compared to neighbors in southern Missouri.

Managing 27 Weeks of Drought

Despite favorable scores, the county has seen 27 weeks of drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a taller grass height of 3-4 inches can help shade the soil and retain moisture during these dry periods. Mulching clippings back into the lawn also provides a natural moisture barrier.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6a

The best window for seeding opens after the last frost on April 13 or during the late summer cooling period. Zone 6a is perfect for hardy tall fescue blends that can withstand both the cold January average of 27.6°F and summer dry spells. Start your lawn project now to take advantage of the high 71.0 difficulty score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pike County's county score?
Pike County, Missouri has a composite county score of 54.6 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 Pike County rank among counties in Missouri?
Pike County ranks #40 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 Pike County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Pike County is $994, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 55.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Missouri is $57,572 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 31.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Missouri a good place to live?
Pike County scores 54.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Pike 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 Pike 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.