CountyScore

Platte County

Missouri · MO

#109 in Missouri
64.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Platte County, Missouri

Solidly Above the National Median

Platte County scores 64.0, nearly 28% higher than the national median of 50.0, indicating good overall livability. While lower than most of its Missouri peers, the score still places it firmly in the above-average range nationally.

Below Average for Missouri

At 64.0, Platte County falls notably short of Missouri's 74.8 state average, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. This gap reflects trade-offs between higher incomes and elevated housing costs.

Higher Incomes Drive Economic Strength

Platte County's income score of 45.9 significantly exceeds other counties in this group, with a median household income of $95,748—the highest by far. This higher earning power supports a more affluent, professionally-oriented population.

Rising Housing Costs and Taxes

A cost score of 62.1 and median home value of $317,600 reflect Platte County's higher housing burden compared to peers. The 1.060% effective tax rate is also the highest in this group, offsetting income advantages and creating affordability challenges.

For Affluent Professionals Seeking Suburban Living

Platte County appeals to higher-income professionals and executives who can afford elevated housing and tax costs. The county's stronger income profile suggests better schools and amenities, though prospective residents should prioritize verifying these services given data limitations.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax72.5Cost62.1SafetyComing SoonHealth77.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome45.9Risk28.6WaterComing Soon
🏛72.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Platte County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Santa Cruz County
Arizona
64.4
Median income: $53,614
Gordon County
Georgia
64.4
Median income: $61,997
Macon County
Georgia
64.4
Median income: $37,177
Davis County
Iowa
64.4
Median income: $79,505
Saline County
Kansas
64.4
Median income: $63,316

Deep Dives

Platte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Platte County

via TaxByCounty

Platte County taxes exceed national average

Platte County's effective tax rate of 1.060% stands significantly above the national median, and its residents pay $3,365 in annual property taxes—25% more than the national median of $2,690. This county ranks among higher-tax areas nationwide.

Missouri's highest property tax county

Platte County has the highest effective tax rate among all counties measured in this analysis at 1.060%, well above Missouri's state average of 0.733%. With a median tax bill of $3,365, Platte County residents pay nearly three times the state median of $1,199.

Significantly higher than regional peers

Platte County's 1.060% rate far exceeds every nearby county in this analysis—Phelps at 0.640%, Pike at 0.768%, Polk at 0.581%, and all others. The county stands apart as a high-tax outlier in its region.

What $317,600 home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-priced home valued at $317,600 pays approximately $3,365 in annual property taxes in Platte County. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $3,429; without one, it drops to $3,202.

Review your assessment carefully

Given Platte County's high tax burden, homeowners should thoroughly review their property assessments for accuracy and consider filing an appeal if their assessed value exceeds market value. Even small reductions in assessed value can translate to significant annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Platte County

via CostByCounty

Platte earns its higher housing costs

Platte County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio equals Missouri's state average, even though renters here pay $1,247/month—far above state norms. The reason: Platte has the region's highest median household income at $95,748, a whopping $21,000 above the national average, enabling residents to absorb larger housing payments.

Missouri's prosperity anchor

Platte County stands alone in Missouri with median income nearly 30% above the state level, keeping its 15.6% rent-to-income ratio manageable despite the highest rents in this analysis. It ranks at the top tier for overall affordability when income is factored in.

Platte commands premium prices

Platte's $1,247 monthly rent towers over Pike ($742) and Phelps ($801), while median home values of $317,600 triple Pike's market. This premium reflects Platte's economic strength and proximity to Kansas City's metro pull.

Higher income absorbs higher costs

Renters spend $1,247/month (15.6% of income) and homeowners $1,545/month (19.4% of income), both figures elevated by Platte's prosperity. Owner costs run notably higher than rent, signaling a heated housing market where purchase premiums are steep.

Platte for those who've made it

Platte County suits professionals and established families willing to pay for strong schools, metro proximity, and a prosperous community. If you're relocating for a top-tier income, Platte's premium makes sense; otherwise, Pike or Putnam deliver far better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Platte County

via IncomeByCounty

Platte exceeds the nation

Platte County's median household income of $95,748 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 28%, placing it among the wealthier U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects Platte's prosperous communities and higher-income earning residents.

Missouri's income champion

Platte County leads Missouri by a wide margin, with median household income 61% above the state average of $59,503. Its per capita income of $49,273 nearly doubles Missouri's $31,011 state average, indicating broad-based prosperity across the county.

Platte dominates the region

Platte's $95,748 income towers over neighboring counties—Pike ($57,572), Putnam ($56,875), Phelps ($55,427), and Polk ($56,686) all earn roughly 40% less. Even Pulaski County ($66,435) and Ralls County ($62,054), the next-highest in the region, fall substantially short of Platte's exceptional standing.

Housing costs well-managed

Platte County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% is healthy despite its median home value of $317,600. Higher earners here can comfortably support home purchases, with the median home representing roughly 3.3 years of household income—a reasonable proportion for affluent counties.

Maximize your Platte advantage

Platte County households earning $95,748 are well-positioned to build substantial wealth through strategic investing. Beyond mortgage principal, prioritize maxing out retirement accounts, diversifying into real estate and stock portfolios, and consulting a financial advisor to navigate tax-efficient strategies for long-term asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Platte County

via HealthByCounty

Platte County leads Missouri in longevity

At 79.1 years, Platte County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 78.1 years and significantly longer than most of Missouri. Only 14.8% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of roughly 12.5%.

Missouri's healthiest county profile

Platte County's 79.1-year life expectancy leads Missouri by 4.8 years above the state average. The county consistently ranks among the state's healthiest communities.

Peer-leading access and outcomes

Platte County's 81 primary care providers per 100K and 158 mental health providers per 100K position it as a regional health leader. Surrounding counties like Pike and Ralls depend on Platte's robust healthcare capacity.

Only 7.4% uninsured—best in region

Platte County's 7.4% uninsured rate is the lowest in its peer group and well below Missouri's 12.5% average. Strong insurance coverage and reliable provider access support consistent health outcomes.

Keep Platte County's coverage strong

Even with 7.4% uninsured, remaining residents can access affordable options through Medicaid and ACA plans. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to ensure complete coverage in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Platte County

via RiskByCounty

Platte County faces tornado threat

Platte County's composite risk score of 71.37 places it above the national average with a relatively low overall rating, but this masks a critical vulnerability. The county's tornado risk of 88.01 is exceptionally high—among the most dangerous in the nation—while flood risk (65.90) and wildfire risk (60.59) add additional layers of exposure.

High-risk tornado county in Missouri

Platte County's composite score of 71.37 ranks it as one of Missouri's higher-risk counties, well above the state average of 50.56. The tornado risk of 88.01 is the primary driver, making it a standout danger in the state's hazard landscape.

Tornado danger distinguishes Platte

Platte County (71.37) carries substantially higher risk than Pike County (40.30) and Randolph County (35.85) due to its exceptional tornado vulnerability. Even Polk County (54.48) and Pulaski County (60.53), both relatively high-risk, show lower tornado exposure than Platte's 88.01 score.

Tornados dominate the threat picture

Platte County's tornado risk of 88.01 is the dominant hazard, far exceeding all other threats and positioning residents in a high-impact zone. Flood risk (65.90) and wildfire risk (60.59) are secondary concerns, while earthquake risk (42.14) remains relatively modest.

Tornado preparedness is essential

Platte County residents must prioritize access to a safe room or basement and keep homeowners insurance current to cover wind and impact damage. Adding flood insurance protects against the county's secondary flood threat, and staying weather-aware during spring and fall severe seasons is critical for survival.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.