countyscore
45.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.1Health 80.6Lawn Care 75.5

County Report Card

About Platte County, Missouri

High Prosperity with High Costs

Platte County carries a composite score of 45.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. While the county is wealthy, high costs and risks drag down its overall national percentile ranking.

Prosperous but Below State Average

The county's score of 45.2 sits below Missouri's state average of 50.3. Despite being an economic engine for the region, its high cost of living creates a unique set of livability trade-offs.

Leading the State in Wealth

Platte County boasts a dominant Income Score of 94.1, with a median household income of $95,748. Health outcomes are also elite, with a score of 80.6 reflecting a high quality of local healthcare services.

Steep Costs and High Risk

Affordability is the main hurdle, as seen in a low Cost Score of 10.7 and median home values of $317,600. The county also faces a Risk Score of 28.6, indicating higher vulnerability to environmental or economic shifts.

Built for High-Earning Professionals

This county is perfect for affluent families who prioritize top-tier health services and high-paying careers. Residents here trade housing affordability for a high-status lifestyle and excellent economic opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax33.8Cost10.7Safety43Health80.6Schools54Income94.1Risk28.6Water56.3Weather54.2
🏛33.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.5
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

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Wyandotte County
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Clay County
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45.5
Buchanan County
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Deep Dives

Platte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Platte County

via CrimeByCounty

Platte County's Strong National Standing

Platte County reports a total crime rate of 1,287.4 per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance contributes to a high safety score of 98.0.

Platte County Leads State Safety

The county's safety score of 98.0 exceeds the Missouri average of 97.0. With ten reporting agencies, the data shows a consistently lower crime volume than the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Platte County maintains a much safer profile than many neighboring urban centers. Its total crime rate is nearly 300 points lower than nearby Randolph County and less than half the state average.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Platte County is remarkably rare, with only 100.9 incidents per 100K reported in 2022. Property crime accounts for nearly all local incidents but remains well below the national property crime benchmark.

Maintaining a Safe Household

Because property crime represents the vast majority of local reports, home security is a smart investment. Residents can deter opportunistic theft by using visible security cameras and secure entry points.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Platte County

via SchoolsByCounty

A large and diverse educational landscape

Platte County hosts a massive educational network of 35 schools serving over 17,500 students. The county features a comprehensive mix of 17 elementary, eight middle, and seven high schools across four districts. This infrastructure includes specialized alternative and special education facilities to meet diverse student needs.

High performance backed by strong investment

The county reports a 92.9% graduation rate and a school score of 54.7, both of which exceed state averages. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,823, which is significantly higher than the Missouri average of $6,334. While this investment is strong for the state, it remains below the $13,000 national average.

Park Hill leads a growing system

The Park Hill district is the dominant provider, managing 20 schools and nearly 12,000 students. Platte County R-III also maintains a significant presence with seven schools and 4,283 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county boundaries.

Urban and suburban school environments

With 19 schools in city locales and three in suburban settings, the county offers a distinctly metropolitan feel. The average school size is large at 567 students, with Park Hill South High serving a massive 1,860-student body. For those seeking a quieter pace, eight schools remain in rural areas.

A premier choice for school-focused buyers

Platte County is a top destination for families prioritizing high-quality, well-funded suburban schools. Properties in the Park Hill or Platte County R-III districts are highly sought after due to their proven academic track records. Moving here means joining a community that invests heavily in its future through its school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Platte County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures with Midwestern Extremes

Platte County averages 54.7°F annually, slightly outpacing the national median. It is characterized by its humid continental climate which brings a wide range of seasonal variability.

Typical of Missouri's Thermal Core

The county’s 54.7°F average is nearly identical to the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. While its precipitation is slightly lower than the state norm, its 18.2 inches of snowfall is relatively high for the region.

Snowy Influence on the Kansas Border

Platte experiences more snowfall than its eastern neighbor Clay, receiving 18.2 inches annually. It is also slightly warmer and wetter than the more northern Putnam County.

Hot July Peaks and Snowy Januaries

Summers are hot with 36 days of 90°F+ temperatures and a July average of 78.2°F. Winter is defined by 18.2 inches of snow and a Dec-Feb average that stays just below freezing at 31.9°F.

Prepare for Snow Removal and Cooling

Residents should keep snow blowers ready to manage nearly 20 inches of annual accumulation. Energy-efficient windows can help manage costs during the 36 annual days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Platte County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced pH in Platte

Platte County hits the national sweet spot with an average pH of 6.52, almost identical to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity facilitates optimal nutrient uptake for most agricultural and garden plants. It is one of the most chemically balanced soil profiles in the state.

Silt-Dominant Heavy Loams

The soil is predominantly silt at 64.6%, complemented by 24.3% clay and just 10.2% sand. This creates a heavy, nutrient-dense base that holds together well under active cultivation. The low sand content means the soil stays cool and moist longer than sandier neighbors.

Strong Water Retention Capabilities

Organic matter sits at 2.35%, exceeding the national average of 2.0% but trailing the Missouri state average of 4.74%. However, the available water capacity of 0.200 in/in is robust, surpassing the state benchmark of 0.183 in/in. This provides a significant buffer against short-term drought conditions.

Managing Dense Soil Drainage

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently documented in this dataset for Platte County. However, the heavy silt and clay mix typically implies slower percolation and potential for surface runoff. Local gardeners should monitor how their plots handle heavy Missouri thunderstorms.

A Premier Spot for Zone 6b

Zone 6b offers a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and hardy orchard fruits. The balanced pH and superior water capacity make Platte County a premier location to establish a productive backyard plot. Start your seeds early to make the most of this exceptional soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Platte County

via LawnByCounty

Excellent Growing Potential in Platte

Platte County is a standout for Missouri lawn care, with a difficulty score of 75.5. This score is much higher than both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 63.7, indicating a very user-friendly environment. Homeowners here in Zone 6b enjoy some of the most favorable growing conditions in the region.

Reliable Rains and Mild Summers

The county receives 39.3 inches of rain annually, fitting perfectly into the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. With 36 extreme heat days, Platte stays slightly cooler than the state average of 37 days. The 4025 growing degree days ensure a robust season that isn't overly aggressive for mowing schedules.

Ideal Soil for Healthy Roots

A soil pH of 6.52 is practically perfect for grass, requiring very little modification to allow for maximum nutrient absorption. The soil composition is 24.3% clay and 10.2% sand, providing good structure for root anchoring. While specific drainage data is limited, the high clay content suggests that periodic aeration will help prevent soil compaction.

Strong Resilience Against Dry Weather

Platte County shows high resilience, with only 18 weeks spent in drought over the past year. Currently, the entire county is in a D0 abnormally dry state, but there is no severe drought (D2+) reported. Strategic watering during the 18-week dry periods will keep your lawn green through the summer months.

Your Zone 6b Planting Guide

Wait until after the April 13 frost to begin spring seeding, or target the fall before the October 24 first frost. Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass thrive here, benefiting from the moderate 78.2°F July temperatures. With a high success score of 75.5, it is a great time to refresh your curb appeal.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Platte County's county score?
Platte County, Missouri has a composite county score of 45.2 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 Platte County rank among counties in Missouri?
Platte County ranks #78 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 Platte County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Platte County is $3,365, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Platte County a tax score of 33.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Platte County?
The median household income in Platte County, Missouri is $95,748 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Platte County earns an income score of 94.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Platte County, Missouri a good place to live?
Platte County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Platte 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 Platte 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.