countyscore
61.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 86Safety 79.7Soil Quality 74.3

County Report Card

About Ralls County, Missouri

Ralls County Ranks Highly Nationwide

With a composite score of 61.9, Ralls County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0. It is among the most livable rural counties in the United States according to these metrics.

Surpassing the Missouri Benchmark

Ralls County's score of 61.9 is nearly 12 points higher than the state average of 50.3. This highlights the county as a premier destination for Missourians looking for stability and value.

Leading in Safety and Value

Residents enjoy exceptional security with a Risk Score of 86.0 and a Safety Score of 79.7. The Cost Score of 73.4 is equally impressive, supported by a median home value of only $153,400.

Water Infrastructure Lags Behind

The county's most significant weakness is its Water Score of 19.9, the lowest in its profile. It also has a middle-of-the-road Income Score of 45.5, with median household incomes at $62,054.

A Top Choice for Secure Families

Ralls County is a standout for families who want a safe, low-risk environment without the high price tag of a suburb. It offers a rare combination of community safety and housing affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax57Cost73.4Safety79.7Health50.9Schools47.7Income45.5Risk86Water19.9Weather55.4
🏛57
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65
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

Marion County
Missouri
42.3
Pike County
Missouri
54.6
Monroe County
Missouri
58.6
Audrain County
Missouri
51.2
Pike County
Illinois
55.6
Adams County
Illinois
54.7
Shelby County
Missouri
60.1
Lewis County
Missouri
62.1

Deep Dives

Ralls County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ralls County

via TaxByCounty

Ralls County taxes significantly lower nationally

Ralls County's effective tax rate of 0.757% falls below the national median, with homeowners paying $1,161 in annual property taxes versus $2,690 nationally. County residents benefit from substantially lower tax burdens compared to the typical American homeowner.

Slightly above Missouri average

Ralls County's 0.757% effective rate sits slightly above Missouri's state average of 0.733%, yet its median tax bill of $1,161 edges just below the state median of $1,199. The county offers near-average property tax conditions for the state.

Mid-range taxes for the region

Ralls County's 0.757% rate falls between Phelps County's 0.640% and Pike County's 0.768%, placing it in the regional middle ground. The county's tax burden is more favorable than Platte (1.060%) and Putnam (0.987%) but higher than Polk (0.581%).

What $153,400 home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-priced home valued at $153,400 pays approximately $1,161 in annual property taxes in Ralls County. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,291; without one, it drops to $1,033.

Challenge overvalued assessments

Ralls County homeowners should periodically verify their property assessments align with current market conditions, as assessment errors can inflate tax bills over time. If your assessed value exceeds comparable properties in your area, consider filing an appeal with the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ralls County

via CostByCounty

Ralls balances income and rent well

Ralls County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Missouri's 15.6% average and approaches the national affordability sweet spot. At $765/month, median rent runs just shy of the state average, while a median household income of $62,054 provides solid purchasing power.

Ralls ranks among Missouri's best

Ralls County claims one of Missouri's most affordable rent-to-income ratios at 14.8%, putting it in the state's better-off tier for housing affordability. This balance reflects both modest rents and reasonable local incomes.

Ralls sits in the sweet middle

Ralls' $765 median rent nearly matches Pike ($742) while staying well below Phelps ($801) and Pulaski ($1,072), offering genuine affordability without the rock-bottom isolation of rural Putnam. Median home values of $153,400 fall in the middle range, balancing price and market activity.

Both renting and owning feel fair

Renters spend $765/month (14.8% of income) and homeowners $667/month (12.9% of income), with owner costs notably lower and both figures suggesting comfortable affordability. The $98 monthly advantage of homeownership makes purchasing strategically appealing.

Ralls offers affordable small-town living

Ralls County suits those seeking affordability without the isolation of ultra-rural counties, offering reasonable rents and solid homeownership value. Compare Ralls with Pike for similar prices but slightly better income levels, or with Putnam if you want the absolute lowest costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ralls County

via IncomeByCounty

Ralls moderately below national mark

Ralls County's median household income of $62,054 trails the national median of $74,755 by 17%, a notably smaller gap than most rural Missouri peers. This represents relatively stronger income positioning for a small, agricultural-leaning county.

Missouri's upper-middle tier

Ralls County exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by $2,551, placing it solidly in the state's upper-middle income tier. Per capita income of $31,075 nearly matches Missouri's $31,011 average, indicating fairly even earning distribution.

Second-best in the neighborhood

Ralls ($62,054) ranks second only to Platte ($95,748) in this region, outpacing Pulaski ($66,435)—wait, that's incorrect; Pulaski slightly leads at $66,435. Ralls still comfortably exceeds Pike ($57,572), Putnam ($56,875), Phelps ($55,427), Polk ($56,686), and Randolph ($55,310).

Balanced housing affordability

Ralls County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% is healthy, falling in the favorable range for rental affordability. The median home value of $153,400 translates to roughly 2.5 years of median household income, representing a reasonable entry point for homeownership.

Build on Ralls' stability

Ralls County households earning $62,054 benefit from manageable housing costs and stable community roots. Lock in mortgage principal-building, establish automatic transfers to retirement and investment accounts, and explore local business or real estate opportunities to leverage community relationships for additional wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ralls County

via CrimeByCounty

Ralls County Safety Assessment

Ralls County holds a stellar safety score of 99.2, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 482.8 per 100K is roughly five times lower than the national average.

A Top Performer in Missouri

With a safety score of 99.2, Ralls County is significantly more secure than the state average of 97.0. Local law enforcement manages a crime rate that is 75% lower than the state average of 1,926.2.

Regional Safety Leader

Ralls County is even safer than neighbor Pike County, reporting roughly half the crime per 100K residents. This makes it one of the most secure regions in northeast Missouri.

Minimal Crime Statistics

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent at 57.9 per 100K, while property crime is also low at 424.9. These numbers translate to a very high level of personal and property security for residents.

Securing Your Property

Even in very safe counties, property crimes like theft can occur. Simple measures such as deadbolts and outdoor lighting are excellent ways to maintain the county's peaceful reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ralls County

via HealthByCounty

Ralls County life expectancy keeps pace

At 75.5 years, Ralls County matches Pike County and exceeds the U.S. average of 78.1 years by comparison to lower-performing peer counties. However, 18.3% reporting poor or fair health indicates underlying vulnerabilities.

Slightly above Missouri's baseline

Ralls County's 75.5-year life expectancy exceeds Missouri's 74.3-year average by 1.2 years, though the gap reflects modest regional variation. The county sits in the middle tier statewide.

Critical primary care desert

Ralls County has only 10 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in its peer group and well below adequacy thresholds. At 57 mental health providers per 100K, it ranks among the region's most underserved for behavioral care.

10.1% uninsured in sparse provider area

Ralls County's 10.1% uninsured rate sits below the state average, but critical provider shortages mean even insured residents face barriers to care. Many residents travel to neighboring Phelps or Platte counties for routine medical services.

Insurance first step in limited access

For Ralls County's 10.1% uninsured residents, enrollment in Medicaid or marketplace coverage is essential given the county's provider constraints. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to secure coverage and explore telehealth options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ralls County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined education through three public schools

Ralls County maintains a focused educational footprint with three schools serving 834 students. A single school district manages the elementary, middle, and high school levels for the entire county. This small-scale infrastructure ensures every student in the county follows a unified curriculum.

Elite graduation results with low overhead

Ralls County achieves a standout 95.0% graduation rate, placing it well above the 91.3% Missouri average. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,698, which is lower than both the state and national averages. The county's school score of 53.3 remains higher than the state median.

Ralls County R-II leads the way

The Ralls County R-II district manages all 834 students in the county's public school system. This centralized management allows for a cohesive educational experience across all grades. The county features zero charter schools, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

Small, rural schools with a community feel

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, providing a quiet and focused atmosphere for students. The average school size is just 278 students, with Mark Twain Jr. High being the smallest at 202 students. Ralls County Elementary is the largest campus, hosting 375 students.

Find your place in the Mark Twain district

Ralls County is a perfect match for homebuyers seeking a high-performing, single-district community. The high graduation rates and small school sizes make it an attractive spot for families looking to escape larger metro areas. Your investment in a local home is backed by a school system that delivers elite results with efficiency.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ralls County

via RiskByCounty

Ralls County ranks among nation's safest

Ralls County's composite risk score of 14.06 places it far below the national average, earning a very low risk rating overall. While flood risk (27.16) is the county's most significant hazard, it remains modest compared to national norms, and other threats are minimal.

Second-safest county in Missouri

Ralls County's score of 14.06 ranks it just above Putnam County (8.24) as Missouri's safest counties, sitting well below the state average of 50.56. This exceptional resilience makes Ralls one of the state's most disaster-resistant communities.

Safest in its immediate region

Ralls County (14.06) is far safer than Pike County (40.30), Randolph County (35.85), and Phelps County (53.72), with only Putnam County (8.24) approaching its low-risk status. Its flood risk of 27.16 is higher than Putnam's, reflecting its proximity to the Mississippi River.

Flood risk is modest but notable

Ralls County's flood risk of 27.16 is the primary hazard, likely due to proximity to major waterways, though it remains below state averages. Wildfire (32.12) and tornado (21.18) risks are secondary concerns, while earthquake (37.34) and hurricane (10.85) risks remain low.

Standard policy covers most needs

Ralls County residents should carry standard homeowners insurance plus optional flood insurance, particularly for properties in mapped flood zones near waterways. Given the county's overall low-risk profile, additional specialized coverage is rarely necessary for most homeowners.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ralls County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Heartfelt Midwestern Weather

Ralls County’s 55.0°F average annual temperature sits just above the national median. This indicates a climate with robust seasonal shifts and standard precipitation levels.

Aligning Closely with Missouri Norms

Ralls is nearly a perfect match for Missouri’s state average temperature of 54.9°F. Its annual precipitation of 40.1 inches is slightly below the state average, making it a relatively dry part of the state.

Stable Conditions in Northeast Missouri

Ralls is slightly warmer than its neighbor Pike County and experiences more extreme heat days. It shares the same humid continental patterns that define the Mississippi River valley region.

Intense Summer Heat Peaks

The county faces a hot summer with 37 days of temperatures over 90°F and a July average of 78.6°F. Winters are cold but manageable, with a December to February average of 31.8°F.

Prepare for Long Summer Stretches

With 37 extreme heat days, residents should ensure their cooling systems are serviced before June. While snowfall data is limited, winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, requiring home winterization.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ralls County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Silty Clay Loams in Ralls

Ralls County soils are predominantly silty clay loams within the Entisols order, sporting a healthy pH of 6.34. This level is very close to the national median of 6.5, making the ground highly accessible for various plant species. It is among the more productive soil types in northeast Missouri.

Silt-Heavy Soils for Stable Farming

A high silt percentage of 64.7% dominates the profile, supported by 21.2% clay and 14.0% sand. This mixture offers excellent workability while retaining the stability needed for large-scale farming and gardening. The low sand content ensures that the soil stays cohesive and nutrient-rich.

Leading the State in Water Capacity

Organic matter measures 2.52%, which is comfortably above the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is a high 0.207 in/in, significantly outperforming the Missouri state average of 0.183 in/in. This makes the county exceptionally resilient against dry weather patterns.

Reliable Drainage and Moisture Control

These well-drained soils belong to hydrologic group C, offering a great balance between water retention and runoff prevention. Such traits are ideal for maintaining consistent moisture levels for row crops or home gardens. It provides a predictable environment for land development.

A Versatile Climate in Zone 6a

Zone 6a provides a versatile climate for growing everything from orchard fruits to summer squash. Utilize this high water capacity soil to build a thriving and resilient garden this season. The balanced pH ensures that your vegetables will have all the nutrients they need.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ralls County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success in Ralls

Ralls County features a lawn difficulty score of 65.0, placing it slightly above the Missouri state average of 63.7. In this Zone 6a climate, gardeners find conditions more favorable than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a good balance between climate challenges and soil quality.

Typical Missouri Heat and Moisture

The county averages 37 extreme heat days annually, exactly matching the Missouri state average. Rainfall is also consistent at 40.1 inches per year, which is well within the ideal range for maintaining lush turf. With 4121 growing degree days, the grass stays active and growing for a standard midwestern season.

Healthy Soil for Deep Roots

Ralls County soil has a favorable pH of 6.34, which is within the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for nutrient availability. The silty clay loam texture, featuring 21.2% clay and 14.0% sand, offers great stability for roots. Because the soil is well-drained, homeowners face fewer issues with fungal diseases and root rot.

Managing 32 Weeks of Drought

Homeowners have navigated 32 weeks of drought in the last year, a significant duration that requires careful water management. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, though no severe drought is reported. To build resilience, keep grass height high to protect the crown and shade the silty clay loam soil.

Growing Tips for Ralls County

The growing season is framed by an early last frost on April 4 and a first fall frost on November 4. Zone 6a is ideal for tall fescue and fine fescue blends that can handle the 78.6°F July average. Start your seeds in the fall to allow roots to establish before the January cold kicks in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ralls County's county score?
Ralls County, Missouri has a composite county score of 61.9 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 Ralls County rank among counties in Missouri?
Ralls County ranks #12 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 Ralls County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Ralls County is $1,161, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Ralls County a tax score of 57/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ralls County?
The median household income in Ralls County, Missouri is $62,054 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ralls County earns an income score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ralls County, Missouri a good place to live?
Ralls County scores 61.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Ralls 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 Ralls County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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