countyscore
42.2
County Score
Lawn Care 79.1Soil Quality 74.2Income & Jobs 71.6

County Report Card

About Ray County, Missouri

Ray County trails the national median

Ray County earns a composite livability score of 42.2, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more developmental challenges than the average American county.

Underperforming the Missouri state average

The county's overall score of 42.2 lags significantly behind the Missouri state average of 50.3. It struggles to compete with peer counties across the state in several key infrastructure categories.

High earnings drive local strengths

Ray County's strongest asset is its Income Score of 71.6, supported by a median household income of $72,152. This financial stability provides residents with more purchasing power than many of their neighbors.

School and safety metrics need attention

Low scores in Schooling (26.6) and Safety (28.1) represent the county's primary hurdles for growth. These figures suggest that improvements in local education and public security are necessary to boost overall livability.

A choice for high-earning commuters

Ray County is best suited for established professionals who prioritize higher incomes and can manage their own safety or school needs. It offers a solid financial base for those working in nearby metropolitan hubs.

2040608010051.851.228.136.826.671.655.659.849.1Tax51.8Cost51.2Safety28.1Health36.8Schools26.6Income71.6Risk55.6Water59.8Weather49.142.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Ray County DNA

Foverall

How Ray County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ray County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (71.6/100) but notably weak in Schools (26.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.8
Cost
51.2
Safety
28.1-26.9
Health
36.8-13.200000000000003
Schools
26.6-27.4
Income
71.6+20.599999999999994
Risk
55.6+8.600000000000001
Water
59.8
Weather
49.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$187,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$808/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$187,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,152/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Lafayette County
Missouri
56.2
Clay County
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45.5
Jackson County
Missouri
35.7
Caldwell County
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Clinton County
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Carroll County
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Johnson County
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Wyandotte County
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37.4

Deep Dives

Ray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ray County

via TaxByCounty

Ray County taxes rank high nationally

Ray County's effective tax rate of 0.818% exceeds Missouri's state average of 0.733%, putting homeowners above the typical burden. At the national level, Ray's median property tax of $1,533 falls well below the U.S. median of $2,690, placing the county in roughly the 40th percentile—moderate by national standards.

Among Missouri's mid-range tax counties

Ray County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Missouri's property tax burden, with an effective rate 11.6% higher than the state average. The median tax bill of $1,533 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by $334, reflecting above-average local tax policy.

Ray outpaces surrounding rural counties

Ray County's 0.818% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Saline County (0.815%) and Schuyler County (0.871%) and is substantially higher than the region's lowest-taxing counties like Shannon (0.432%) and Reynolds (0.461%). This positions Ray as one of the region's higher-tax jurisdictions despite moderate home values.

Median annual bill: $1,533

On Ray County's median home value of $187,400, homeowners pay roughly $1,533 annually in property taxes. Buyers with mortgages typically see an escrow payment of $1,668, while outright owners pay $1,327.

Appeal if you're overassessed

Many Ray County homeowners pay more than they owe due to outdated assessments. If your home's assessed value seems high, filing an appeal during the county's challenge window could lower your annual bill at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ray County

via CostByCounty

Ray County rents are below national average

Renters in Ray County spend 13.4% of their income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 15%. At $808 per month, median gross rent here is modest compared to the national landscape, offering households meaningful breathing room in their budgets.

Ray County leads Missouri on affordability

Ray County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Missouri's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 15.6%. This advantage reflects both reasonable rents and a median household income of $72,152, close to the national median of $74,755.

Ray County outpaces surrounding counties

Ray County renters pay $808 monthly, slightly above the state median of $768 but significantly more affordable than neighboring areas when accounting for income. With strong income levels at $72,152, Ray County residents maintain better housing affordability than most peers in the region.

Housing costs take manageable share

Ray County households spend about 13.4% of their $72,152 annual income on rent, leaving roughly 86.6% for other necessities and savings. Home buyers fare similarly well, with median ownership costs of $889 monthly against the same solid income base.

Consider Ray County for balanced living

If you're evaluating Missouri counties for relocation, Ray County deserves attention: affordable rents at $808, near-median incomes of $72,152, and one of the state's lowest rent-to-income ratios at 13.4%. The median home value of $187,400 also positions it competitively for buyers seeking entry into Missouri's housing market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ray County

via IncomeByCounty

Ray County earns above the national average

Ray County's median household income of $72,152 sits just $2,603 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. This strong performance reflects a county where earnings keep pace with most of America, despite serving a smaller, rural population.

Top 20% of Missouri counties by income

Ray County ranks among Missouri's highest-earning counties with a median household income of $72,152—21% above the state average of $59,503. This positions it as one of the economic engines in a state where most counties cluster around $55,000 to $60,000 annually.

Ray leads regional peer group handily

At $72,152, Ray County's median income significantly outpaces nearby counties like Scott ($58,847), Saline ($56,566), and Schuyler ($56,023). Ray's strong economic position suggests robust employer diversity or higher-wage sectors anchoring the county's workforce.

Housing costs are very manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.4%, Ray County residents enjoy one of the state's most affordable housing markets relative to earnings. A median home value of $187,400 paired with strong incomes means housing costs consume less than the national benchmark of 15%.

Your earnings position you for wealth-building

Ray County's above-average income and favorable housing costs create room in household budgets for savings, investment, and retirement planning. With per capita income at $38,179, residents here have the earnings foundation to pursue long-term financial goals like homeownership, education, and diversified investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ray County

via CrimeByCounty

Ray County Surpasses National Safety Averages

Ray County earns a high safety score of 97.3, signaling a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,734.3 per 100,000 people remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Missouri State Average

Ray County's safety score of 97.3 sits above the Missouri average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,734.3 is also lower than the state's overall average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

A Stable Environment Among Missouri Neighbors

Data from nine reporting agencies shows Ray County maintains a more favorable safety profile than many surrounding regions. The county's crime rates consistently track below the state average, providing a reliable pocket of safety.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

The county reports a violent crime rate of 514.7 and a property crime rate of 1,219.6 per 100,000 residents. While violent crime is higher than the national average of 369.8, property crime is significantly lower than the national 2,015.7 benchmark.

Simple Steps to Secure Your Home

With property crime as the primary local concern, visible security measures like motion lights are highly effective. Residents should continue to coordinate with local law enforcement to maintain these high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ray County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Foundation for Ray County Students

Ray County supports 3,376 students through an infrastructure of 12 public schools managed by four distinct districts. The network includes six elementary, two middle, and four high schools that serve the region's diverse learning needs. This structure ensures a focused environment with an average of 281 students per school.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county achieves an 89.4% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,619 is lower than the state average of $6,334, the composite school score of 50.2 remains competitive. These figures demonstrate a high-performing system that delivers results with efficient local investment.

Richmond and Lawson Lead the County

Richmond R-XVI stands as the largest district, educating 1,559 students across four specialized schools. Lawson R-XIV follows closely, managing 1,090 students within its three-school campus. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for all residents.

A Blend of Rural and Town Learning

Education in Ray County primarily occurs in rural settings, with nine schools in rural areas and three in town locales. Richmond High serves as the largest institution with 454 students, while many smaller schools maintain an intimate, small-town feel. While local higher education attainment data is unavailable, the current system focuses on preparing nearly 3,400 students for future success.

Find Your Home Near Ray County Schools

Families looking for consistent academic results often find Ray County’s stable school districts an attractive factor for relocation. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes its local educational infrastructure and graduation success. Explore available properties to secure your place in these high-performing school zones.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ray County

via RiskByCounty

Ray County's disaster risk scores well nationally

Ray County's composite risk score of 44.37 sits well below the national average, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating overall. This means residents face fewer compound natural hazard threats than most U.S. counties, though specific risks like tornadoes warrant local attention.

Safer than most Missouri counties

Ray County ranks favorably within Missouri, with its 44.37 score significantly below the state average of 50.56. Among the state's 114 counties, Ray sits in the lower-risk tier for overall natural disaster exposure.

Ray County outperforms nearby peers

Ray County's 44.37 composite score beats adjacent Saline County (51.62) and significantly outpaces Scott County's 80.09 rating. Ray residents enjoy notably lower overall risk than most neighboring counties in north-central Missouri.

Tornadoes and wildfires top the list

Tornado risk (57.92) and wildfire risk (55.03) present Ray County's most significant natural hazards, though both remain below state-average concerns. Flood risk (48.79) rounds out the top three, with earthquake and hurricane threats minimal in this region.

Prepare for severe weather and fire

Ray County homeowners should prioritize tornado and hail coverage, ensuring insurance policies reflect wind-damage exposure. A dedicated wildfire inspection of property defensibility—especially removing dead vegetation near structures—adds critical protection in this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ray County

via WaterByCounty

Stable Drinking Water Compliance in Ray County

Ray County maintains a Grade C with only one health violation recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 6.5 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the Missouri average of 81.5. This indicates a relatively consistent performance in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Local Watershed Assessments Currently Pending

Federal authorities have not yet assessed the water bodies in Ray County under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) standards. While the state average for impaired waters is 0.0%, local data remains unavailable for the current reporting cycle. This lack of data highlights a gap in federal watershed health tracking for the area.

Limited Federal Water Quality Monitoring

No monitoring records are currently available in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal for Ray County. Without documented sites or recent measurements, there is no centralized data on chemical or biological trends. Local conservation groups may provide the only source for specific site-level water quality intelligence.

Crooked River Flow Drops Well Below Normal

The USGS gauge on the Crooked River near Richmond currently records a discharge of 22 cfs. This represents only 18% of the long-term mean for this 159-square-mile drainage area. Such low flows indicate unusually dry conditions that can affect local water recharge rates.

Monitor Water Supplies During Dry Periods

With streamflow at just 18% of typical levels, residents should be mindful of source water stresses during prolonged dry spells. While the county holds a Grade C, the lack of local monitoring data makes private testing a smart choice for well owners. Stay updated on municipal notices regarding seasonal filtration adjustments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ray County

via WeatherByCounty

Ray County offers a cooler continental climate

The average annual temperature of 52.6°F is several degrees cooler than the national median, reflecting its position in the upper Midwest. It remains a classic continental zone with significant temperature variability throughout the year.

Below the state's average temperature mark

Ray County ranks on the cooler side of Missouri, with its 52.6°F average sitting below the state mean of 54.9°F. This makes it one of the more temperate northern counties compared to the warmer Ozark regions.

Matching the precipitation of regional neighbors

The county sees 42.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly identical to Saline County’s 42.2 inches. This consistent moisture supports the local agriculture that defines the surrounding landscape.

Hot summers despite the cooler annual average

Ray County faces 34 extreme heat days per year where temperatures top 90°F. While specific snowfall data is limited for this area, winter temperatures regularly dip to a January average of 26.2°F.

Focus on high-performance heating and insulation

With winter averages below freezing, high-efficiency furnaces and attic insulation are critical for Ray County homes. Summer planning should include cooling solutions for the 34 days of intense heat that typically arrive between June and August.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ray County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Entisols for Growing Success

Ray County features silty clay loam soils belonging to the Entisols order, known for their relative youth and lack of distinct horizons. The average pH of 6.46 sits perfectly near the national median of 6.5 and significantly exceeds the Missouri average of 6.09. This near-neutral acidity creates a hospitable environment for a wide range of local vegetation.

Heavy Silt and Clay Foundations

The soil composition contains 59.5% silt and 26.9% clay, creating a dense but workable texture. With only 13.0% sand, these soils excel at holding together and retaining vital minerals. Gardeners should note that the high silt content provides a smooth feel but requires careful management to avoid compaction.

Consistent Moisture for Thriving Crops

The available water capacity of 0.195 in/in outpaces the Missouri average of 0.183, ensuring plants have steady access to hydration. While the organic matter sits at 2.76%, which is above the national average of 2.0%, it trails the state average of 4.74%. This combination offers a reliable foundation for agriculture with room for supplemental composting.

Reliable Well-Drained Grounds

The soil is classified as well drained, facilitating healthy root respiration even during wet seasons. As part of hydrologic group C, it has a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet, which may lead to some runoff during heavy rains. This makes it suitable for diverse farming operations but requires mindful erosion control on slopes.

Prime Zone 6a Growing Ground

Located in hardiness zone 6a, this county is ideal for growing staples like corn, soybeans, and hardy fruit trees. The silty clay loam profile supports deep-rooted perennials and vigorous vegetable gardens. Residents should embrace their high 74.2 soil score and start planting early-season greens as soon as the soil warms.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ray County

via LawnByCounty

Prime conditions for Ray County lawns

Ray County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 79.1, indicating a significantly easier maintenance experience than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, this area is well-suited for cool-season grasses that thrive in moderate climates. Residents enjoy a much higher success rate here compared to the Missouri state average of 63.7.

Consistent rainfall meets moderate summer heat

The county receives 42.1 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. With 34 extreme heat days per year, the climate is slightly milder than the state average of 37 days. Mowing schedules typically follow the 3,584 growing degree days, requiring steady attention throughout the spring and summer.

Strong silty clay loam foundation

The local soil features an ideal pH of 6.46, falling right in the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for nutrient uptake. The silty clay loam texture provides a good balance of 26.9% clay and 13.0% sand, which the USDA classifies as well-drained. Most lawns require minimal pH amendments but benefit from routine aeration to prevent compaction.

Managing 17 weeks of dry spells

Over the past year, the county experienced 17 weeks in drought, though current conditions show 0.0% of the area in severe drought. While 37.6% of the county is abnormally dry, the overall water resilience remains high compared to neighboring regions. Deep, infrequent watering during the morning hours helps maintain deep roots during these dry periods.

Timing the April to October window

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this 6a zone climate and its reliable rainfall. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 19 or during the cooler fall window starting in mid-October. With a strong starting score and favorable soil, your lawn is well-positioned for success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ray County's county score?
Ray County, Missouri has a composite county score of 42.2 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 Ray County rank among counties in Missouri?
Ray County ranks #95 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 Ray County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Ray County is $1,533, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Ray County a tax score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ray County?
The median household income in Ray County, Missouri is $72,152 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ray County earns an income score of 71.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ray County, Missouri a good place to live?
Ray County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Ray 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 Ray County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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