countyscore
43.2
County Score
Lawn Care 79.1Soil Quality 74.2Income & Jobs 72.5

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.

2040608010050.35728.136.826.672.555.659.849.1Tax50.3Cost57Safety28.1Health36.8Schools26.6Income72.5Risk55.6Water59.8Weather49.143.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Ray County DNA

Foverall

How Ray County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Ray County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (72.5/100) but notably weak in Schools (26.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.3
Cost
57+9
Safety
28.1-26.9
Health
36.8-13.200000000000003
Schools
26.6-27.4
Income
72.5+21.5
Risk
55.6+8.600000000000001
Water
59.8
Weather
49.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Ray County?

Many homeowners in Ray County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$198,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$782/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$198,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,573/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
55.4
Clay County
Missouri
45.6
Jackson County
Missouri
35.5
Caldwell County
Missouri
64.5
Clinton County
Missouri
47.8
Carroll County
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57.8
Johnson County
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Wyandotte County
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37

Deep Dives

Ray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 43.2 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 #89 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 $1,594, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Ray County a tax score of 50.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ray County?
The median household income in Ray County, Missouri is $74,573 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ray County earns an income score of 72.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ray County, Missouri a good place to live?
Ray County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.