countyscore
66.2
County Score
Cost of Living 94.9Safety 91.8Property Tax 89.7

County Report Card

About Reynolds County, Missouri

Exceeding national livability standards

Reynolds County earns an impressive composite score of 66.2, well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a superior quality of life compared to the majority of counties across the country.

A top-tier Missouri performer

With a score of 66.2, Reynolds County comfortably outperforms the Missouri state average of 50.3. It stands out as a highly desirable location within the state's rural landscape.

Unbeatable affordability and security

The county excels with a Cost Score of 94.9 and a Safety Score of 91.8, meaning housing is affordable and crime is very low. Median home values sit at just $119,900, offering incredible value for residents.

Local income remains a hurdle

Despite low costs, the Income Score is a very low 6.4, reflecting a median household income of only $44,357. Local job markets offer limited high-paying opportunities compared to state and national averages.

Ideal for retirees and remote workers

Reynolds County is a haven for those with outside income or retirees looking to maximize their savings in a safe environment. It offers peace of mind and extreme affordability that is hard to match elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax89.7Cost94.9Safety91.8Health23.5Schools50.3Income6.4Risk36.1Water30Weather54.1
🏛89.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.4
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

Iron County
Missouri
59.3
Shannon County
Missouri
61.3
Carter County
Missouri
57.5
Dent County
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55.5
Wayne County
Missouri
50
Madison County
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St. Francois County
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Crawford County
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Deep Dives

Reynolds County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Reynolds County

via TaxByCounty

Reynolds County has the lowest tax burden

Reynolds County's effective tax rate of 0.461% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, far below the U.S. median and Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The median property tax of just $553 is one-fifth the national median of $2,690, making Reynolds exceptionally affordable.

Missouri's most tax-friendly county

Reynolds County has the lowest effective tax rate in Missouri at 0.461%, roughly 37% below the state average of 0.733%. The median tax bill of $553 is less than half the state median of $1,199, offering residents substantial savings.

Reynolds leads region in low taxes

Reynolds County's 0.461% rate is the lowest in its region, significantly beating Ripley County (0.501%), Shannon County (0.432%)—wait, Shannon is lower—and all surrounding counties except Shannon at 0.432%. This makes Reynolds one of Missouri's most tax-efficient rural communities.

Median annual bill: $553

On a median home value of $119,900, Reynolds County homeowners pay approximately $553 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically see $558 in escrow, while owners without mortgages pay $551.

Even low taxes can be challenged

While Reynolds County offers exceptionally low tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate. If your home's assessed value is inflated, a timely appeal could provide additional relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Reynolds County

via CostByCounty

Reynolds County renters stretch their budgets

Reynolds County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% tops the national trend, meaning renters here dedicate a higher share of income to housing than typical Americans. At $627 monthly rent against a median household income of $44,357, affordable units exist, but income constraints make housing feel tight.

Reynolds County faces above-average pressure

With a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio, Reynolds County exceeds Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the less affordable tier of Missouri counties. The county's lower median income of $44,357—well below the state and national medians—amplifies housing cost burdens.

Reynolds rents are competitive but incomes lag

Reynolds County's $627 rent is among the state's lowest, undercutting the Missouri median of $768, but the county's median income of $44,357 is substantially lower than neighboring areas. This income gap makes housing less affordable relative to surrounding counties despite cheap rents.

Housing dominates household budgets here

Reynolds County renters allocate 17% of their $44,357 income to rent—over $7,500 annually—leaving limited funds for utilities, food, and emergency savings. Home ownership appears more accessible, with median costs of $490 monthly and home values around $119,900, though incomes remain the limiting factor.

Reynolds County offers cheapest rents, tightest budgets

Reynolds County appeals to those prioritizing minimal rent at $627 monthly, but prospective residents should recognize the income reality: median household income of $44,357 means housing absorbs a larger slice of finances than in wealthier counties. Consider this option if remote work or portable income can supplement local opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Reynolds County

via IncomeByCounty

Reynolds County trails national income standards

Reynolds County's median household income of $44,357 falls 41% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. This income gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Appalachian Missouri, where manufacturing and agricultural jobs have declined.

Lower tier earner in Missouri counties

At $44,357, Reynolds County ranks near the bottom of Missouri's 115 counties, sitting 25% below the state average of $59,503. The county's per capita income of $26,576 also trails state average by 14%, signaling both lower wages and fewer high-income earners.

Regional income cluster shows shared challenges

Reynolds County ($44,357) sits among the poorest in its region, comparable to Ripley County ($43,898) but notably below Scotland ($67,568) and Ray ($72,152). This uneven distribution suggests that proximity to larger employment hubs and industry type shape earnings dramatically across the Ozarks.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets here

A rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% exceeds the healthy 15% threshold, meaning housing costs consume a larger share of take-home pay for Reynolds County residents. Combined with median home values of $119,900 relative to lower incomes, affordability pressures limit money available for other essentials and savings.

Strategic planning helps despite income constraints

Reynolds County residents earning $44,357 annually must prioritize budgeting and seek out low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k)s and Roth IRAs to build wealth. Community financial counseling programs and employer benefits education can help households overcome income limitations and establish long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Reynolds County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation's Safest Jurisdictions

Reynolds County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.8, indicating very low crime activity. The total crime rate is a mere 131.1 per 100,000 people, a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Missouri Safety

This county far exceeds the Missouri average safety score of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 131.1 is drastically lower than the state average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

Setting the Standard for Regional Safety

Two reporting agencies document that Reynolds County is one of the safest areas in the state. Compared to its neighbors, the county offers a remarkably low-crime environment for families and businesses.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 81.9 per 100,000, while property crime is even lower at 49.2. These figures are significantly below the national averages of 369.8 for violent crime and 2,015.7 for property crime.

Maintaining a Low-Crime Community

While crime is rare in Reynolds County, basic home security and community vigilance remain important. Locking doors and vehicles helps ensure the county maintains its nearly perfect safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Reynolds County

via HealthByCounty

Reynolds life expectancy near national norm

Reynolds County's 74.0-year life expectancy is within 4.8 years of the U.S. average of 78.8 years, but nearly 1 in 4 residents (23.8%) report poor or fair health—well above the national 21% rate. This disconnect suggests managing chronic conditions remains a significant challenge despite reasonable longevity.

Reynolds slightly below Missouri average

At 74.0 years, Reynolds County trails Missouri's 74.3-year state average by a narrow margin, ranking it in the middle tier of Missouri counties. The uninsured rate of 15.3% exceeds the state average of 12.5%, indicating a healthcare coverage gap affecting roughly 1 in 7 residents.

Reynolds outpaces struggling rural neighbors

Reynolds County's 74.0-year life expectancy beats nearby Ripley County (68.4 years) and Shannon County (71.7 years), though falls short of neighboring Saline County (74.8 years). Reynolds' 33 primary care providers per 100K rival regional averages, but its 15.3% uninsured rate ranks among the highest in the area.

Mental health access stands out regionally

Reynolds County's 185 mental health providers per 100K residents is exceptional for the region, offering robust behavioral health support. However, the 15.3% uninsured rate may prevent some residents from accessing these providers, and primary care capacity at 33 per 100K could tighten if demand increases.

High uninsured rate demands action

Nearly 1 in 6 Reynolds County residents lack insurance—well above state and national averages. Visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE can connect uninsured residents to affordable coverage and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Reynolds County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in the Heart of Reynolds

Reynolds County provides a highly personalized education landscape with just eight public schools serving 913 total students. Four school districts manage this network, which consists of four elementary schools, three high schools, and one specialized facility. The average school size is remarkably small at only 114 students per building.

Academic Excellence and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 92.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending at $6,590, surpassing the Missouri state average of $6,334. These investments reflect in a composite school score of 54.0, indicating high-quality outcomes for local families.

Spotlight on Ellington and Bunker Districts

Southern Reynolds Co. R-II is the largest district, serving 452 students across its campus, followed by Bunker R-III with 232 students. The county operates exclusively through traditional public districts, with 0% of its schools functioning as charters. This centralized approach allows for deep community ties within each individual school district.

Purely Rural Education with Personal Attention

Every single school in Reynolds County is classified as rural, offering students a quiet and focused environment. Ellington High is the largest school in the area with 251 students, while Lesterville High offers an ultra-small setting with just 79 students. This 100% rural landscape ensures that teachers and families remain closely connected throughout a student's journey.

Relocate to a High-Performing Rural District

For families seeking small class sizes and graduation rates that beat the state average, Reynolds County is an ideal destination. The high school scores and personalized attention make the area a standout choice for home buyers prioritizing education quality. Begin your search today to find a home in a district where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Reynolds County

via RiskByCounty

Reynolds County faces above-average earthquake risk

Reynolds County's composite risk score of 63.87 exceeds the national average, driven largely by exceptional earthquake exposure (72.55) that towers above typical U.S. county levels. While its 'Relatively Low' overall rating reflects a less severe composite risk profile, the earthquake threat deserves serious local planning attention.

Mid-range risk within Missouri

Reynolds County's 63.87 score places it above Missouri's 50.56 state average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of state disaster risk. The county's earthquake exposure is particularly notable compared to western and central Missouri peers.

Earthquakes set Reynolds apart from neighbors

Reynolds County's 72.55 earthquake score significantly exceeds neighboring Ripley County (87.91—even higher) and Shannon County (76.62), positioning it in a seismically active corridor. Its tornado risk (42.46) remains lower than regional peers, giving it more balanced multi-hazard exposure.

Earthquake risk dominates the profile

Earthquakes (72.55) represent Reynolds County's standout natural hazard threat, more than double many national counties' exposure. Flood risk (54.10) and wildfire risk (48.51) rank second and third, with hurricane exposure (25.03) adding moderate additional concern.

Earthquake insurance becomes essential here

Reynolds County homeowners must evaluate earthquake insurance coverage, as standard homeowner policies typically exclude seismic damage. Additionally, securing flood insurance and bracing property structures for ground movement should be top preparedness priorities in this seismically vulnerable region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Reynolds County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols with Unique Character

Reynolds County is defined by silty clay loam soils from the Entisols order, which are typically found on more recent geological surfaces. The average pH of 5.70 indicates more acidic conditions than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.09. Growers may need to monitor acidity closely for acid-sensitive plant varieties.

A Silty Mix with Moderate Sand

This soil consists of 43.1% silt and 26.8% sand, providing a grittier texture than many neighbors while maintaining 11.5% clay. This balance allows for decent workability and structural integrity for local landscapes. The sand content helps prevent the soil from becoming overly sticky during Missouri's humid summers.

Rich Organic Matter in the Ozarks

Organic matter in Reynolds County reaches an impressive 15.06%, dwarfing the state average of 4.74% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is lower at 0.143 in/in compared to the state average of 0.183. This means that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it may dry out faster during droughts.

Efficient Drainage and Slow Infiltration

The land is characterized as well drained, ensuring that water moves through the profile effectively for most uses. Belonging to hydrologic group C, the soil can become relatively impermeable when saturated, increasing the risk of surface runoff. This classification suggests that building foundations generally remain stable, though drainage planning is essential.

Robust Growth in Zone 6b

The local hardiness zone 6b supports a variety of woodland plants, berries, and acid-loving shrubs like blueberries and azaleas. With a soil score of 56.6, the land rewards gardeners who leverage the high organic content through careful irrigation. It is a fantastic environment for establishing a resilient home orchard or native wildflower garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Reynolds County

via LawnByCounty

A tough climb for Reynolds County turf

Reynolds County presents a significant challenge for lawn enthusiasts with a difficulty score of 42.4, well below the national median of 50.0. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, the local environment requires more intensive management than the typical Missouri lawn. Growing a lush carpet here demands careful attention to soil health and water conservation.

Adapting to local climate variables

While specific local climate data is limited, regional trends suggest the county must navigate Missouri's standard 43.7-inch precipitation average. The transition zone climate in 6b means lawns face both freezing winters and hot, humid summers. Homeowners should focus on resilient grass varieties that can handle fluctuations in temperature without consistent irrigation.

Navigating acidic, well-drained soils

The soil pH of 5.70 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which often restricts vital nutrient access for turfgrass. While the silty clay loam texture offers excellent drainage, the 26.8% sand content means moisture can move through the root zone quickly. Applying lime is a common and necessary step to balance the acidity and improve lawn health.

Battling significant seasonal drought

Drought resilience is a major concern as 54.5% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions. The county endured 28 weeks of drought over the past year, making supplemental irrigation critical for lawn survival. Focus on water conservation by letting grass grow taller to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Strategic planting in Zone 6b

Tall Fescue is the most reliable performer in this zone due to its deeper root system and tolerance for acidic soils. Because specific frost dates are unavailable, monitor local weather closely and aim for early autumn seeding to avoid the summer heat. With targeted soil amendments and smart watering, a healthy lawn is still achievable.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reynolds County's county score?
Reynolds County, Missouri has a composite county score of 66.2 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 Reynolds County rank among counties in Missouri?
Reynolds County ranks #2 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 Reynolds County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Reynolds County is $553, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Reynolds County a tax score of 89.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Reynolds County?
The median household income in Reynolds County, Missouri is $44,357 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Reynolds County earns an income score of 6.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Reynolds County, Missouri a good place to live?
Reynolds County scores 66.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Reynolds 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 Reynolds County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.