CountyScore

Reynolds County

Missouri · MO

#48 in Missouri
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Reynolds County, Missouri

Reynolds County ranks in top tier nationally

Reynolds County's composite score of 80.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 60%, placing it among the most livable counties in America on fiscal and affordability metrics. This exceptional ranking reflects one of the lowest tax burdens and most affordable housing markets in the nation.

Missouri's affordability champion

Reynolds County scores 80.0, well above Missouri's state average of 74.8, ranking in the top tier of the state's 114 counties. Its combination of low taxes and cheap housing makes it a standout across Missouri.

Unbeatable cost of living

Reynolds County dominates on tax burden (score: 89.3, effective rate 0.461%) and housing affordability (score: 89.9), with median rent at just $627/month and homes averaging $119,900. These are among the lowest figures in Missouri, making the county ideal for cost-conscious movers.

Income and data gaps present concerns

Reynolds County's income score of 12.4 reflects a median household income of $44,357, the lowest among these eight counties, suggesting limited economic opportunity. Critical information on safety, schools, and health remains unavailable, which may be important for prospective residents.

Perfect for those seeking maximum affordability

Reynolds County appeals to retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and households where affordability trumps local earning power. The county's rock-bottom housing and tax costs make it one of Missouri's best buys for those willing to accept lower median incomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.3Cost89.9SafetyComing SoonHealth57.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.4Risk36.1WaterComing Soon
🏛89.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Reynolds County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

Reynolds County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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