countyscore
66.2
County Score
Property Tax 95Safety 91.8Cost of Living 91.3

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.

204060801009591.391.823.550.35.836.13054.1Tax95Cost91.3Safety91.8Health23.5Schools50.3Income5.8Risk36.1Water30Weather54.166.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Reynolds County DNA

D+overall

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

Reynolds County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (91.3/100) but notably weak in Income (5.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95+43
Cost
91.3+43.3
Safety
91.8+36.8
Health
23.5-26.5
Schools
50.3
Income
5.8-45.2
Risk
36.1-10.899999999999999
Water
30-28
Weather
54.1
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Reynolds County

Whether buying or refinancing in Reynolds County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$151,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$655/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$151,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,028/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
Compare Reynolds County with Caribou County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Caribou County
Idaho
Median income: $68,782
66.2
Carroll County
Mississippi
Median income: $59,327
66.2
Jerauld County
South Dakota
Median income: $73,750
66.2
Platte County
Wyoming
Median income: $67,718
66.2
Switzerland County
Indiana
Median income: $65,343
66.3
Franklin County
Nebraska
Median income: $60,195
66.3
Mason County
West Virginia
Median income: $49,761
66.3
Ohio County
West Virginia
Median income: $57,094
66.3

Nearby counties

Iron County
Missouri
57.7
Shannon County
Missouri
60.6
Carter County
Missouri
58.1
Dent County
Missouri
55.8
Wayne County
Missouri
49.2
Madison County
Missouri
46.6
St. Francois County
Missouri
37.5
Crawford County
Missouri
42

Deep Dives

Reynolds County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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

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

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 $560, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns Reynolds County a tax score of 95/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Reynolds County?
The median household income in Reynolds County, Missouri is $45,028 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Reynolds County earns an income score of 5.8/100 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.
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.