countyscore
42.8
County Score
Lawn Care 79.1Soil Quality 77.9Cost of Living 67

County Report Card

About Saline County, Missouri

Below the national livability average

Saline County scores 42.8 on the composite index, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. This suggests there is significant room for improvement in the county's infrastructure and socio-economic health.

Trailing behind Missouri peers

The county's 42.8 score falls short of the Missouri state average of 50.3. It struggles to keep pace with the state's more robust regional economies and public service levels.

Affordable housing leads the way

Housing affordability is the county's strongest suit, evidenced by a Cost Score of 67.0. With median gross rent at $733, Saline County offers a low barrier to entry for renters.

Safety and income concerns

A Safety Score of 20.4 and an Income Score of 29.0 present the most significant challenges for residents. Improving public safety and attracting higher-paying industries are critical for future stability.

A base for value-seekers

Saline County suits those looking for low-cost Missouri living who are willing to navigate a more challenging safety and economic environment. It provides a functional, affordable home base in the central state.

Score breakdown

Tax52Cost67Safety20.4Health44.4Schools30.6Income29Risk48.4Water42.4Weather52.6
🏛52
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.1
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

Carroll County
Missouri
58.1
Chariton County
Missouri
61.3
Howard County
Missouri
52.4
Cooper County
Missouri
56.7
Lafayette County
Missouri
56.2
Pettis County
Missouri
41.1
Randolph County
Missouri
49.9
Livingston County
Missouri
52.7

Deep Dives

Saline County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Saline County

via TaxByCounty

Saline County taxes run slightly high

Saline County's effective tax rate of 0.815% exceeds Missouri's state average of 0.733% by roughly 11%, putting residents above the state norm. The median property tax of $1,138 remains far below the national median of $2,690, ranking Saline in roughly the 35th percentile nationally.

Saline ranks in Missouri's upper-middle tier

Saline County's effective rate of 0.815% positions it among Missouri's higher-tax counties, about 11% above the state average of 0.733%. The median tax bill of $1,138 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by just $1, placing it nearly at the state average despite a below-average home value.

Saline competes with Ray and Schuyler

Saline County's 0.815% rate sits between Ray County (0.818%) and Schuyler County (0.871%), making it one of the region's moderate-to-higher-tax jurisdictions. This trio clearly differs from the lower-tax rural counties like Reynolds, Ripley, and Shannon.

Median annual bill: $1,138

On Saline County's median home value of $139,600, homeowners pay roughly $1,138 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically see $1,218 in escrow, while outright owners pay $1,045.

Check your assessment and appeal if needed

Many Saline County homeowners pay more than they should due to inflated assessments. Filing an appeal during the county's challenge window is free and can yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Saline County

via CostByCounty

Saline County hits Missouri's affordability midpoint

Saline County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio matches Missouri's state average exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of the national housing affordability spectrum. With median rent at $733 and household income at $56,566, the county offers balanced, if not exceptional, affordability.

Saline County mirrors Missouri's typical burden

At 15.6%, Saline County's rent-to-income ratio perfectly tracks the Missouri state average, meaning housing affordability here is neither a standout strength nor a particular challenge. The county represents Missouri's housing market middle ground.

Saline County holds steady in the region

Saline County's $733 rent is nearly identical to the state median of $768, and its median income of $56,566 places it midrange among surrounding counties. Housing costs and income align more evenly here than in either wealthier or poorer neighboring areas.

Housing takes standard 15.6% of income

Saline County renters allocate 15.6% of their $56,566 income to rent—roughly $8,700 annually—a proportion consistent with state norms. Home buyers encounter median ownership costs of $799 monthly with median home values of $139,600, supporting balanced owner-occupant opportunities.

Saline County offers middle-ground stability

Saline County appeals to those seeking Missouri living without affordability extremes: $733 rent, $56,566 median income, and a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio that matches state averages. If you want neither the bargains of rural counties nor the premiums of booming metros, Saline County delivers predictable, conventional housing economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Saline County

via IncomeByCounty

Saline County moderately below national income

Saline County's median household income of $56,566 falls 24% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. This gap reflects a rural Missouri economy where agricultural and manufacturing sectors offer lower wage scales than national averages.

Mid-range earner across Missouri counties

At $56,566, Saline County ranks in Missouri's middle tier of counties, sitting just 5% below the state average of $59,503. The county's per capita income of $28,530 stays close to Missouri's $31,011 average, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution.

Saline sits between regional income clusters

Saline County ($56,566) earns less than nearby Ray ($72,152) and Schuyler ($56,023), but outpaces lower-income regions like Reynolds ($44,357) and Ripley ($43,898). Its mid-range position reflects moderate economic diversity within a rural county economy.

Housing affordability is reasonable but tight

A rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% sits slightly above the healthy 15% threshold, indicating housing costs are manageable though not ideal for all residents. Median home values of $139,600 relative to $56,566 in median income suggest homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Steady income supports incremental wealth-building

Saline County's near-average income position provides a foundation for modest but consistent wealth accumulation through homeownership and retirement savings. Residents should prioritize employer pension plans and tax-deferred accounts to leverage their moderate earnings into long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Saline County

via CrimeByCounty

Saline County Safety in National Context

Saline County holds a safety score of 96.7, which is slightly below the national average for safety. However, its total crime rate of 2,062.9 remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000 people.

Tracking Closely with Missouri Averages

The county's safety score of 96.7 is nearly identical to the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 2,062.9 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Safety Across the Region

With three agencies reporting data, Saline County shows a moderate crime profile compared to its rural neighbors. Residents experience higher levels of activity than in more isolated counties nearby.

Understanding Violent and Property Splits

Violent crime is 710.6 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,352.3, which is considerably lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Enhancing Home Security in Saline

Given that violent crime rates exceed national averages, high-quality home security systems are a wise investment. Staying connected with neighbors through local watch groups can also improve overall safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Saline County

via HealthByCounty

Saline County outperforms national benchmarks

Saline County's 74.8-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 78.8 years by falling only 4.0 years below it—among the best in this group. Just 18.8% of residents report poor or fair health, matching Ray County and significantly below the national 21% rate.

Saline leads Missouri on health metrics

At 74.8 years, Saline County's life expectancy edges above Missouri's 74.3-year state average, ranking it in the top tier of Missouri counties. The uninsured rate of 11.1% bests both the state average of 12.5% and the national average, indicating robust health coverage across the population.

Saline's success stands out regionally

Saline County's 74.8-year life expectancy outpaces all nearby counties—0.8 years ahead of Reynolds County (74.0 years) and 6.4 years ahead of Ripley County (68.4 years). With 52 primary care providers per 100K, Saline ranks second among these eight counties in physician availability.

Strong access meets strong coverage

Saline County residents enjoy 52 primary care providers per 100K and 143 mental health providers per 100K—above-average capacity for both primary and behavioral health. The 11.1% uninsured rate ensures most residents can translate available providers into actual care.

Saline leads—keep it that way

Even in Saline County's strong coverage environment, 11.1% remain uninsured. If you're among them, healthcare.gov makes enrollment quick and can show you free or low-cost plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Saline County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Saline Schools

Saline County operates a robust system of 18 public schools, serving a total population of 3,484 students. Eight different districts manage this diverse infrastructure, which includes 11 elementary schools and five high schools. This distributed network ensures that students across the county have local access to primary and secondary education.

Strong Graduation Success in Central Missouri

The county achieves an 88.6% graduation rate, outperforming the national benchmark of 87.0%. With per-pupil spending at $6,206, the county invests nearly as much as the Missouri state average of $6,334. A composite school score of 51.1 indicates a stable and effective learning environment for the region's youth.

Marshall District Anchors the County

The Marshall school district is the largest by far, serving 2,420 students across seven distinct schools. Other significant districts include Slater, which manages two schools for its 342 students. No charter schools exist in Saline County, meaning the vast majority of families rely on these eight established public districts.

Bridging Towns and Rural Landscapes

The county offers a mix of settings, with 11 schools in rural areas and seven located within town centers. Marshall Sr. High is the largest school with 765 students, while many rural elementary schools provide a much smaller, intimate atmosphere. This variety allows families to choose between larger town-based campuses or smaller rural environments.

Invest in a Home Near Top Schools

Saline County’s mix of town and rural school settings makes it a versatile choice for home buyers with children. Strong graduation rates and significant local investment in districts like Marshall provide peace of mind for parents. Start your home search here to benefit from a community that values its public education system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Saline County

via RiskByCounty

Saline County slightly exceeds national risk average

Saline County's composite risk score of 51.62 hovers just above the national average, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating with moderately balanced hazard exposure. The county's risk profile reflects meaningful tornado and earthquake threats alongside moderate flood exposure.

Just above Missouri's statewide average

Saline County's 51.62 composite score marginally exceeds Missouri's 50.56 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state disaster risk. The county ranks slightly higher-risk than some neighbors but lower than many counties in the state's southeastern regions.

More exposed than Ray County, less than Scott

Saline County's 51.62 score places it between Ray County (44.37) to the north and Scott County (80.09) to the southeast, reflecting moderate relative risk. Its tornado exposure (60.53) aligns more with statewide concerns than Ray's lower tornado profile.

Tornadoes and flooding lead the threats

Tornado risk (60.53) ranks as Saline County's top natural hazard, followed closely by flood risk (58.49) and earthquake exposure (60.15). Wildfire risk (30.15) remains below regional concerns, making wind and water the dominant hazard drivers in this county.

Secure comprehensive wind and flood coverage

Saline County homeowners should prioritize tornado and hail insurance, ensuring adequate wind-damage protection in their policies. Flood insurance is equally critical given the 58.49 flood risk score, and families should maintain updated emergency kits with storm shelter plans.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Saline County

via WeatherByCounty

Saline County mirrors the US climate average

The annual average temperature of 54.1°F is almost exactly in line with the national median. This reflects a balanced continental climate with four distinct and predictable seasons.

Positioned right at the Missouri state average

Saline County’s 54.1°F average is very close to the state mean of 54.9°F. Its 42.2 inches of annual precipitation is also within a few points of the 43.8-inch statewide average.

Consistent weather across the central plains

The county's climate data is nearly identical to Randolph County, which sits just to its northeast. Both regions deal with approximately 10 to 15 inches of snow and similar summer humidity levels.

Strong summer heat with moderate winter snow

The county sees 36 days above 90°F annually, typically concentrated in a hot July where averages hit 77.6°F. Winter brings a manageable 10.1 inches of snow and a January average of 27.9°F.

Prepare for significant seasonal transitions

The ten inches of annual snow requires basic winter gear, while the 36 heat days necessitate a reliable cooling system. Residents should plan for a wide range of outdoor activities given the temperate 54.1°F annual average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Saline County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH for Premier Agriculture

Saline County boasts a near-perfect average pH of 6.52, matching the national median and beating the state average of 6.09. The dominant taxonomic order is Alfisols, which are fertile, forest-derived soils known for their high nutrient levels. These loamy soils provide one of the best biological platforms in the state.

The Gold Standard Loam Texture

The soil is classified as a true loam, consisting of 61.2% silt and 22.0% clay with 16.6% sand. This balanced texture is widely considered the holy grail for gardeners because it retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. It offers excellent workability for tractors and hand tools alike.

Superior Water Retention and Fertility

The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.183, making these soils drought-resilient. While the organic matter of 2.58% is lower than the Missouri average, it remains well above the 2.0% national benchmark. This high-performing soil is a major driver of the county's agricultural productivity.

Well-Drained Fields for Healthy Roots

Classified as well drained, Saline County soils move water effectively through the profile to prevent root rot. As a member of hydrologic group C, the soil has a slow infiltration rate when wet, meaning surface management is key during heavy storms. This profile supports a wide variety of row crops and permanent landscape structures.

Top-Tier Growing in Zone 6b

A high soil score of 77.9 makes Saline County an elite location for growing corn, wheat, and diverse vegetable crops. In hardiness zone 6b, the soil's excellent water capacity allows for consistent yields even in mid-summer heat. Whether you are farming hundreds of acres or a small backyard plot, this soil is built for success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Saline County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable lawn conditions in Saline County

Saline County boasts a strong lawn difficulty score of 79.1, making it one of the easier places in Missouri to grow grass. This score is nearly 30 points higher than the national median, supported by the stable environment of Zone 6b. Homeowners benefit from a climate that balances growth potential with manageable maintenance.

Ideal precipitation and growth cycles

With 42.2 inches of annual precipitation, the county stays within the ideal range for sustaining turf without constant watering. There are 36 extreme heat days per year, which is right in line with the state average. The 3,906 growing degree days suggest a vigorous growing season that requires consistent mowing from spring through fall.

Excellent loam soil for healthy roots

The local soil pH of 6.52 is nearly perfect for lawn health, requiring very few chemical adjustments. Its loamy texture and well-drained classification provide an ideal environment for air and water to reach the root zone. This natural foundation supports thick, resilient turf that can withstand moderate foot traffic.

Resilient lawns despite dry spells

The county only faced 9 weeks of drought over the past year, significantly lower than many of its neighbors. While 100% of the area is currently listed as abnormally dry, none of the county is in severe drought. This resilience means that with basic water management, your lawn can remain green even during peak summer months.

Optimize growth between frost dates

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this soil and 6b climate. The best time to start is after the last spring frost on April 17 or during the prime fall seeding window starting in late October. Given the excellent soil pH and moderate climate, your lawn has a great head start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saline County's county score?
Saline County, Missouri has a composite county score of 42.8 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 Saline County rank among counties in Missouri?
Saline County ranks #90 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 Saline County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Saline County is $1,138, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Saline County a tax score of 52/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Saline County?
The median household income in Saline County, Missouri is $56,566 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Saline County earns an income score of 29/100 on CountyScore.
Is Saline County, Missouri a good place to live?
Saline County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Saline 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 Saline 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.