55.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.4Cost of Living 89.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Schuyler County, Missouri

Outperforming the national baseline

Schuyler County earns a composite score of 55.5, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher level of environmental and social stability than many other U.S. counties.

Leading the Missouri state average

The county's 55.5 score puts it ahead of the Missouri state average of 50.3. It is a strong performer in the northern part of the state, particularly regarding resource management.

Extreme resilience and low costs

Schuyler County boasts a massive Risk Score of 96.4 and a Cost Score of 89.9. Residents benefit from extremely low environmental risks and very affordable rent, which averages only $382 per month.

Income and safety hurdles

The Income Score of 27.7 and Safety Score of 29.1 highlight areas where the county is vulnerable. While the cost of living is low, the local job market and public safety metrics are currently lagging.

A resilient choice for families

Schuyler County is perfect for those seeking to minimize environmental risks while enjoying rock-bottom housing costs. It is an ideal spot for anyone prioritizing long-term regional stability over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax47.5Cost89.9Safety29.1Health40.4Schools60.7Income27.7Risk96.4Water86Weather51.5
🏛47.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠89.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡29.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
40.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓60.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
96.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤51.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨70.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱75.1
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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Deep Dives

Schuyler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Schuyler County

via TaxByCounty

Schuyler County has above-average tax rate

Schuyler County's effective tax rate of 0.871% exceeds both Missouri's state average of 0.733% and ranks in the top 30% nationally. The median property tax of $1,030 remains about 62% below the U.S. median of $2,690, placing Schuyler in the lower half nationally despite its relatively high rate.

Schuyler ranks among Missouri's highest taxes

Schuyler County has the highest effective tax rate among the eight counties reviewed at 0.871%, nearly 19% above Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The median tax bill of $1,030 sits just below the state median of $1,199, reflecting aggressive local taxation despite lower home values.

Schuyler leads region in tax rate

Schuyler County's 0.871% rate exceeds every neighboring county in this analysis, including Ray (0.818%), Saline (0.815%), and all the lower-tax rural counties to the south. This positions Schuyler as the region's most tax-intensive jurisdiction.

Median annual bill: $1,030

On Schuyler County's median home value of $118,200, homeowners pay approximately $1,030 annually in property taxes. Properties with mortgages typically carry $1,180 in escrow, while owners without mortgages pay $894.

Appeal overassessments to reduce burden

Schuyler County's high effective rate means overpayment stings more—many residents likely have inflated assessments. Requesting a reassessment and filing an appeal could substantially lower your annual tax obligation.

Cost of Living in Schuyler County

via CostByCounty

Schuyler County is a renter's bargain

Schuyler County's rent-to-income ratio of 8.2% ranks exceptionally well nationally, with renters spending less than half the national average share on housing. At just $382 monthly for median rent against a $56,023 median household income, this county delivers remarkable rental affordability.

Schuyler County leads Missouri on rental affordability

Schuyler County's 8.2% rent-to-income ratio crushes Missouri's state average of 15.6%, making it one of the state's most affordable rental markets. The combination of extremely low rent at $382 monthly and solid income of $56,023 creates exceptional housing value.

Schuyler County rents are exceptionally cheap

Schuyler County's $382 rent is less than half the state median of $768 and far below every comparable neighboring county, reflecting a distinctly rural, low-cost market. The median income of $56,023 ensures residents who work here enjoy unusual purchasing power for their rents.

Renters keep 91.8% of income after housing

Schuyler County renters spend just 8.2% of their $56,023 income on rent—roughly $4,600 annually—preserving substantial income for savings and other needs. Home buyers face ownership costs of $628 monthly with homes valued around $118,200, also exceptionally affordable compared to national standards.

Schuyler County: Missouri's affordability champion

If housing affordability is your primary concern, Schuyler County is a standout: $382 median rent, 8.2% rent-to-income ratio, and median income of $56,023 create unbeatable renter economics. The tradeoff is rural isolation, but remote workers and retirees will find extraordinary housing value here.

Income & Jobs in Schuyler County

via IncomeByCounty

Schuyler County moderately below national average

Schuyler County's median household income of $56,023 trails the national median of $74,755 by 25%, placing it in the lower-middle income tier. This gap is typical for rural Missouri counties where agricultural dominance and aging populations limit wage growth.

Slightly below Missouri's state average income

At $56,023, Schuyler County ranks in the lower half of Missouri counties, sitting 6% below the state average of $59,503. However, the county's per capita income of $23,774 trails the state average of $31,011 by 23%, suggesting concentrated wealth among fewer households.

Schuyler competes at lower-middle regional income

Schuyler County ($56,023) earns less than nearby Ray ($72,152) and Scotland ($67,568) but comparably to Saline ($56,566). Its position reflects a rural county with limited high-wage employment opportunities compared to counties with larger towns or industry clusters.

Exceptional housing affordability in Schuyler

Schuyler County boasts a remarkable rent-to-income ratio of just 8.2%, among Missouri's best, meaning housing costs consume minimal household budgets. This affordability advantage—with median home values of $118,200—creates significant opportunity for saving and wealth-building despite moderate incomes.

Low housing costs unlock wealth-building potential

Schuyler County residents enjoy a rare advantage: low housing costs relative to income, freeing up cash for emergency funds, investments, and retirement accounts. This favorable housing-to-income ratio makes the county an excellent place to build equity and establish long-term financial security despite earning below national averages.

Safety in Schuyler County

via CrimeByCounty

Schuyler County Ranks Above National Safety

Schuyler County earns a safety score of 97.3, indicating a safer environment than the national average. The total crime rate is 1,697.0 per 100,000 people, well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the Missouri Safety Benchmark

Schuyler County's safety score of 97.3 is higher than the Missouri average of 97.0. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state's average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

Local Safety with Single-Agency Data

Reporting comes from a single agency, so figures should be interpreted with caution. Compared to the rest of the state, the county remains a relatively quiet and low-crime area for residents.

Property Incidents Outpace Violent Crimes

Violent crime is low at 147.6 per 100,000 residents, less than half the national average of 369.8. Most local crime is property-related, occurring at a rate of 1,549.4 per 100,000 residents.

Prioritizing Property Security Efforts

Since property crime is the primary concern, securing garages and outbuildings should be a priority. Residents should stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local reporting agency.

Health in Schuyler County

via HealthByCounty

Schuyler life expectancy slightly below U.S.

At 73.7 years, Schuyler County residents live 5.1 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years, though the gap is narrower than several peer counties. Just 17.2% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among these eight counties—suggesting better disease management despite shorter lifespans.

Schuyler ranks near Missouri middle

Schuyler County's 73.7-year life expectancy falls 0.6 years below Missouri's 74.3-year state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's health rankings. At 13.5% uninsured, the county slightly exceeds the state average of 12.5%, affecting about 1 in 7 residents.

Schuyler stability amid regional variation

Schuyler County's 73.7-year life expectancy sits between Ray County (73.1 years) and Reynolds County (74.0 years), representing a stable middle ground for the region. Its 25 primary care providers per 100K matches Ray County and remains adequate for rural populations.

Solid primary care, limited mental health data

Schuyler County's 25 primary care providers per 100K provide reasonable access to routine care, though mental health provider data is unavailable for detailed assessment. The 13.5% uninsured rate suggests some residents may delay or forgo preventive visits due to cost concerns.

Make sure you're covered

With 13.5% of Schuyler County residents uninsured, exploring marketplace plans could reduce financial barriers to healthcare. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department about coverage options.

Schools in Schuyler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified and Focused Education in Schuyler

Schuyler County operates under a single, unified district model with two public schools serving 596 students. This streamlined infrastructure consists of one elementary school and one high school. By consolidating resources into one district, the county maintains a clear and consistent educational pathway from kindergarten through graduation.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Schuyler County excels academically with a 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state and national averages. The county invests $6,846 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Missouri average of $6,334. These high investment levels correlate with a strong composite school score of 55.8.

Schuyler County R-I: A Single District Focus

The Schuyler County R-I district manages 100% of the public school population across its two regional campuses. There are no charter schools, ensuring that all local educational resources are focused on this single district. This structure creates a very high level of community involvement and administrative accountability.

A Classic Rural School Environment

Education in Schuyler County is entirely rural, with both schools serving the local community in a quiet, dedicated setting. Schuyler Co. Elementary is the larger of the two with 354 students, while the high school maintains 242 students. This small-scale environment ensures that students and staff interact closely throughout their entire academic careers.

Exceptional Results in a Small Town Setting

If you are looking for a home in a district with top-tier graduation rates and high per-pupil spending, Schuyler County is a premier choice. The unified district model provides a rare level of educational consistency for growing families. Explore local real estate to find your place in this high-achieving rural community.

Disaster Risk in Schuyler County

via RiskByCounty

Schuyler County ranks among nation's safest

Schuyler County's composite risk score of just 3.63 places it among the lowest-risk counties in the United States, earning a 'Very Low' rating. This exceptional safety profile makes it a statistical outlier compared to typical U.S. counties across virtually all natural hazard categories.

Lowest-risk county in Missouri

Schuyler County's 3.63 composite score stands far below Missouri's 50.56 state average, making it by far the safest county in the state. No other Missouri county approaches Schuyler's remarkably low multi-hazard exposure.

Dramatically safer than regional peers

Schuyler County's 3.63 score is an outlier compared to neighboring Scotland County (32.95) and other surrounding counties, all of which carry substantially higher composite risk. The county enjoys a uniquely favorable natural disaster profile within north-central Missouri.

All hazards minimal, wildfire slightly elevated

Schuyler County faces remarkably low exposure across all natural hazards, with wildfire risk (41.16) representing the highest individual category—still below many county averages. Tornado (38.36), earthquake (21.09), and flood risks (6.14) all rank exceptionally low, making this county virtually safe from major natural disasters.

Standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient

Schuyler County residents enjoy exceptional safety, making standard homeowner insurance generally adequate for natural disaster protection. Property owners can focus preparedness efforts on routine maintenance and ensuring emergency communication plans rather than specialized hazard coverage, given the county's remarkably low overall risk profile.

Weather & Climate in Schuyler County

via WeatherByCounty

A snowy outlier in the mid-continent

While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, Schuyler County records 22.6 inches of snow, well above the national median. Its 40.7 inches of annual precipitation suggests a humid but cold environment.

One of Missouri's snowiest northern reaches

Schuyler County's 22.6 inches of annual snow is significantly higher than the state's central and southern regions. It receives slightly less total precipitation than the state average of 43.8 inches, indicating drier but colder winters.

Colder and snowier than its southern neighbors

Schuyler gets over twice as much snow as Saline County to the south. It shares a similar precipitation profile with Scotland County, emphasizing the cold, dry air typical of the Missouri-Iowa border.

Winter dominates the local weather cycle

Snowfall of 22.6 inches defines the winter season, which is among the highest in Missouri. While summer and heat day data are limited, the heavy snowfall suggests prolonged freezing periods during the winter months.

Invest in heavy-duty winter equipment

A high-quality snowblower and winter tires are essential for navigating the 22.6 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should also prioritize home insulation to combat the sharp northern Missouri winds.

Soil Quality in Schuyler County

via SoilByCounty

Fertile Alfisols for Northern Growers

Schuyler County is characterized by fine sandy loam Alfisols that are naturally rich in minerals. The average pH of 6.16 is slightly acidic but remains above the state average of 6.09, making it suitable for most Missouri crops. These soils are historically productive and form a stable foundation for the local ecosystem.

Light and Air-Filled Sandy Loams

The soil contains 52.9% silt and 22.4% sand, which creates a 'fine sandy loam' texture that is exceptionally easy to till. With 24.6% clay, it has enough binding power to hold nutrients while maintaining plenty of pore space for oxygen. This mix is ideal for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that prefer lighter ground.

Productive Soils with Strong Moisture

At 3.01%, the organic matter content is solidly above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.200 in/in also beats the state average, providing a reliable buffer against dry spells. This combination ensures that the soil can support vigorous plant growth throughout the northern Missouri summer.

Efficient Drainage and Moderate Infiltration

These soils are well drained and belong to hydrologic group B, which means they have a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wetted. This is a superior classification for drainage compared to many neighboring counties, reducing the risk of standing water. It makes the land highly versatile for residential building and intensive gardening.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 6a

A strong soil score of 70.2 indicates high agricultural potential in this zone 6a climate. The soil’s texture and water capacity are perfect for cool-season crops and hardy perennials alike. Dig into these fine sandy loams and take advantage of the excellent drainage to start your garden early.

Lawn Care in Schuyler County

via LawnByCounty

Steady success in Northern Missouri

Schuyler County offers a welcoming environment for lawns with a difficulty score of 75.1. This is well above both the national average of 50.0 and the Missouri state average of 63.7. In Hardiness Zone 6a, the cooler northern temperatures help prevent the mid-summer burnout common in southern counties.

Reliable rainfall for cool-season turf

The county receives 40.7 inches of rain annually, which is slightly below the state average but still optimal for grass growth. Although specific temperature and heat day data are limited, the 6a zone designation indicates a shorter, cooler growing season. This usually results in a more manageable mowing schedule compared to the hotter southern regions.

Well-balanced fine sandy loam

The soil pH stands at 6.16, placing it safely within the ideal range for most Missouri grass species. A fine sandy loam texture with 24.6% clay ensures that the soil stays well-drained while still holding onto necessary nutrients. This soil structure is excellent for developing deep, healthy root systems with minimal prep work.

Managing 21 weeks of dry weather

Schuyler County has navigated 21 weeks of drought over the last year, with all areas currently considered abnormally dry. Fortunately, no part of the county is under severe drought (D2+) conditions right now. Maintaining a higher mowing height during these periods is a practical way to protect the soil from drying out.

Starting your 6a northern lawn

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are the top recommendations for this northern climate. While specific frost dates are not provided, residents should generally aim for late August to September for the most successful seeding. The combination of good soil and high difficulty scores makes this a great place to start a lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schuyler County's county score?
Schuyler County, Missouri has a composite county score of 55.5 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 Schuyler County rank among counties in Missouri?
Schuyler County ranks #37 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 Schuyler County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Schuyler County is $1,030, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Schuyler County a tax score of 47.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schuyler County?
The median household income in Schuyler County, Missouri is $56,023 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schuyler County earns an income score of 27.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schuyler County, Missouri a good place to live?
Schuyler County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Schuyler 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 Schuyler County with other counties side by side.