countyscore
56.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.4Cost of Living 90.5Water 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.

2040608010051.790.529.140.460.737.596.48651.5Tax51.7Cost90.5Safety29.1Health40.4Schools60.7Income37.5Risk96.4Water86Weather51.556.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Schuyler County DNA

Foverall

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

Schuyler County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (29.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.7
Cost
90.5+42.5
Safety
29.1-25.9
Health
40.4-9.600000000000001
Schools
60.7
Income
37.5-13.5
Risk
96.4+49.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
51.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Schuyler County?

Many homeowners in Schuyler County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$137,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$382/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$137,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$15,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,205/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

49.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Schuyler County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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 56.7 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 #34 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 $1,083, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Schuyler County a tax score of 51.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schuyler County?
The median household income in Schuyler County, Missouri is $61,205 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schuyler County earns an income score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schuyler County, Missouri a good place to live?
Schuyler County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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