countyscore
60.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Soil Quality 78.1Cost of Living 76.4

County Report Card

About Scotland County, Missouri

Strong performance on national scale

Scotland County's composite score of 60.6 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top tier of counties for overall quality of life and community stability.

Leading Missouri in key metrics

The county easily surpasses the Missouri state average of 50.3 with its 60.6 score. It is a standout performer in northern Missouri, combining economic health with personal safety.

Exceptional safety and solid income

The county features a near-perfect Safety Score of 97.5 and a healthy Income Score of 60.5. With a median household income of $67,568, residents enjoy both financial security and peace of mind.

Water quality is a concern

A Water Score of only 8.4 is the county's primary weakness, indicating potential issues with local supply or quality. While other metrics are high, infrastructure related to water needs significant improvement.

Best for safety-first families

Scotland County is an excellent fit for families who prioritize one of the safest environments in the nation alongside respectable local wages. It offers a rare combination of security and economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax49.3Cost76.4Safety97.5Health32.7Schools40.6Income60.5Risk67.1Water8.4Weather48
🏛49.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨78.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.4
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

Schuyler County
Missouri
55.5
Davis County
Iowa
56
Van Buren County
Iowa
60.6
Knox County
Missouri
66
Clark County
Missouri
55.1
Adair County
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Appanoose County
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Lewis County
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62.1

Deep Dives

Scotland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scotland County

via TaxByCounty

Scotland County taxes run above state norm

Scotland County's effective tax rate of 0.845% exceeds Missouri's state average of 0.733% by roughly 15%, positioning residents above the state baseline. The median property tax of $1,192 remains far below the national median of $2,690, ranking Scotland in approximately the 35th percentile nationally.

Scotland ranks in upper Missouri tier

Scotland County's effective rate of 0.845% places it among Missouri's higher-tax counties, about 15% above the state average of 0.733%. The median tax bill of $1,192 is just shy of the state median of $1,199, making Scotland one of the state's pricier jurisdictions relative to home values.

Scotland sits among region's highest taxes

Scotland County's 0.845% rate ranks second-highest in this analysis after Schuyler (0.871%), placing it well above Ray (0.818%), Saline (0.815%), and dramatically higher than the low-tax rural counties. Scotland clearly belongs in the region's upper-tax cluster.

Median annual bill: $1,192

On Scotland County's median home value of $141,100, homeowners pay roughly $1,192 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically see $1,231 in escrow, while outright owners pay $1,119.

Review and appeal your assessment

Scotland County homeowners should carefully review their property assessments, as overvaluation is common. A timely appeal costs nothing and can reduce your annual tax bill if your home is assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scotland County

via CostByCounty

Scotland County offers exceptional rental value

Scotland County's rent-to-income ratio of 9.2% significantly outperforms national trends, with renters dedicating less than two-thirds the typical national share to housing. At $516 monthly rent against a median household income of $67,568, this county combines low costs with above-average income stability.

Scotland County ranks among Missouri's best

Scotland County's 9.2% rent-to-income ratio substantially beats Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. The median income of $67,568 further strengthens housing affordability here.

Scotland County combines low rent and solid income

Scotland County's $516 rent undercuts the state median of $768 by nearly one-third, and its $67,568 median income tops most neighboring counties. This combination creates the region's strongest rental affordability profile.

Housing takes just 9.2% of household income

Scotland County renters allocate 9.2% of their $67,568 income to rent—less than $6,200 annually—leaving ample resources for utilities, savings, and discretionary spending. Home buyers encounter ownership costs of $809 monthly with median home values of $141,100, also highly accessible relative to income.

Scotland County balances affordability and income

Scotland County deserves serious consideration for relocating renters: $516 monthly rent, 9.2% rent-to-income ratio, and $67,568 median income create exceptional affordability without sacrificing income stability. This county combines the best of both worlds—cheap housing and earning power.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scotland County

via IncomeByCounty

Scotland County approaches national income levels

Scotland County's median household income of $67,568 approaches the national median of $74,755, falling just 10% short and placing it in the upper-middle tier. This strong performance reflects a county economy anchored by diverse employers and residents with higher educational attainment.

Top earner among Missouri counties

Scotland County ranks in Missouri's top 25% of counties with a median household income of $67,568—13% above the state average of $59,503. Its per capita income of $30,417 also exceeds Missouri's $31,011 average, signaling both higher individual wages and broader earning opportunities.

Scotland leads regional income performance

At $67,568, Scotland County outperforms all nearby counties except Ray ($72,152), positioning it as an economic leader in its region. This income advantage suggests stronger schools, more stable employment, or larger employers drawing skilled workers to the area.

Excellent housing affordability combined with strong income

Scotland County residents enjoy a rent-to-income ratio of just 9.2%, far below the 15% threshold, meaning housing costs take minimal household share. Median home values of $141,100 paired with strong incomes create an ideal affordability environment for homebuyers and renters alike.

Strong income and low housing costs fuel savings

Scotland County's combination of above-state-average earnings and exceptional housing affordability positions residents well for aggressive wealth-building through investing and homeownership. With favorable housing-to-income dynamics and higher per capita income, households here can comfortably contribute to retirement accounts, college funds, and investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scotland County

via CrimeByCounty

Unique National Safety in Scotland County

Scotland County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, with zero crimes recorded in 2022. This is a dramatic contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 residents.

Missouri's Top-Ranked Safety Profile

With no reported crimes, Scotland County far exceeds the state safety average of 97.0. Its reported crime rate of 0.0 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

A Statistical Outlier for the Region

Three reporting agencies indicate a total lack of crime activity, making it a statistical leader among neighbors. While this reflects reported data, it suggests an exceptionally quiet community compared to the surrounding area.

Zero Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Both violent and property crime rates are recorded at 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This pristine record is far below the national averages of 369.8 for violent crime and 2,015.7 for property crime.

Staying Safe in a High-Safety County

Even with no reported crimes, maintaining standard home security habits is a good practice. Vigilance helps ensure that Scotland County remains a safe haven for all of its residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scotland County

via HealthByCounty

Scotland extends life, but coverage lags

Scotland County's 76.5-year life expectancy is the highest among these eight counties and only 2.3 years below the U.S. average of 78.8 years. However, its 23.0% uninsured rate—the worst in this group—means nearly 1 in 4 residents lack health coverage despite decent longevity metrics.

Scotland tops Missouri on life expectancy

At 76.5 years, Scotland County's life expectancy surpasses Missouri's 74.3-year state average by 2.2 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties by this measure. Yet the 23.0% uninsured rate nearly doubles Missouri's 12.5% average, creating a paradox of health and healthcare access.

Scotland leads on longevity, struggles on coverage

Scotland County's 76.5-year life expectancy is the highest in the region, nearly 3 years ahead of Saline County (74.8 years). Paradoxically, its 23.0% uninsured rate is 7.7 percentage points above neighboring Reynolds County (15.3%), suggesting structural barriers to insurance enrollment.

Elite provider access, but affordability barrier

Scotland County boasts 171 primary care providers per 100K—by far the highest in this group—yet 23.0% remain uninsured, likely unable to afford care despite availability. This mismatch suggests affordability, not access, is the primary barrier to health insurance in Scotland County.

Scotland residents: check eligibility now

Despite excellent provider availability, Scotland County's 23% uninsured rate is the highest in this group and demands action. Visit healthcare.gov to see if subsidies or Medicaid make coverage affordable for your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scotland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Learning in Scotland County

Scotland County maintains a focused educational system with two public schools serving a total of 547 students. A single school district manages the county’s infrastructure, which is divided into one elementary and one high school. This structure provides an average school size of 274 students, ensuring a personalized experience.

High Investment Despite Graduation Challenges

The county invests a notable $7,879 per pupil, well above the Missouri state average of $6,334 and the national median. While the graduation rate currently sits at 84.0%, the composite school score of 52.3 remains on par with state performance. This high level of funding demonstrates a strong local commitment to improving student outcomes.

One District, One Mission

Scotland County R-I is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all 547 enrolled students. There are zero charter schools, which allows the community to focus its entire support system on this single district. Residents benefit from a clear, direct relationship with their local school board and administrators.

The Heart of a Rural Community

Both schools in the county are located in rural settings, reflecting the area's peaceful and agrarian character. Scotland Co. Elementary serves 311 students, making it the largest building in the district. This 100% rural landscape offers a stable and traditional environment for students to grow and learn together.

Join a Dedicated Rural School District

Home buyers in Scotland County will find a community that invests heavily in its youth through its single, centralized district. The high per-pupil expenditure makes this an attractive area for those who value well-funded public services. Start your journey toward a home in this dedicated rural educational environment today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scotland County

via RiskByCounty

Scotland County carries below-average risk nationally

Scotland County's composite risk score of 32.95 sits well below the national average, earning a 'Very Low' rating overall. The county's favorable profile reflects minimal flood and earthquake exposure, though wildfire and tornado threats remain moderate regional concerns.

Among Missouri's safest counties

Scotland County's 32.95 composite score ranks significantly below Missouri's 50.56 state average, placing it solidly in the state's lower-risk tier. Only a handful of Missouri counties—notably Schuyler—carry lower overall natural disaster exposure.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Scotland County's 32.95 score outperforms neighboring Ray County (44.37), Saline County (51.62), and most other regional peers in terms of overall safety. Its low flood risk (18.26) particularly sets it apart from counties along major river systems.

Wildfire risk stands above other threats

Wildfire risk (55.15) represents Scotland County's most significant natural hazard exposure, though still moderate compared to national wildfire-prone regions. Tornado risk (51.78) ranks second, with flood (18.26), earthquake (30.28), and hurricane (19.90) threats all remaining well below statewide averages.

Focus on wildfire defense and maintenance

Scotland County homeowners should maintain defensible space around structures by clearing dead vegetation and tree branches, reducing wildfire risk. Standard homeowner insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but ensuring adequate coverage limits and maintaining property inspections provides the best protection in this relatively low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scotland County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler temperatures on the northern plains

With an average annual temperature of 50.6°F, Scotland County is notably cooler than the national median. It experiences a true northern continental climate with cold winters and mild summers.

Much cooler than the Missouri average

Scotland County sits more than four degrees below the state average temperature of 54.9°F. Its 37.3 inches of annual precipitation is also significantly lower than the statewide average of 43.8 inches.

The dry corner of the state

Compared to Ray County's 42.1 inches of rain, Scotland County is much drier at 37.3 inches. It shares the high-snowfall characteristic of its neighbor Schuyler, recording 19.3 inches annually.

Deep winters and shorter heat waves

Winter temperatures average a frigid 26.5°F, with 19.3 inches of snow falling each year. Summer is comparatively mild, with only 25 days reaching above 90°F and a July average of 75.1°F.

Prepare for cold snaps and snowy roads

Reliable heating is the top priority here, as January temperatures average just 23.1°F. Stock up on winter supplies early to handle the nearly 20 inches of snow that can disrupt travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scotland County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Ground for Northern Fields

Scotland County boasts an impressive soil score of 78.1, one of the highest in the region. The average pH of 6.38 is nearly neutral, sitting comfortably between the state average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical balance suggests a highly productive environment.

A Silty Foundation for Agriculture

The soil contains a heavy 59.9% silt and 23.5% clay, providing a smooth texture with significant nutrient-holding capacity. With sand making up 16.6% of the profile, the soil remains stable and less prone to shifting than sandier regions. This composition is typical of the fertile plains found in this part of Missouri.

Superior Water Storage for Dry Years

The available water capacity stands at 0.214 in/in, well above the Missouri average of 0.183. This high capacity helps crops survive during August heatwaves when rainfall can be scarce. Organic matter is also healthy at 2.72%, exceeding the national 2.0% benchmark and supporting active soil biology.

Managing Saturated Subaqueous Conditions

The county's soil is classified as subaqueous, suggesting that certain areas remain saturated or are influenced by shallow water tables. While specific hydrologic group data is unavailable, this classification often requires careful tile drainage for large-scale farming. Gardeners should consider raised beds in lower-lying areas to ensure root health.

Grow Boldly in Zone 6a

In hardiness zone 6a, this high-scoring soil is a powerhouse for growing corn, soybeans, and large-scale vegetable gardens. The high water capacity and balanced pH provide an forgiving environment for beginner gardeners and experts alike. Start your seeds indoors to maximize the potential of this elite Missouri soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scotland County

via LawnByCounty

Above-average lawn potential in Scotland County

Scotland County earns a solid lawn difficulty score of 76.4, making it more favorable than 76% of counties nationwide. Its 6a hardiness zone provides a climate where cool-season grasses can flourish with standard care. It outperforms the Missouri state average, offering a relatively low-stress experience for homeowners.

Cooler summers and moderate rainfall

With only 25 extreme heat days annually, Scotland County is much cooler than the state average of 37 days. It receives 37.3 inches of precipitation, which is on the lower end of the state average but still sufficient for healthy growth. A lower count of 3,317 growing degree days means your grass grows at a steady, manageable pace.

Navigating subaqueous drainage conditions

The soil pH is a healthy 6.38, meaning most nutrients are readily available to your grass. However, the drainage is classified as subaqueous, which is unusual for residential areas and may indicate potential for standing water or saturated roots. You may need to incorporate core aeration or drainage improvements to keep the soil oxygenated.

Steady management through 21 dry weeks

The county has faced 21 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Despite this, there is no severe drought (D2+) present, suggesting that typical seasonal dry spells are manageable. Targeted watering during the early morning can help bridge the gap during the drier summer months.

The April to October growing window

The local frost-free window runs from April 23 to October 17, providing ample time for seeding and establishment. Kentucky Bluegrass is a popular choice for this zone due to its ability to handle the cooler 6a winters. Start your lawn prep in early fall to take advantage of the most favorable growing conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scotland County's county score?
Scotland County, Missouri has a composite county score of 60.6 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 Scotland County rank among counties in Missouri?
Scotland County ranks #16 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 Scotland County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Scotland County is $1,192, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Scotland County a tax score of 49.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scotland County?
The median household income in Scotland County, Missouri is $67,568 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scotland County earns an income score of 60.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scotland County, Missouri a good place to live?
Scotland County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Scotland 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 Scotland County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.