countyscore
54
County Score
Safety 82.7Property Tax 68.4Weather & Climate 61.6

County Report Card

About Scott County, Missouri

Better than the national average

Scott County scores a 54.0 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This suggests a generally positive living environment with several competitive advantages.

Beating the Missouri state average

With a score of 54.0, Scott County ranks above the Missouri state average of 50.3. It serves as a reliable and stable hub for residents in the southeastern part of the state.

High safety and moderate taxes

The county excels with a Safety Score of 82.7 and a Tax Score of 68.4. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.651%, making it a financially attractive place to own a home.

Risk and water infrastructure gaps

Low scores in Risk (19.9) and Water (22.9) suggest the county is vulnerable to environmental hazards and water quality issues. These infrastructure and natural risk factors are the county's main drawbacks.

Ideal for tax-sensitive homeowners

Scott County is a great choice for those who want low crime and affordable taxes in a traditional Missouri setting. It suits residents who can prepare for or overlook higher environmental risk factors.

Score breakdown

Tax68.4Cost56Safety82.7Health29Schools43.8Income34.9Risk19.9Water22.9Weather61.6
🏛68.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.6
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

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County taxes fall near state average

Scott County's effective tax rate of 0.651% sits modestly below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, offering residents slightly favorable conditions. The median property tax of $936 is only 35% of the national median of $2,690, placing Scott County in the bottom 40% nationally.

Scott County taxes run slightly below state

Scott County's effective rate of 0.651% is about 11% below Missouri's state average of 0.733%, positioning it in the middle-to-lower tier. The median tax bill of $936 lags the state median of $1,199 by $263, reflecting a modest tax advantage.

Scott balances mid-range among neighbors

Scott County's 0.651% rate places it in the middle of this regional comparison—higher than the low-tax rural counties (Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon) but substantially lower than the high-tax cluster (Ray, Saline, Scotland, Schuyler). This makes Scott a moderate-tax jurisdiction.

Median annual bill: $936

On Scott County's median home value of $143,700, homeowners pay approximately $936 annually in property taxes. Properties with mortgages typically carry $983 in escrow, while owners without mortgages pay $869.

Don't skip assessment review

Scott County homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate, even in a relatively moderate-tax county. If your property is overvalued, filing an appeal can provide additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County rents test household finances

Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% exceeds both national and Missouri state averages, with renters dedicating a larger-than-typical share of income to housing costs. At $809 monthly rent against a median household income of $58,847, affordability here is moderately constrained.

Scott County exceeds Missouri's affordability average

Scott County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio surpasses Missouri's 15.6% state average, ranking it in the state's less affordable tier. The county's median income of $58,847 and $809 rent create above-average housing pressures.

Scott County rents run higher than state median

Scott County's $809 rent exceeds the state median of $768, and while the county's $58,847 median income is respectable, it's below several neighboring counties' earning levels. The 16.5% rent-to-income ratio reflects this imbalance.

Housing takes 16.5% of household income

Scott County renters devote 16.5% of their $58,847 annual income to rent—approximately $9,700 yearly—moderately straining household budgets. Home buyers face ownership costs of $823 monthly with median values of $143,700, requiring similar budget discipline.

Scott County requires careful housing budgeting

Scott County suits relocators with flexible budgets or higher incomes than its $58,847 median, as the 16.5% rent-to-income ratio leaves less margin for error. However, the $143,700 median home value and home-buying path may offer better long-term economics than renting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott County moderately below national income

Scott County's median household income of $58,847 trails the national median of $74,755 by 21%, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. This gap reflects a rural county economy where regional manufacturing and agriculture offer lower wage scales than national urban centers.

Slightly below Missouri's state average

At $58,847, Scott County ranks slightly below Missouri's $59,503 state average, placing it near the middle of the state's 115 counties. Per capita income of $32,341 exceeds the state average of $31,011, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution with some higher-earning households.

Scott County earns in the regional middle range

Scott County ($58,847) sits between lower-income neighbors like Saline ($56,566) and Schuyler ($56,023), but trails higher performers Ray ($72,152) and Scotland ($67,568). This mid-range position reflects modest employer diversity within a rural county setting.

Housing costs require careful budgeting

A rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% exceeds the healthy 15% benchmark, meaning housing consumes a notable share of household budgets in Scott County. With median home values at $143,700, residents should carefully plan homeownership and monitor rent expenses against income.

Build wealth through disciplined financial planning

Scott County residents earning $58,847 should prioritize budgeting tools and employer retirement benefits to offset tight housing costs and build savings. Per capita income of $32,341 positions individual earners reasonably well for investment in education, skills, and retirement accounts that compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County Boasts Exceptional National Safety

Scott County earns a very high safety score of 99.4, placing it well above national norms. Its total crime rate of 409.9 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000 people.

A Leader in Missouri State Safety

The county's safety score of 99.4 far exceeds the Missouri average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 409.9 is also much lower than the state's average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

Highly Reliable Regional Safety Data

Eight reporting agencies provide data for Scott County, confirming its status as a very safe region. Compared to its Missouri neighbors, the county offers a remarkably secure environment with low crime activity.

Consistently Low Violent and Property Rates

Violent crime is low at 65.7 per 100,000, and property crime is only 344.2. Both figures are drastically lower than national averages, indicating a high level of safety across all categories.

Maintaining Peace of Mind at Home

Because crime rates are so low, residents can enjoy significant peace of mind. Continuing to lock vehicles and secure homes will help maintain these impressive safety statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Scott County

via HealthByCounty

Scott County life expectancy trails nationally

At 72.6 years, Scott County residents live 6.2 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years, marking it among the poorest-performing counties nationally. One-fifth (20.9%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national 21% benchmark and indicating widespread chronic disease burden.

Scott ranks near bottom statewide

Scott County's 72.6-year life expectancy lags Missouri's 74.3-year state average by 1.7 years, placing it in the lower half of Missouri's 114 counties. The 12.6% uninsured rate nearly matches Missouri's 12.5% average, showing no coverage advantage despite health challenges.

Scott struggles amid mixed regional picture

Scott County's 72.6-year life expectancy is the second-lowest among these eight counties, only beating Ripley County (68.4 years) and well below Saline County (74.8 years) just to the north. Its 50 primary care providers per 100K rank second regionally, suggesting capacity is available but may not translate to better outcomes.

Strong mental health, weak overall outcomes

Scott County's 214 mental health providers per 100K is the second-highest in this group, yet its 72.6-year life expectancy is near the bottom, suggesting unmet needs beyond behavioral health. The 12.6% uninsured rate and 50 primary care providers per 100K indicate reasonable access that may not address underlying social determinants of health.

Secure coverage to improve health

Scott County residents facing life expectancy challenges should prioritize healthcare coverage and preventive care. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health department to explore plans and services that address your family's specific health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Active School Infrastructure

Scott County supports a significant student population of 6,109 across 22 public schools. Six different school districts manage this extensive network, which includes nine elementary, four middle, and eight high schools. With an average of 291 students per school, the county offers a well-populated and energetic learning environment.

Impressive Graduation Rates and Balanced Scores

Scott County achieves a high graduation rate of 92.6%, comfortably beating both state and national averages. The county maintains this success with per-pupil spending of $6,009 and holds a composite school score of 52.8. These metrics indicate a successful system that efficiently converts local funding into academic achievement.

Major Districts Serving Scott County

Scott Co. R-IV is the largest listed district with 923 students, followed by Scott City R-I and Chaffee R-II. While not listed as the largest district overall, Sikeston Senior High alone serves a massive 1,009 students, anchoring the local high school scene. Public education is the exclusive model here, with no charter schools in operation.

From Busy Towns to Quiet Rural Schools

The county features 14 schools in town locales and 8 in rural settings, offering families a variety of lifestyles. Sikeston Senior High is the largest institution with over 1,000 students, creating a vibrant, large-school feel. Conversely, many rural schools provide a tighter-knit experience within the county's six-district system.

Find Your Home in a Top-Graduating County

With graduation rates exceeding 92%, Scott County is a premier destination for families prioritizing high school success. The blend of larger town districts and smaller rural schools offers the flexibility to find the perfect fit for your children. Explore the local real estate market to find a home near these high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County faces exceptional tornado and earthquake risks

Scott County's composite risk score of 80.09 far exceeds the national average, representing one of the highest-risk counties in the United States. Tornado risk (89.92) and earthquake exposure (96.15) are particularly extreme, making this a hazard hotspot even by national standards.

Highest-risk county in Missouri

Scott County's 80.09 composite score dramatically exceeds Missouri's 50.56 state average, ranking it as the state's highest-risk county by a significant margin. The county's combined tornado and earthquake exposure is unmatched within Missouri.

Far exceeds risk levels of regional counties

Scott County's 80.09 score towers over neighboring Ray County (44.37), Saline County (51.62), and all other surrounding counties in the region. Its 89.92 tornado score and 96.15 earthquake rating are exceptional even within the broader Midwest context.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate threats

Tornadoes (89.92) and earthquakes (96.15) represent Scott County's two most serious natural hazard threats, both reaching near-extreme exposure levels. Hurricane risk (40.09) and flood risk (48.95) rank distant third and fourth, while wildfire remains minimal (11.29).

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Scott County residents must secure robust tornado and hail insurance with high coverage limits, and earthquake insurance is absolutely critical given the 96.15 exposure score. A reinforced safe room or basement shelter, combined with updated emergency plans and regular insurance reviews, represents the essential foundation of disaster preparedness in this highest-risk Missouri county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical warmth in Southeast Missouri

Scott County's 58.6°F annual average is among the warmest in the Midwest and exceeds the national median. This climate is defined by long, hot summers and very short, mild winters.

One of Missouri's warmest regions

At 58.6°F, Scott County is nearly four degrees warmer than the Missouri state average. It also receives 48.8 inches of precipitation, making it significantly wetter than the northern half of the state.

Echoing the humid Ozark border climate

Scott County shares a similar warmth and high rainfall profile with Ripley County. However, it receives even less snow, with only 3.1 inches compared to the 15-20 inches seen in northern Missouri.

Intense summer heat and minimal snow

Residents face a grueling 52 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. July averages hit 80.2°F, while winters remain mild with a January average of 35.3°F and very little snow.

Focus on extreme heat and humidity

High-efficiency cooling and dehumidification are essential to survive the 52 days of extreme heat. While winter gear isn't a major priority, waterproof boots are helpful for the 48.8 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Lowlands of the Bootheel

Scott County features a unique soil profile with an average pH of 6.21, which is healthier than the state average of 6.09. Although taxonomic data is limited, the chemical makeup is well-suited for the diverse agriculture of southeastern Missouri. These soils represent a transition from the Ozark uplands to the alluvial plains.

High Sand Content for Fast Drainage

At 35.1% sand, this soil is significantly grittier than the state average, which aids in rapid drainage and easy tilling. It is balanced by 46.2% silt and 18.8% clay, giving it enough body to hold its shape. This texture is ideal for crops that dislike 'wet feet' and require frequent aeration.

Moderate Fertility and Standard Moisture

The organic matter content is 1.75%, which falls below both the national 2.0% and state 4.74% averages. However, the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is almost identical to the Missouri state average. This suggests that while moisture retention is standard, adding organic amendments like compost will greatly benefit local gardens.

Subaqueous Soils with Unique Water Needs

Classified as subaqueous, these soils are often found in areas with high water tables or consistent saturation. Because sand content is high, water moves quickly through the upper layers even if the deeper ground stays wet. This makes the county suitable for specific delta-style agriculture where water management is a primary focus.

A Long Growing Season in Zone 7a

Scott County’s location in zone 7a allows for an extended growing season, perfect for cotton, melons, and early spring vegetables. The sandy texture and warm climate mean you can get into the garden earlier in the spring than most of Missouri. With a soil score of 54.2, focused nutrient management will turn these sandy loams into a lush paradise.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

A moderate challenge in Southeastern Missouri

Scott County scores 54.6 for lawn difficulty, placing it slightly above the national median but below the Missouri state average. As a Zone 7a region, it faces longer summers and more heat than the northern parts of the state. Growing a perfect lawn here requires a shift toward more heat-tolerant practices and species.

High heat and a long growing season

Residents must manage 52 extreme heat days over 90°F, significantly exceeding the state average of 37. The 4,697 growing degree days indicate a very long and fast-paced growing season fueled by 48.8 inches of rain. This combination creates high humidity and rapid growth, often requiring more frequent mowing and disease monitoring.

Sandy soil with drainage considerations

The soil features a high sand content of 35.1% and a healthy pH of 6.21, which allows for good nutrient availability. While the drainage is listed as subaqueous, the high sand percentage generally helps move water through the surface quickly. Lawns here may require more frequent, lighter fertilization because nutrients can leach through sandy soils faster.

Consistent moisture despite dry alerts

The county endured 18 weeks of drought over the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. However, the lack of any severe (D2+) drought area makes it more resilient than much of the state. Utilizing the 48.8 inches of natural rainfall effectively through rain barrels or smart irrigation is key.

Selecting for heat in Zone 7a

With a long season from April 5 to November 6, heat-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Tall Fescue are the best performers. These species can handle the 52 days of high heat better than traditional northern varieties. Early April is the ideal time to start new projects as the ground warms up.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Missouri has a composite county score of 54 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 Scott County rank among counties in Missouri?
Scott County ranks #44 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 Scott County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $936, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 68.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Missouri is $58,847 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 34.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Missouri a good place to live?
Scott County scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott 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.