countyscore
53.6
County Score
Safety 82.7Property Tax 69.5Weather & 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.

2040608010069.551.682.72943.84219.922.961.6Tax69.5Cost51.6Safety82.7Health29Schools43.8Income42Risk19.9Water22.9Weather61.653.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Scott County DNA

Foverall

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

Scott County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (82.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (22.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.5+17.5
Cost
51.6
Safety
82.7+27.700000000000003
Health
29-21
Schools
43.8-10.200000000000003
Income
42-9
Risk
19.9-27.1
Water
22.9-35.1
Weather
61.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$873/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,782/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.2

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Alexander County
Illinois
61
Cape Girardeau County
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42.9
Mississippi County
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37.4
Stoddard County
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Ballard County
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Pulaski County
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Union County
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Bollinger County
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Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 53.6 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 Scott County rank among counties in Missouri?
Scott County ranks #49 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 $957, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Missouri is $62,782 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 42/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Missouri a good place to live?
Scott County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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