countyscore
61.3
County Score
Property Tax 91.9Cost of Living 86.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Shannon County, Missouri

Robust scores in a national view

Shannon County earns a composite score of 61.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of overall livability that rivals many top-performing U.S. counties.

A premier Missouri destination

The county's 61.3 score significantly beats the Missouri state average of 50.3. It is one of the more desirable rural counties in the state, offering a unique blend of resources.

Tax relief and great water

Shannon County thrives with a Tax Score of 91.9 and a Water Score of 86.0. Its effective tax rate of 0.432% is exceptionally low, and housing remains very affordable with a Cost Score of 86.3.

Health access is limited

A Health Score of 20.0 remains the county's primary challenge, reflecting limited medical infrastructure in the area. Improving healthcare access is vital for supporting the county's aging or growing populations.

Perfect for nature-loving savers

Shannon County is an ideal match for those looking for rock-bottom taxes and high-quality natural resources. It is perfect for self-reliant individuals who want to stretch their dollar in the scenic Ozarks.

Score breakdown

Tax91.9Cost86.3Safety60.5Health20Schools49.8Income35.6Risk42.5Water86Weather54.1
🏛91.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.7
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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Counties with similar scores

Henry County
Indiana
Median income: $60,144
61.3
Jay County
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Median income: $54,114
61.3
Owen County
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Median income: $59,586
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Louisa County
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Bracken County
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Floyd County
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Median income: $41,582
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Dukes County
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Median income: $102,348
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Chariton County
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Median income: $63,307
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Nearby counties

Reynolds County
Missouri
66.2
Carter County
Missouri
57.5
Dent County
Missouri
55.5
Oregon County
Missouri
60
Iron County
Missouri
59.3
Texas County
Missouri
50.3
Howell County
Missouri
49.1
Ripley County
Missouri
49.8

Deep Dives

Shannon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shannon County

via TaxByCounty

Shannon County offers lowest regional taxes

Shannon County's effective tax rate of 0.432% ranks among the lowest in the nation, nearly 41% below Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The median property tax of $652 is less than one-quarter the national median of $2,690, placing Shannon in the bottom 5% nationally.

Shannon ranks as Missouri's second-lowest

Shannon County's effective rate of 0.432% is the second-lowest in this analysis (only Reynolds at 0.461% is lower), roughly 41% below Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The median tax bill of $652 is just over half the state median of $1,199, offering substantial relief to residents.

Shannon leads region in tax savings

Shannon County's 0.432% rate is the lowest in this eight-county comparison, beating Reynolds (0.461%) and Ripley (0.501%) and massively undercutting the higher-tax counties. This positions Shannon as the region's most tax-efficient jurisdiction.

Median annual bill: $652

On Shannon County's median home value of $151,000, homeowners pay roughly $652 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically see $739 in escrow, while outright owners pay $595.

Verify accuracy despite low rates

Even in Missouri's most tax-efficient county, it's worth confirming your assessment is correct. A property assessment review ensures you're paying only what's owed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shannon County

via CostByCounty

Shannon County offers solid rental affordability

Shannon County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.3% sits well below national averages, with renters spending a modest share of their income on housing. At $509 monthly rent against a median household income of $59,000, this county provides meaningful affordability advantages.

Shannon County beats Missouri's state average

Shannon County's 10.3% rent-to-income ratio significantly underperforms Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The combination of low rent and respectable income creates strong housing value.

Shannon County combines low rent and fair income

Shannon County's $509 rent ranks among the state's lowest at two-thirds the state median of $768, while its $59,000 median income competes respectably with neighboring counties. The 10.3% rent-to-income ratio reflects this favorable balance.

Housing takes 10.3% of household income

Shannon County renters allocate just 10.3% of their $59,000 income to rent—approximately $6,100 annually—preserving substantial funds for other necessities and savings. Home buyers encounter ownership costs of $676 monthly with median values near $151,000, also highly accessible.

Shannon County offers excellent value positioning

Shannon County combines the affordability advantages of rural Missouri with reasonable income levels: $509 rent, 10.3% rent-to-income ratio, and $59,000 median income create a favorable relocation option. Consider it if you value low housing costs without sacrificing as much earning potential as the state's cheapest counties demand.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shannon County

via IncomeByCounty

Shannon County below national income average

Shannon County's median household income of $59,000 falls 21% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the lower-middle tier nationally. This gap is typical for rural Ozark counties where tourism, forestry, and small-scale agriculture drive local economies.

Slightly below Missouri's state average

At $59,000, Shannon County ranks just at Missouri's $59,503 state average, placing it near the middle of the state's income distribution. However, per capita income of $25,451 trails Missouri's $31,011 average by 18%, suggesting income concentration among fewer households.

Shannon earns modestly among peers

Shannon County ($59,000) falls between Saline ($56,566) and Schuyler ($56,023) on the lower end, while trailing Ray ($72,152) and Scotland ($67,568) substantially. Its income level reflects a scenic rural county where tourism and outdoor recreation anchor the economy.

Housing remarkably affordable for the region

Shannon County features an excellent rent-to-income ratio of just 10.3%, meaning housing costs take minimal household share despite moderate incomes. Median home values of $151,000 paired with $59,000 income create favorable affordability conditions for both renters and homebuyers.

Low housing costs create savings opportunity

Shannon County residents benefit from exceptional housing affordability, freeing up household cash for savings, investments, and emergency funds. With modest incomes but very favorable housing-to-income ratios, residents should capitalize on this cost advantage by prioritizing retirement accounts and long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shannon County

via CrimeByCounty

Shannon County Offers Strong National Safety

Shannon County achieves a safety score of 98.6, which is higher than the national average. The total crime rate of 911.4 per 100,000 residents is less than half of the national rate of 2,385.5.

Ranking High Among Missouri Counties

Shannon County's safety score of 98.6 is better than the state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 911.4 is significantly lower than the Missouri state average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 residents.

A Regional Pocket of Relative Safety

Data from five reporting agencies shows that Shannon County is safer than many of its Missouri neighbors. The total crime rate is nearly 1,000 points lower than the state average, highlighting its local security.

Violent and Property Crime Below Average

The violent crime rate is 322.5 per 100,000, while property crime is 588.9. Both of these figures fall below the national averages of 369.8 for violent crime and 2,015.7 for property crime.

Smart Safety Habits for Shannon Residents

Residents are encouraged to use smart home devices to keep property crime rates low. Staying engaged with local law enforcement ensures the community remains a safe place to live and work.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shannon County

via HealthByCounty

Shannon County faces life expectancy crisis

At 71.7 years, Shannon County residents live 7.1 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years—the second-lowest in this group. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.4%) report poor or fair health, among the highest rates nationally and signaling severe chronic disease prevalence.

Shannon ranks among Missouri's worst

Shannon County's 71.7-year life expectancy trails Missouri's 74.3-year state average by 2.6 years, placing it near the bottom of Missouri's 114 counties. The 12.6% uninsured rate matches the state average, but limited providers mean uninsured residents face severe access barriers.

Shannon faces steepest health challenge

Shannon County's 71.7-year life expectancy is the second-lowest among these eight counties, ranking only above Ripley County (68.4 years). The county's 14 primary care providers per 100K is among the lowest regionally, rivaling Ripley's healthcare desert conditions.

Severe provider shortage compounds crisis

Shannon County's 14 primary care providers per 100K is critically low, and its 14 mental health providers per 100K is the worst in this group. Combined with 24.4% reporting poor/fair health, Shannon County faces a perfect storm: limited healthcare capacity meeting desperate community health needs.

Shannon residents need immediate action

With severe provider shortages and high poor health rates, Shannon County residents must secure coverage and seek care proactively. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit healthcare.gov to find coverage, and ask your provider about telehealth options to overcome distance barriers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shannon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Resilient Education in Rural Shannon County

Shannon County manages an education network of eight public schools serving 1,751 students across four districts. The system includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. The average school size is 219 students, providing a balanced environment between small-scale learning and robust peer groups.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Region

Shannon County boasts a 95.3% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.0% national average. This is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,767, showcasing incredible efficiency in the local school system. The composite school score of 53.7 further confirms the high quality of education provided here.

Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III Leads

Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III is the largest district, serving 1,217 students across four schools. Summersville R-II also plays a major role, supporting 458 students in its local facilities. There are no charter schools in Shannon County, ensuring all 1,751 students benefit from the high-performing traditional public districts.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

All eight schools in Shannon County are situated in rural locales, providing a serene backdrop for student development. Liberty Sr. High is the largest school with 341 students, while Birch Tree Elementary offers a smaller setting with 171 children. This 100% rural distribution ensures a consistent, community-centered atmosphere across all grades.

High Success Rates in a Rural Retreat

Shannon County is an excellent choice for families seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic excellence. The nearly perfect graduation rates make this a standout area for long-term residential investment. Look for homes within the Mountain View-Birch Tree or Summersville districts to join this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shannon County

via RiskByCounty

Shannon County faces significant seismic exposure

Shannon County's composite risk score of 57.54 exceeds the national average, driven by exceptional earthquake risk (76.62) that places it among the nation's most seismically vulnerable counties. The 'Relatively Low' rating reflects a more balanced hazard profile, but earthquake threat demands serious attention.

Above-average risk within Missouri

Shannon County's 57.54 composite score surpasses Missouri's 50.56 state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state disaster risk. Its earthquake exposure ranks among the highest in the state, reflecting its location in a seismically active region.

Part of active seismic corridor

Shannon County's 76.62 earthquake score sits between Reynolds County (72.55) and Ripley County (87.91) in the regional seismic hierarchy. The three counties form a notably earthquake-prone corridor within the Ozark region of southeastern Missouri.

Earthquakes dominate, wildfire secondary

Earthquakes (76.62) represent Shannon County's dominant natural hazard threat, while wildfire risk (60.81) ranks surprisingly high as a secondary concern. Tornado (44.69), flood (45.96), and hurricane (30.00) risks all rank substantially below earthquake exposure.

Earthquake insurance plus wildfire defense

Shannon County homeowners must obtain standalone earthquake insurance immediately, as standard policies exclude seismic damage entirely. Additionally, clearing dead vegetation and maintaining defensible space around structures protects against wildfire, addressing the county's second-highest natural hazard threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shannon County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild and rainy heartland climate

Shannon County averages 56.0°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. It features a lush, high-precipitation environment typical of the eastern Ozark region.

Warmer and wetter than the state mean

Shannon County surpasses the state average in both temperature (56.0°F vs 54.9°F) and rainfall (48.2" vs 43.8"). This makes it part of the warm, wet corridor that defines southern Missouri.

Consistently wet across the Ozarks

Its 48.2 inches of rain aligns closely with Scott County's 48.8 inches. While it is slightly cooler than the counties further south, it remains much warmer than central Missouri counties like Saline.

Significant heat with mild winter snowfall

The county experiences 47 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Winter is relatively soft, with only 5.8 inches of annual snowfall and a January average that stays above freezing at 33.0°F.

Stay cool and watch for heavy rain

Air conditioning is a must for the 47 days of extreme summer heat. Given the nearly 50 inches of annual rain, residents should be prepared for high humidity and rapid runoff in the Ozark terrain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shannon County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic and Organic Rich

Shannon County has an average soil pH of 5.40, marking it as one of the more acidic regions in the state. This is significantly lower than the Missouri average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the heavily forested, ancient landscapes of the Ozarks.

Silty Soils with Minimal Clay

The soil composition is 41.0% silt and 22.9% sand, providing a medium texture that is manageable for various land uses. With only 9.9% clay, these soils are not particularly sticky but may lack the high nutrient exchange capacity found in heavier soils. This makeup reflects the weathered, rocky history of the local terrain.

Extraordinary Organic Matter Levels

At 19.06%, the organic matter content is exceptionally high, far surpassing the state average of 4.74%. Paradoxically, the available water capacity of 0.128 in/in is quite low, meaning the soil does not hold onto moisture effectively. Gardeners should expect rich soil that may require more frequent watering during Missouri's dry spells.

Subaqueous Soils in the River Country

These soils are classified as subaqueous, reflecting the county’s position amidst famous spring-fed river systems. While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are limited in this data, the subaqueous label indicates areas of frequent saturation. Managing water flow is critical for both agricultural production and forest management here.

Woodland Wonders in Zone 6b

Shannon County’s zone 6b climate and high organic matter are perfect for native timber, berries, and acid-loving plants. Although the soil score is 46.9, the massive organic content provides a unique advantage for niche crops like ginseng or blueberries. Embrace the wild side of Missouri and plant species that thrive in the acidic Ozark earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shannon County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging conditions for Shannon County turf

Shannon County faces a difficult lawn environment, with a score of 46.7 that sits well below the state average of 63.7. In Hardiness Zone 6b, the combination of acidic soil and frequent drought makes consistent growth a challenge. Success requires a dedicated strategy for soil amendment and water management.

Navigating heat and heavy rain

The county deals with 47 extreme heat days annually, which is ten days more than the Missouri average. While 48.2 inches of annual precipitation is high, the 4,056 growing degree days show that the environment is very demanding. Lawns here must be tough enough to survive intense summer sun and high humidity.

Addressing low pH and drainage issues

A soil pH of 5.40 is quite acidic and can lockout essential nutrients like phosphorus and magnesium from your grass. The drainage is classified as subaqueous, meaning you must be careful about soil saturation despite the relatively low 9.9% clay content. Regular applications of lime are necessary to bring the pH closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal.

Battling severe and persistent drought

Drought is a major hurdle here, with 94.3% of the county currently experiencing severe drought (D2+). Over the last year, the area has spent 29 weeks in drought conditions, making it one of the hardest-hit regions. Deep-root watering and choosing drought-resistant seed are the most critical steps for local homeowners.

Seeding for resilience in 6b

Tall Fescue is the recommended choice for Shannon County because of its deep roots and tolerance for lower pH levels. Plan your seeding around the frost-free window of April 18 to October 19 to ensure the best establishment. Given the current drought conditions, focus on soil health first to give your new grass the best chance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shannon County's county score?
Shannon County, Missouri has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Shannon County rank among counties in Missouri?
Shannon County ranks #14 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 Shannon County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Shannon County is $652, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Shannon County a tax score of 91.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shannon County?
The median household income in Shannon County, Missouri is $59,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shannon County earns an income score of 35.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shannon County, Missouri a good place to live?
Shannon County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Shannon 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 Shannon 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.