countyscore
60.1
County Score
Cost of Living 88.6Disaster Risk 84.1Soil Quality 76.9

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Missouri

Shelby County Surpasses National Livability Standards

Shelby County earns a robust composite score of 60.1, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

Leading the Pack in Rural Missouri

With a 60.1 composite score, Shelby County outperforms the Missouri state average of 50.3. This performance highlights its standing as one of the more desirable rural locations in the state.

Affordable Living and Environmental Security

Shelby County excels in affordability and safety, boasting a cost score of 88.6 and a risk score of 84.1. Residents enjoy median monthly rents of just $570 and a high safety rating of 73.6.

Economic Growth and Water Infrastructure Needs

The county faces economic challenges with an income score of 18.8 and a median household income of $52,127. Additionally, the water quality score of 14.2 indicates a clear area for infrastructure investment.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Quiet Seekers

This county is a perfect fit for retirees or remote workers looking for extremely low housing costs and high physical safety. While local incomes are lower, the exceptional 88.6 cost score makes every dollar stretch further.

2040608010045.488.673.637.959.318.884.114.252.5Tax45.4Cost88.6Safety73.6Health37.9Schools59.3Income18.8Risk84.1Water14.2Weather52.560.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Shelby County DNA

Doverall

How Shelby County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Shelby County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (14.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.4
Cost
88.6+40.599999999999994
Safety
73.6+18.599999999999994
Health
37.9-12.100000000000001
Schools
59.3
Income
18.8-32.2
Risk
84.1+37.099999999999994
Water
14.2-43.8
Weather
52.5
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Many homeowners in Shelby 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

$86,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$570/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$86,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$22,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,127/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Monroe County
Missouri
58.6
Knox County
Missouri
66
Macon County
Missouri
52.6
Marion County
Missouri
42.3
Lewis County
Missouri
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Randolph County
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Ralls County
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Adair County
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Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby's tax rate ranks low nationally

Shelby County's effective tax rate of 0.896% sits above the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. While the county's median home value ($86,200) is far below the national median of $281,900, residents pay proportionally more in taxes relative to property value. This places Shelby among moderate-tax counties across the country.

Above average for Missouri

At 0.896%, Shelby County's effective rate outpaces Missouri's state average of 0.733% by 22%. The county ranks in the upper half statewide, with median property taxes of $772 compared to the state median of $1,199. Despite lower home values than the state average, Shelby residents carry a higher tax burden relative to their property wealth.

Higher taxes than nearby counties

Shelby County's 0.896% rate exceeds neighboring St. Clair County (0.639%) and Stoddard County (0.654%) significantly. The median property tax of $772 reflects this regional gap, placing Shelby among the pricier tax environments in east-central Missouri. Only St. Francois County (0.749%) in the broader region comes close to Shelby's burden.

What your $86,200 home costs

A median-value home in Shelby County generates an estimated annual property tax of $772—or about $64 per month. With a mortgage, you'll likely pay an additional $70 annually to cover impounds, bringing the total to $842. Over 30 years of homeownership, that's nearly $23,160 in property taxes alone.

Shelby homeowners can appeal assessments

Many property owners in Missouri counties like Shelby are assessed above fair market value, creating an opportunity to challenge valuations and reduce taxes. The county's assessor's office allows formal appeals during designated windows each year. Even a small adjustment to your assessed value can yield hundreds of dollars in savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Shelby's affordability edge nationally

Shelby County renters spend just 13.1% of income on rent, well below the national benchmark and a solid foundation for housing security. This efficiency reflects both modest rents ($570/month) and the county's $52,127 median household income, though that trails the national median of $74,755.

Best renter values in Missouri

Among Missouri's 114 counties, Shelby ranks among the most affordable for renters, with a 13.1% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 15.6%. This advantage stems from stable rents that remain $198 below Missouri's median of $768.

Shelby beats regional peers handily

Shelby's $570 rent undercuts nearby St. Clair County ($607) and Stoddard County ($737), while its 13.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms all neighboring counties in the region. Homebuyers face similar advantages, with a median home value of $86,200—the lowest in its peer group.

Where Shelby dollars go monthly

A typical Shelby household earning $52,127 annually ($4,344/month) allocates $570 to rent or $631 to mortgage payments, leaving substantial income for other necessities. Housing consumes just 13-15% of monthly earnings, providing more flexibility than most counties in Missouri.

Consider Shelby for affordability

If you're seeking affordable rural Missouri living, Shelby County offers some of the state's lowest rents and home prices without sacrificing housing stability. Compare these figures to your current location—you may find significant monthly savings that redirect resources toward savings, education, or quality of life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Shelby Falls Short of National Earnings

Shelby County's median household income of $52,127 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $23,000 annually. This gap places Shelby in the lower income tier nationally, where earning power lags behind most American counties.

Below Missouri's County Average

At $52,127, Shelby's median household income runs $7,376 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county ranks in the lower half of Missouri's 114 counties by household income.

Shelby Neighbors Earn More

Shelby's $52,127 median income sits between nearby St. Clair County ($46,731) and St. Francois County ($54,813). Compared to larger regional hub St. Louis County ($81,340), Shelby residents earn roughly $29,000 less annually.

Housing Remains Affordable Here

Shelby's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% is well below the national sustainability threshold of 28%, indicating strong housing affordability. With a median home value of $86,200, homeownership remains accessible for local wage earners.

Build Financial Security Now

Shelby families earning $52,127 can leverage the county's low cost of living to accelerate savings and investment. Starting a retirement plan or emergency fund today—even with modest monthly contributions—compounds into meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shelby County

via CrimeByCounty

Shelby County Boasts Exceptional Safety Scores

Shelby County earns an outstanding safety score of 99.0, far exceeding the Missouri average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 628.2 per 100K people is roughly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Missouri Safety

With a crime rate significantly below the state average of 1,926.2 per 100K, Shelby remains one of the safest jurisdictions in Missouri. Two reporting agencies provide the comprehensive data that confirms the county's secure standing compared to its regional peers.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Norms

Shelby's total crime rate is a small fraction of the national baseline, indicating a peaceful local environment. Residents experience far fewer property crimes per 100K than the 2,015.7 incidents reported on average across the United States.

Rare Violent and Property Incidents

Property crime accounts for most local incidents at 495.9 per 100K, yet this remains vastly lower than the national average. Violent crime is also rare, occurring at just 132.3 per 100K compared to 369.8 nationally.

Maintaining Shelby's High Safety Standards

Even in a county with a 99.0 safety score, basic home security remains a smart preventative measure. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and locked windows help maintain the high level of safety Shelby residents currently enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Shelby County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural School Infrastructure in Shelby County

The county operates a focused education network with five public schools spread across two districts. This compact infrastructure serves a total of 1,012 students from elementary through high school.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

Shelby County achieves a standout 93.7% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Missouri average of 91.3% and the national mark of 87%. While per-pupil spending sits at $7,007, the county maintains a school score of 55.5, outperforming the state median of 52.8.

Small Districts Support Targeted Student Success

Shelby Co. R-IV is the largest district in the area, serving 693 students across three schools. The North Shelby district manages the remaining 319 students, and no charter schools currently operate in the county.

A Truly Rural Learning Environment

All five schools in the county are classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of just 202 students. South Shelby Elementary is the largest campus with 294 students, while North Shelby High offers a small-school experience for 141 students.

Building a Future in Shelby County

Families seeking high-performing, close-knit rural schools find excellent value in this region. The high graduation rates and small class sizes make Shelby County a compelling choice for education-focused home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby County: Well Below National Risk

Shelby County's composite risk score of 15.94 places it in the "Very Low" category, significantly below the national average. This means residents face substantially fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans.

Among Missouri's Safest Counties

At 15.94, Shelby County's risk score is less than one-third of Missouri's state average of 50.56, making it one of the state's lowest-risk communities. Few Missouri counties offer comparable natural disaster protection.

Shelby Stands Out in Regional Comparison

Shelby County (15.94) is significantly safer than nearby St. Clair County (25.64) and substantially lower-risk than all other eastern Missouri counties profiled. Its composite score reflects exceptional protection across most hazard types.

Earthquakes and Tornadoes Pose Top Threats

Shelby County's highest risks are earthquake (39.47) and tornado (37.25) events, though both remain well below state averages. Flood risk (14.57) and wildfire risk (20.77) are minimal concerns for residents.

Basic Coverage Sufficient for Low-Risk County

While Shelby County's overall risk is very low, homeowners should maintain standard tornado and earthquake coverage as precautions. Review your current policy to ensure adequate protection for the hazards you do face.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Shelby County

via WaterByCounty

Shelby County Water Earns Failing Grade

The county holds an F grade for drinking water compliance with 14 health violations recorded over the last five years. At 211.5 violations per 100,000 residents, the county's violation rate is more than double the Missouri state average of 81.5.

Full Compliance in Assessed Watersheds

According to the 2022 EPA ATTAINS reporting cycle, the single assessed water body in Shelby County shows 0% impairment. While limited in scope, this indicates that the monitored local waterway meets all Clean Water Act standards for its designated use.

Small Monitoring Network Tracks Vital Stats

Local water quality is tracked at 3 distinct monitoring sites, which have produced 897 measurements over the past five years. Researchers focus heavily on nutrient levels and physical characteristics, alongside screening for cyanotoxins and phytotoxins.

North Fork Salt River Hits Record Lows

The primary gauge near Shelbina reports a current discharge of just 33 cfs, which is a mere 10% of the long-term mean flow. This significant drop from the typical 335 cfs indicates severe hydrological stress for the 481 square mile drainage area.

Focus on Filtration and Flow

With a high violation rate and an F grade, residents should stay informed about specific system alerts and consider point-of-use water filtration. Additionally, the extremely low streamflow suggests that source water availability may be strained during this period.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shelby County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Temperate Continental Climate

Shelby County averages 52.6°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median for temperate climates. This interior location experiences the full range of four seasons common across the American Midwest.

Cooler Than the Missouri Average

With an annual average of 52.6°F, the county sits more than two degrees below the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It represents the cooler northern tier of the state's climate profile.

Holding the Line on Northern Chill

Shelby matches the regional pattern of cooler winters compared to its southern neighbors. Its annual precipitation of 42.1 inches stays close to the state benchmark of 43.8 inches.

Sharp Shifts from Snow to Sun

Winters are crisp with a January average of 26.4°F and 15.9 inches of annual snow. Summers heat up quickly, bringing 28 days of extreme heat where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Summer Humidity

Residents need high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the swing from 26°F winters to 76°F July averages. Sturdy snow removal equipment is essential for the nearly 16 inches of seasonal snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shelby County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Soil Conditions in Shelby

Shelby County boasts a robust soil score of 76.9, far outpacing the Missouri average of 64.2. Its average pH of 6.39 is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5, creating a balanced chemical environment for most crops.

A Silty Foundation for Growth

The soil contains a heavy concentration of silt at 59.5%, balanced by 21.1% clay and 18.8% sand. This mixture offers high workability while providing enough clay to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Superior Water Retention Capabilities

At 0.208 in/in, the available water capacity exceeds the state average of 0.183, offering plants a significant buffer against dry spells. While organic matter sits at 2.68%, which is lower than the state average, it remains well above the national average of 2.0%.

Understanding the Subaqueous Landscape

The county's soil is classified as subaqueous, suggesting it stays saturated for significant portions of the year. Specific taxonomic and hydrologic group data remain unclassified, indicating a unique local profile that requires careful moisture management.

Cold-Hardy Crops Thrive Here

Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, Shelby County is ideal for growing staples like corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. The combination of high water capacity and neutral pH makes this an excellent place to establish a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shelby County

via LawnByCounty

A Top-Tier Environment for Missouri Lawns

Shelby County earns a lawn difficulty score of 69.8, making it significantly easier to maintain than the state average of 63.7. In this Zone 6a climate, homeowners find much more success than the national median score of 50.0.

Mild Heat and Reliable Rains

With 42.1 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits right in the sweet spot for turf health. The area only sees 28 extreme heat days per year, which is nearly 25% fewer than the Missouri state average of 37 days.

Optimized Soil for Root Health

A soil pH of 6.39 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption, though the subaqueous drainage class suggests some yards may struggle with wet feet. The soil contains 21.1% clay, so aerating periodically helps prevent compaction and improves air flow to the roots.

Managing 36 Weeks of Dry Conditions

The county spent 36 weeks in drought last year, and currently, 100.0% of the area is abnormally dry. Focus on deep, early-morning watering to sustain the grass through these prolonged dry spells.

Start Seeding After the April Frost

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in Zone 6a, especially if planted shortly after the last spring frost on April 21. Use the 3,600 growing degree days to establish strong turf before the first frost arrives in mid-October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shelby County's county score?
Shelby County, Missouri has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Shelby County rank among counties in Missouri?
Shelby County ranks #18 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 Shelby County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Shelby County is $772, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 45.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Missouri is $52,127 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 18.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Missouri a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Shelby 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 Shelby County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.