countyscore
48.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.2Health 86.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About St. Charles County, Missouri

Affluence Meets National Norms

St. Charles County posts a composite score of 48.2, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. Despite high local wealth, external environmental factors bring the total score closer to the middle of the pack.

Competitive Standing Within Missouri

The county's 48.2 score sits narrowly behind the Missouri state average of 50.3. It remains one of the state's premier economic hubs, even as high demand impacts its cost of living.

High Incomes and Exceptional Health Services

With a staggering income score of 96.2, median household earnings reach $102,912. The county also shines in public health with a score of 86.4 and reliable water infrastructure scoring 86.0.

High Housing Costs and Environmental Risks

Economic prosperity leads to a cost score of just 10.1, with median home values reaching $296,800. Furthermore, the risk score of 7.4 suggests the area is highly vulnerable to natural hazards.

The Professional's Suburban Choice

St. Charles suits high-earning families who prioritize health and schools over low taxes or environmental risk. It offers an elite economic profile for those who can afford the premium housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax29.5Cost10.1Safety49.2Health86.4Schools64Income96.2Risk7.4Water86Weather56.3
🏛29.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.7
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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Nearby counties

St. Louis County
Missouri
36.6
Jersey County
Illinois
53.4
Calhoun County
Illinois
63
St. Louis city
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Lincoln County
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Greene County
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Deep Dives

St. Charles County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Charles County

via TaxByCounty

St. Charles taxes exceed national norms

St. Charles County's effective tax rate of 1.125% ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 0.71%. The county's median property tax of $3,340 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 24%, even though home values are closer to parity. This makes St. Charles one of the higher-tax counties outside traditional high-tax states.

St. Charles ranks second highest in state

At 1.125%, St. Charles County's effective rate is 54% higher than Missouri's state average of 0.733%. Only St. Louis County surpasses it statewide with a 1.225% rate, making these two counties the state's tax leaders. The median property tax of $3,340 is 179% above the state median of $1,199.

Significantly higher than regional peers

St. Charles County's 1.125% rate towers above neighboring St. Francois County (0.749%) and Stoddard County (0.654%) by 50% and 72% respectively. Only the neighboring St. Louis County region compares in tax burden. This gap reflects regional variation in local government spending and debt service across eastern Missouri.

Your $296,800 home costs $3,340 yearly

A median-value home in St. Charles County generates an estimated annual property tax of $3,340—approximately $278 per month. Owners with mortgages pay closer to $3,370 when escrow is included. Over a 30-year mortgage, that's roughly $100,200 in property taxes.

St. Charles property appeals save money

Given St. Charles County's high tax burden, many homeowners benefit from formal assessment appeals to challenge potentially inflated valuations. The county assessor's office accepts appeals during specific periods, and overassessments are common enough to justify the modest effort required. Even a 5% reduction in assessed value yields annual savings of $167 for typical properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Charles County

via CostByCounty

St. Charles housing costs meet income

St. Charles County renters spend 15.3% of income on housing, a rate that aligns closely with national affordability norms despite higher absolute costs. The county's $102,912 median household income—37% above the national average—absorbs $1,312 monthly rents comfortably compared to less-wealthy regions.

Competitive affordability among St. Louis suburbs

St. Charles ranks in the middle tier of Missouri counties for affordability, with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio just shy of the state average of 15.6%. Higher incomes offset steeper housing costs, positioning it as an accessible suburban option relative to St. Louis city.

Premium pricing, premium incomes

St. Charles rents ($1,312/month) exceed nearby Shelby County by $742 and Stoddard County by $575, but household incomes here average $102,912—the highest among peer counties. This wealth differential makes St. Charles housing manageable despite higher absolute prices.

Suburban spending on housing

St. Charles households earning $102,912 annually ($8,576/month) dedicate $1,312 to rent or $1,506 to mortgage, consuming 15-18% of gross income for housing. This leaves substantial room for discretionary spending compared to lower-income counties struggling with affordability.

St. Charles for suburban seekers

St. Charles County appeals to higher-earning households seeking suburban amenities near St. Louis without the city's premium rents. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio: if it exceeds 20%, moving here could free up hundreds monthly while gaining better schools and services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Charles County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Charles Surpasses National Income Benchmarks

St. Charles County's median household income of $102,912 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $28,157, placing it in the top income tier nationally. This strong earnings power reflects a prosperous regional economy and skilled workforce.

Missouri's Second-Wealthiest County

At $102,912, St. Charles ranks among the highest-earning counties statewide, trailing only the wealthiest Missouri counties. The median income runs $43,409 above Missouri's state average of $59,503, signaling exceptional regional prosperity.

St. Charles Leads the Region

St. Charles County's $102,912 median income substantially outpaces nearby counties: St. Louis County ($81,340), Ste. Genevieve ($61,310), and Shelby ($52,127). This commanding lead reflects St. Charles's strong job market and higher-wage employment base.

Income Supports Higher Housing Costs

St. Charles's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% remains healthy despite median home values of $296,800. Strong household incomes comfortably cover both mortgage and living expenses in this affluent county.

Leverage Your Income Edge

St. Charles residents earning above $100,000 annually have exceptional capacity to invest in diversified portfolios, education, and long-term wealth building. Working with a financial advisor to optimize tax strategies and retirement savings can multiply your advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Charles County

via CrimeByCounty

St. Charles County Outperforms National Averages

St. Charles County maintains a high safety score of 98.2, significantly outperforming the national safety profile. The total crime rate of 1,140.9 per 100K people is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leading Safe Zone in Missouri

Eleven reporting agencies track public safety in St. Charles, contributing to its status as a top-tier safe county in the state. Its crime rate sits well below the Missouri state average of 1,926.2 per 100K residents.

Secure Suburban Living Near St. Louis

Compared to high-density urban areas nearby, St. Charles offers a much lower risk profile for both residents and businesses. The county records roughly 1,000 fewer crimes per 100K residents than the typical American community.

Low Rates for Violent Offenses

Property crimes dominate local statistics at 987.8 per 100K, though this is still less than half the national rate. Violent crime is particularly low, with only 153.1 incidents per 100K compared to the U.S. average of 369.8.

Proactive Security for St. Charles Homes

Strong community safety scores are bolstered when residents take proactive steps to secure their properties. Utilizing smart home technology and alarm systems ensures that St. Charles remains a model of suburban security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Charles County

via HealthByCounty

St. Charles leads the nation in longevity

At 79.1 years, St. Charles County residents have a life expectancy well above the U.S. average of 74.5 years—a striking 4.6-year advantage that reflects robust healthcare and healthy living. Only 14.2% of adults report poor or fair health, compared to 21% nationally, making St. Charles one of Missouri's healthiest counties.

St. Charles dominates Missouri's health rankings

St. Charles's 79.1-year life expectancy towers 4.8 years above Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, placing it among the state's top-performing counties. The county's 6.2% uninsured rate is dramatically lower than Missouri's 12.5% average, showing strong healthcare access and coverage.

St. Charles far outpaces surrounding counties

St. Charles's 79.1-year life expectancy is 3.6 years higher than Ste. Genevieve (76.5) and 3.1 years higher than St. Louis County (76.3), the two nearest competitors. With 47 primary care providers and 235 mental health providers per 100K, St. Charles has healthcare density that rivals urban centers, far exceeding regional averages.

Provider abundance enables routine, quality care

St. Charles residents enjoy 47 primary care providers per 100K—more than triple the national average—meaning most patients can access preventive and routine care quickly. The 235 mental health providers per 100K create a robust behavioral health ecosystem, ensuring those seeking counseling or psychiatric services face minimal delays.

Maintain coverage with annual plan reviews

Even in well-insured St. Charles, annual coverage reviews ensure you have the best plan for your family's needs and budget. Take time during open enrollment to compare marketplace plans and employer options at Healthcare.gov to lock in the right coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Charles County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Systems in St. Charles

St. Charles County manages a massive network of 92 public schools across five districts to serve nearly 60,000 students. The infrastructure includes 48 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, and 18 high schools to support rapid suburban growth.

Top-Tier Performance and Graduation Metrics

The county boasts a 94.7% graduation rate, which is among the highest in the state and far exceeds the national average of 87%. At a school score of 56.4, the county delivers strong results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,185.

Major Suburban Districts Drive Local Learning

Wentzville R-IV is the largest provider with 17,997 students, closely followed by Francis Howell R-III and Ft. Zumwalt R-II. There are no charter schools in the county, as the five traditional districts manage all public education.

A Diverse Mix of Suburban and City Campuses

With 61 schools in suburban settings and 16 in city locales, the average school size is 692 students. Large-scale high schools like Francis Howell High serve over 1,800 students, offering a broad range of extracurricular and academic opportunities.

High-Quality Schools Drive Residential Demand

Prospective residents often choose St. Charles County specifically for its high-performing suburban school districts. The combination of modern facilities and excellent graduation rates continues to make this a premier destination for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Charles County

via RiskByCounty

St. Charles County: Moderately Higher Risk

St. Charles County's composite risk score of 92.59 earns a "Relatively Moderate" rating, nearly double Missouri's state average of 50.56. This reflects significant exposure to multiple natural disaster hazards.

Among State's Highest-Risk Counties

St. Charles County ranks among Missouri's most hazard-prone areas, with its 92.59 composite score exceeding the state average substantially. Only a handful of Missouri counties face comparable overall disaster risk.

Riskier Than Most Regional Peers

St. Charles County (92.59) faces significantly higher risk than Shelby County (15.94) and St. Clair County (25.64) in the same region. Its risk profile aligns most closely with other major Missouri urban centers.

Tornadoes, Floods, and Earthquakes Dominate

St. Charles County confronts severe tornado risk (96.37), significant flood danger (94.24), and substantial earthquake exposure (94.62). Combined, these three hazards create a complex disaster environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Comprehensive Coverage Essential Here

St. Charles County residents should prioritize flood insurance, tornado-resistant construction standards, and comprehensive homeowners coverage. Given the county's elevated multi-hazard risk, additional protections could prove invaluable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Charles County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Dynamic Regional Weather

St. Charles County averages 55.5°F annually, staying consistently warmer than the national median. This humid continental climate features robust precipitation and significant summer heat.

Outpacing the State Temperature Average

The county's 55.5°F average temperature ranks it slightly warmer than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. Its precipitation level of 43.0 inches aligns almost perfectly with the state average of 43.8 inches.

The Warmer Edge of the Metro

St. Charles experiences more intense summer heat than counties to its north. It averages 38 extreme heat days per year, reflecting its position in the warming St. Louis metropolitan corridor.

Hot Summers and Moderate Winters

July brings an average temperature of 78.0°F, while January remains manageable at 30.5°F. The county receives 12.4 inches of snow annually, which is lower than the northern Missouri average.

Plan for Heat and Rapid Thaws

Outdoor activities require hydration strategies during the 38 annual days of 90°F heat. Homeowners should maintain gutters to handle the 43 inches of annual rainfall that often comes in heavy bursts.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Charles County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Perfect pH for Versatile Farming

St. Charles County features an average pH of 6.53, which sits precisely at the national median for optimal nutrient availability. These Entisols provide a young but productive foundation, achieving a total soil score of 70.9.

Mastering Silty Clay Loams

The dominant silty clay loam texture comes from a mix of 61.9% silt and 21.6% clay. This composition ensures a fine-textured soil that holds moisture better than the 16% sand component would suggest.

Steady Nutrients and Strong Hydration

With 2.34% organic matter, these soils are healthier than the national average but fall below the state’s high organic benchmark of 4.74%. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in remains superior to the Missouri average of 0.183.

Well Drained for Diverse Use

The land is officially well drained, making it suitable for both intensive agriculture and residential construction. It belongs to hydrologic group C, meaning it has a slow rate of water transmission when thoroughly wet.

Garden Success in Zone 6b

Zone 6b allows for a long growing season that supports everything from leafy greens to fruit trees. These well-drained silty soils provide a perfect environment for gardeners to maximize their harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Charles County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Suburban St. Charles

A lawn difficulty score of 68.7 places St. Charles County well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This Zone 6b region offers a hospitable environment that is slightly easier to manage than the average Missouri yard.

Navigating 38 Days of High Heat

The county averages 43.0 inches of precipitation, matching the ideal requirements for most grass varieties. However, with 38 extreme heat days annually, your mowing schedule must adapt to prevent scorching during the peak of summer.

Reliable Drainage for Silty Clay Loam

The soil features a healthy 6.53 pH and is classified as well-drained, which prevents most root rot issues. The silty clay loam texture provides a sturdy foundation, but homeowners should monitor the 21.6% clay content to ensure it doesn't become too dense.

Recovering from 24 Weeks of Drought

The area faced 24 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the county currently shows abnormally dry conditions. Mulching your clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture and protect the soil surface from the sun.

Mid-April is Primetime for Grass

Hardiness Zone 6b is perfect for Turf-Type Tall Fescue, which should be seeded after the final frost on April 9. The long growing season provides 4,105 growing degree days, giving your new lawn plenty of time to mature before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Charles County's county score?
St. Charles County, Missouri has a composite county score of 48.2 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 St. Charles County rank among counties in Missouri?
St. Charles County ranks #68 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 St. Charles County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in St. Charles County is $3,340, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns St. Charles County a tax score of 29.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Charles County?
The median household income in St. Charles County, Missouri is $102,912 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Charles County earns an income score of 96.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Charles County, Missouri a good place to live?
St. Charles County scores 48.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate St. Charles 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 St. Charles 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.