countyscore
59.1
County Score
Cost of Living 87.3Safety 79.2Disaster Risk 74.4

County Report Card

About St. Clair County, Missouri

Outperforming the National Median

St. Clair County achieves a composite score of 59.1, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high level of overall livability relative to most counties across the United States.

A Missouri Value Leader

The county's 59.1 score is nearly nine points higher than the Missouri state average of 50.3. St. Clair stands out as a high-performing outlier in the state's regional rankings.

Superior Safety and Low Tax Burden

The county excels with a safety score of 79.2 and a very attractive cost score of 87.3. Taxpayers benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.639%, which ranks highly at 69.8 for tax favorability.

Economic and Educational Headwinds

Income levels remain low with a score of 9.0 and a median household income of $46,731. The school score of 24.5 also suggests that local education resources could benefit from further development.

Ideal for Peace and Low Taxes

St. Clair is a top pick for individuals seeking a safe, low-tax environment where housing remains highly affordable. It is particularly well-suited for those with outside income or retirees who do not rely on local school systems.

Score breakdown

Tax69.8Cost87.3Safety79.2Health35.3Schools24.5Income9Risk74.4Water41Weather55.8
🏛69.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.7
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

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45.4
Hickory County
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57.8
Polk County
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44.3
Henry County
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Deep Dives

St. Clair County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Clair County

via TaxByCounty

St. Clair's taxes rank among lowest nationally

St. Clair County's effective tax rate of 0.639% falls below the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the 38th percentile nationally. Despite a median home value of $142,500—below the national median of $281,900—the county's tax burden remains light. This combination makes St. Clair an affordable tax environment by national standards.

Below Missouri's state average

At 0.639%, St. Clair County's effective rate is 13% lower than Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The median property tax of $911 falls significantly below the state median of $1,199. St. Clair ranks among the state's most tax-friendly counties for property owners.

Lowest taxes in the eastern region

St. Clair County ties with Ste. Genevieve County at 0.638%–0.639%, making them the region's tax leaders. Neighboring Stoddard County (0.654%) and St. Francois County (0.749%) carry noticeably higher burdens. St. Clair's favorable rate has helped attract homebuyers seeking affordable living in eastern Missouri.

Your $142,500 home costs $911 annually

A median-value home in St. Clair County generates an estimated annual property tax of $911—or about $76 per month. With mortgage escrow included, owners pay approximately $1,066 annually. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $27,330 in property taxes.

St. Clair homeowners can still appeal assessments

Even in lower-tax counties like St. Clair, some properties are overvalued on assessor's rolls, creating savings opportunities. The county assessor accepts formal challenges during appeal windows. Homeowners dissatisfied with their assessed value can request a reassessment without significant cost or complexity.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Clair County

via CostByCounty

St. Clair meets state affordability baseline

St. Clair County renters face a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio that matches Missouri's state average exactly, though household incomes ($46,731) trail the national median by 38%. At $607/month, rents remain modest, but the lower income base makes housing a tighter squeeze for many residents.

Middle-ground affordability statewide

St. Clair ranks near the median for Missouri counties, with a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio that equals the state average and rents just $161 above the state median. This positions it as neither exceptional nor strained compared to its peers.

Affordable by regional comparison

St. Clair's $607 rent trails St. Francois County ($786) and Stoddard County ($737), matching Shelby County's affordability while incomes fall short. Home values of $142,500 sit in the middle of the peer group, offering moderate entry points for buyers.

Tight housing budgets in St. Clair

A St. Clair household earning $46,731 annually ($3,894/month) dedicates $607 to rent or $637 to mortgage, consuming 15-16% of gross income. This leaves roughly $3,250 monthly for all other expenses, requiring careful budgeting in households with additional dependents.

Budget-conscious rural Missouri option

St. Clair County suits households prioritizing low housing costs over urban amenities, offering below-average rents and manageable home prices. If you currently spend more than 20% on housing, St. Clair could reduce that burden by $100+ monthly while maintaining community stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Clair County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Clair Income Significantly Below National Median

St. Clair County's median household income of $46,731 falls $28,024 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This substantial gap positions St. Clair among the lower-income counties nationally.

St. Clair Ranks Lowest in the Region

At $46,731, St. Clair's median household income trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by $12,772. The county ranks in the lowest quarter of Missouri's 114 counties by income.

St. Clair Neighbors Earn Noticeably More

St. Clair's $46,731 median income is the lowest among nearby counties, with neighbors Shelby ($52,127) and St. Francois ($54,813) earning notably more. St. Louis County residents earn nearly twice as much at $81,340.

Housing Affordability Eases Income Pressure

St. Clair's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% remains sustainable, though higher than Shelby's 13.1%, showing housing remains accessible. The median home value of $142,500 stays within reach for local wage earners.

Start Small, Build Steadily

St. Clair residents can build wealth incrementally through employer 401(k) matches, automatic savings plans, and small monthly investments. Even modest contributions of $50–100 monthly compound significantly over 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Clair County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in St. Clair

St. Clair County boasts an elite safety score of 99.2, making it one of the most secure regions in Missouri. Its total crime rate of 493.0 per 100K is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

Consistently Ranking Above State Averages

With a crime rate nearly four times lower than the Missouri average of 1,926.2, St. Clair is a standout for public safety. Four dedicated reporting agencies manage the low volume of incidents across the jurisdiction.

A Peaceful Regional Benchmark

St. Clair outperforms most neighbors by maintaining a total crime rate that stays below 500 per 100K residents. This creates a stark contrast with more populous Missouri counties that struggle with much higher incident volumes.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is extremely rare here, occurring at a rate of 85.7 per 100K, while property crime sits at 407.3. Both metrics are vastly lower than the national rates of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively.

Preserving Your Local Peace of Mind

While the risks are statistically very low, maintaining local safety starts with individual home awareness. Standard security practices like motion-sensor lights help preserve the county's impressive 99.2 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Clair County

via HealthByCounty

St. Clair faces above-average health challenges

At 75.0 years, St. Clair's life expectancy falls slightly below the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and 22.1% of adults report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 21%. These figures suggest St. Clair residents experience chronic illness and premature mortality at rates slightly worse than the American norm.

St. Clair ranks below Missouri's middle tier

St. Clair's 75.0-year life expectancy is 0.7 years below Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. The uninsured rate of 12.3% closely mirrors Missouri's 12.5% average, indicating standard access barriers for the region.

St. Clair trails healthier neighbors

St. Clair's 75.0-year life expectancy lags Ste. Genevieve (76.5) by 1.5 years and St. Louis County (76.3) by 1.3 years, though it exceeds St. Francois (71.9). With 43 primary care providers and 31 mental health providers per 100K, St. Clair has moderate but not abundant healthcare capacity compared to wealthier neighbors.

Limited mental health services strain residents

St. Clair has 43 primary care providers per 100K, offering reasonable access to routine medicine, but only 31 mental health providers per 100K—a gap that may force residents to travel for behavioral health care. With 12.3% uninsured, cost barriers likely compound delays in both primary and mental health treatment.

Take action to secure health coverage

St. Clair's healthcare gaps make insurance coverage critical; if you're uninsured, federal marketplace plans with income-based subsidies may cost less than you expect. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans and get enrolled.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Clair County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education Networks in St. Clair

St. Clair County supports 1,325 students through a small network of seven public schools. Four elementary and three high schools are distributed across four distinct school districts.

Solid Graduation Success on Lean Budgets

The county maintains an 87.3% graduation rate, aligning closely with the national average of 87%. Educators achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,939, which sits below the Missouri average of $6,334.

Local Leadership in Osceola and Lakeland

The Osceola district is the largest in the county, serving 553 students across its two campuses. Lakeland R-III and Appleton City R-II provide additional options, with no charter schools operating in the region.

Small Rural Schools Offer Personal Attention

Every school in the county is classified as rural, and the average school size is only 189 students. Osceola Elementary is the county's largest school with 304 students, while Appleton City High enrolls just 177 students.

Peaceful Rural Living Near Local Schools

For families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle, St. Clair County provides a community-centered education experience. The small student-to-teacher ratios found in districts like Osceola are a major draw for local home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Clair County

via RiskByCounty

St. Clair County: Below-Average Risk Profile

St. Clair County's composite risk score of 25.64 qualifies as "Very Low," less than half the national average. Most residents here face substantially lower natural disaster threats than typical Americans.

Among Missouri's Safest Communities

At 25.64, St. Clair County's score is just over half of Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the state's lower-risk tier. The county provides meaningful protection compared to higher-hazard Missouri regions.

Safer Than Most Area Counties

St. Clair County (25.64) is notably safer than Ste. Genevieve County (54.61) and St. Francois County (78.53) nearby, though slightly riskier than Shelby County (15.94). It represents a favorable middle ground in the region.

Wildfire and Earthquake Pose Main Concerns

St. Clair County's highest risks are wildfire (53.15) and earthquake (41.70), followed by more modest flood (35.85) and tornado (36.07) exposure. Wildfire preparedness should be a priority for rural properties.

Targeted Coverage Protects Against Key Threats

St. Clair County homeowners should ensure earthquake and wildfire coverage are included in their policies, particularly those in rural areas. Standard homeowners insurance may not cover all wildfire damage without specific riders.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Clair County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Peaks in the Ozark Foothills

St. Clair County averages 55.8°F annually, leaning toward the warmer end of the national temperate spectrum. The climate is defined by long, humid summers and relatively short winters.

Warmer and Drier Than Peers

The county's 55.8°F average temperature puts it nearly a full degree above the Missouri state average. Its 43.4 inches of annual precipitation slightly trails the state benchmark of 43.8 inches.

Rising Heat in Western Missouri

St. Clair stands out with 42 days of extreme heat per year, more than many of its eastern neighbors. Despite the heat, it maintains a winter average of 33.9°F, providing a distinct seasonal break.

A Heavy Lean Toward Summer

July averages reach 78.8°F, fueled by frequent 90-degree days. Winter brings only 9.9 inches of snow annually, making for relatively mild cold seasons compared to the state's northern counties.

Prioritize Cooling and Drought Resistance

With 42 extreme heat days, efficient air conditioning is a primary utility concern for residents. Landscape choices should account for the slightly lower precipitation and high summer evaporation rates.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Clair County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in St. Clair

St. Clair County manages a soil score of 56.1, which reflects more challenging conditions than the state average. The average pH of 5.90 is notably acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime treatments for sensitive crops.

Higher Sand and Lower Clay

The soil mix contains 26.6% sand and 52.2% silt, which is sandier than many neighboring counties. With only 19.6% clay, this soil is generally easy to work but may lose nutrients more quickly than heavier soils.

Modest Organic Matter and Water

Organic matter sits at 2.72%, beating the national average but trailing the state's typical levels. The available water capacity of 0.178 in/in is slightly below the state average, meaning crops may feel the heat during Missouri summers.

Unclassified Drainage Dynamics

Standardized data for drainage class and hydrologic groups are currently unavailable for this county. Local observers should monitor how quickly water disappears after heavy rains to determine site-specific drainage needs.

Resilient Planting in Zone 6b

Native prairie grasses and acid-tolerant plants like blueberries can thrive in these conditions. With its 6b hardiness zone, the county offers a reliable window for summer vegetables if you manage the soil's acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Clair County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Conditions in St. Clair

St. Clair County's lawn difficulty score of 55.7 indicates a more challenging environment than the Missouri average of 63.7. Growing a lush lawn here in Zone 6b requires more intervention than in neighboring counties.

Beating the Heat with Extra Water

The county endures 42 extreme heat days each year, significantly higher than the state average of 37. While 43.4 inches of rain fall annually, the high heat and 4,183 growing degree days mean your lawn loses moisture quickly.

Acidic Soil Requires Attention

A soil pH of 5.90 is slightly below the ideal range, meaning many lawns will benefit from a lime application to neutralize acidity. With data unavailable for drainage class, local testing is essential to understand how your specific site handles the 26.6% sand content.

Water Conservation During Dry Spells

After 31 weeks of drought last year, 100.0% of the county remains abnormally dry today. Setting your mower blade higher during these periods helps shade the soil and reduces the water needs of your turf.

Resilient Grass for a Late Start

Because the last frost often lingers until April 16, wait for stable soil temperatures before seeding heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue. Your lawn has until October 29 to prepare for dormancy, providing a generous window for root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Clair County's county score?
St. Clair County, Missouri has a composite county score of 59.1 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 St. Clair County rank among counties in Missouri?
St. Clair County ranks #24 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. Clair County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in St. Clair County is $911, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns St. Clair County a tax score of 69.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Clair County?
The median household income in St. Clair County, Missouri is $46,731 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Clair County earns an income score of 9/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Clair County, Missouri a good place to live?
St. Clair County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate St. Clair 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. Clair 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.