countyscore
37.2
County Score
Weather & Climate 62.4Soil Quality 60.6Cost of Living 59.1

County Report Card

About St. Francois County, Missouri

Lagging Behind National Averages

St. Francois County earns a composite score of 37.3, falling well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges across several key dimensions of livability.

Below the Missouri Standard

The county's score of 37.3 trails the Missouri average of 50.3 by a wide margin. Improving local safety and infrastructure will be critical to closing this gap with state peers.

Moderate Living Costs and Tax Rates

Housing remains relatively accessible with a cost score of 59.1 and median home values of $155,100. Tax favorability is a bright spot, scoring 57.9 with an effective tax rate of 0.749%.

Safety Concerns and Aging Infrastructure

The county struggles with a safety score of 11.9 and a water quality score of 16.7. These factors, combined with a health score of 26.9, present substantial hurdles for current residents.

Best for Value-Driven Homebuyers

This county suits buyers looking for entry-level home prices and reasonable tax bills who are comfortable managing local safety and water issues. It is a pragmatic choice for those prioritizing immediate housing affordability.

2040608010057.959.111.926.939.124.621.516.762.4Tax57.9Cost59.1Safety11.9Health26.9Schools39.1Income24.6Risk21.5Water16.7Weather62.437.2/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

St. Francois County DNA

Foverall

How St. Francois County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

St. Francois County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (11.9/100), though Cost of Living (59.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.9
Cost
59.1+11.100000000000001
Safety
11.9-43.1
Health
26.9-23.1
Schools
39.1-14.899999999999999
Income
24.6-26.4
Risk
21.5-25.5
Water
16.7-41.3
Weather
62.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$155,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$786/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,813/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

3.0

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

Ste. Genevieve County
Missouri
54
Madison County
Missouri
46
Washington County
Missouri
51.4
Iron County
Missouri
59.3
Jefferson County
Missouri
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Randolph County
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Monroe County
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Perry County
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Deep Dives

St. Francois County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Francois County

via TaxByCounty

St. Francois taxes near national average

St. Francois County's effective tax rate of 0.749% sits just above the national median of 0.71%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,161 is comfortably below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a lighter tax approach. This positions St. Francois as a fairly typical American county for tax burden.

Slightly above Missouri's average

At 0.749%, St. Francois County's effective rate exceeds Missouri's state average of 0.733% by just 2%. The median property tax of $1,161 is nearly at the state median of $1,199. St. Francois ranks near the state middle, neither particularly tax-friendly nor tax-heavy.

Middle ground in the eastern region

St. Francois County's 0.749% rate falls between lower-tax peers like St. Clair (0.639%) and higher-tax neighbors like Shelby County (0.896%). The county bridges the gap between the region's most and least tax-burdened communities. Its position reflects moderate local government spending relative to regional peers.

Your $155,100 home costs $1,161 yearly

A median-value home in St. Francois County generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,161—approximately $97 per month. Owners with mortgages typically pay around $1,245 when escrow is factored in. Over 30 years, that amounts to roughly $34,830 in property taxes.

St. Francois property owners should appeal

St. Francois County residents can challenge potentially inflated assessments through the county assessor's formal appeal process. Many homeowners discover their properties are overvalued, especially if home values have declined since the last full assessment. Filing an appeal is straightforward and can result in meaningful annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Francois County

via CostByCounty

St. Francois housing costs stretch incomes

St. Francois County renters devote 17.2% of income to housing—above both the national benchmark and Missouri's 15.6% average—despite a median income of $54,813. At $786/month, rents are 2% above Missouri's state median, creating affordability pressure for working families.

Among Missouri's least affordable counties

St. Francois ranks in the lower tier of Missouri counties for affordability, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 1.6 percentage points. This gap, though modest in percentage terms, means $100+ more monthly housing cost for the typical household.

Highest costs in the peer group

St. Francois rents ($786/month) exceed Shelby, St. Clair, and Stoddard counties by $150+ and match Missouri's median, yet household incomes lag regional averages. Home values ($155,100) place it in the middle, making both rental and purchase costs relatively burdensome.

Housing consumes significant income share

A St. Francois household earning $54,813 annually ($4,568/month) allocates $786 to rent or $824 to mortgage, consuming 17-18% of gross income. This leaves approximately $3,750 monthly for all other expenses, tighter than most peer counties.

Consider affordability before relocating

St. Francois County's housing costs run higher than neighboring rural counties while incomes remain modest, making it less ideal for cost-conscious relocators. If you're moving from a high-cost urban area, this county may offer savings, but compare it carefully to nearby Shelby or St. Clair first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Francois County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Francois Income Below U.S. Average

St. Francois County's median household income of $54,813 trails the national median of $74,755 by $19,942. This gap reflects a county economy with less earning power than the typical American county.

Slightly Below Missouri's Average

St. Francois's $54,813 median income runs $4,690 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Missouri's 114 counties by household income.

Competitive Income Among Peers

St. Francois's $54,813 sits between Shelby County ($52,127) and Ste. Genevieve ($61,310) nearby. The county earns more than St. Clair ($46,731) but significantly less than St. Louis County ($81,340).

Tight Housing-to-Income Ratio

St. Francois's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% is the highest among area counties, signaling tighter housing affordability pressures. With median home values at $155,100, budget-conscious planning becomes essential for local homebuyers.

Maximize Your Earnings Potential

St. Francois residents should prioritize skill development and career advancement to increase household income over time. Pairing wage growth with disciplined budgeting creates pathways to homeownership and financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Francois County

via CrimeByCounty

Tracking Higher Incident Rates in St. Francois

St. Francois County holds a safety score of 95.9, which is slightly lower than the state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 2,604.2 per 100K people is higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Above the Missouri Crime Average

The county's crime rate sits above the Missouri average of 1,926.2, suggesting higher local activity than in many neighboring rural areas. Ten reporting agencies actively monitor and manage public safety across the county.

Regional Comparisons Show Higher Risk

St. Francois experiences more frequent crime incidents per capita than the average Missouri county. This higher frequency is largely driven by property-related incidents rather than violent offenses.

Property Crime Exceeds National Benchmarks

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,337.8 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 266.4 per 100K remains lower than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Strategic Security for Local Homeowners

Because property crime rates exceed the national average, home security is a vital investment for local residents. Visible security cameras and deadbolts provide essential layers of defense in higher-activity areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in St. Francois County

via SchoolsByCounty

Town-Centered Schooling in St. Francois

Five districts manage 28 public schools in St. Francois County, serving a total of 10,213 students. The system includes 10 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 10 high schools, plus several alternative learning centers.

Strong Graduation Rates with High Efficiency

St. Francois County reports a high 92.6% graduation rate, outpacing the Missouri average of 91.3%. While per-pupil spending of $5,504 is lower than the state average, the county achieves a respectable school score of 51.7.

Farmington Leads the County Education Landscape

Farmington R-VII is the largest district by far, educating 3,925 students across eight schools. North St. Francois Co. R-I also plays a major role, serving 2,757 students with no charter schools in the area.

Community Schools in a Town Setting

Most schools are located in town settings, with an average enrollment of 444 students per campus. Farmington Senior High is the largest facility with 1,274 students, creating a vibrant central hub for the community.

Investing in a St. Francois Education

With graduation rates exceeding state benchmarks, St. Francois County offers a high-value environment for growing families. Home buyers often look toward the Farmington and North County districts for stable, community-focused education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Francois County

via RiskByCounty

St. Francois County: Above-Average Hazard Exposure

St. Francois County's composite risk score of 78.53 rates as "Relatively Low" nationally but reflects above-average exposure to natural disasters. The county faces significantly higher threats than most of America's safest regions.

Above Missouri's State Average Risk

At 78.53, St. Francois County exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56 by roughly 55 percent, placing it in the state's higher-risk group. The county experiences more hazard exposure than most Missouri communities.

Notably Riskier Than Regional Peers

St. Francois County (78.53) faces substantially higher risk than nearby Shelby County (15.94), St. Clair County (25.64), and Ste. Genevieve County (54.61). Only Stoddard County (74.30) approaches comparable hazard levels in the immediate region.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Demand Attention

St. Francois County residents face severe tornado risk (85.11) and substantial earthquake danger (91.48), with moderate flood risk (70.36) adding complexity. These three hazards should anchor any disaster preparedness plan.

Robust Coverage Critical for This County

St. Francois County homeowners need comprehensive coverage including tornado, earthquake, and flood protections given the county's multi-hazard profile. Investing in strong insurance now can prevent devastating financial losses later.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in St. Francois County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates in St. Francois

The county holds an F grade due to a high volume of 86 health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 168.5 per 100,000 residents is more than double the Missouri state average of 81.5.

Watershed Impairment Data Not Available

Federal ATTAINS records do not yet include §303(d) assessments for the water bodies located in St. Francois County. This absence of data indicates that the current reporting cycle has not cataloged specific impairment causes for this area.

Extensive Water Quality Data Network

A broad network of 45 sites has produced a substantial 8,314 measurements over the last five years. Monitoring priorities include physical properties, inorganics, and a specific focus on metals and nutrients.

Big River Experiencing Low Flow

The Big River below Bonne Terre is currently flowing at 177 cfs, representing only 38% of its long-term mean. This discharge is significantly lower than the typical 466 cfs usually seen in this 409 square mile drainage area.

Vigilance Required for Tap Water

The high number of health violations suggests that residents should consider regular water testing and high-quality filtration systems. Given the frequent monitoring of metals in the region, users should be particularly aware of any local advisories regarding inorganic contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Francois County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild and Moist Transitional Climate

St. Francois County averages 56.1°F annually, placing it significantly above the national median temperature. This region is characterized by higher-than-average humidity and rainfall.

A Wetter Corner of Missouri

At 45.2 inches of annual precipitation, St. Francois is noticeably wetter than the state average of 43.8 inches. Its 56.1°F annual temperature also ranks it among the warmer counties in Missouri.

Warmer Winters than St. Louis

The county enjoys milder winters than its northern neighbors, with a December-February average of 35.3°F. It sees fewer extreme heat days (32) than the urban core to its north.

Rainy Springs and Light Snow

The county receives just 8.7 inches of snow per year, as many winter storms transition quickly to rain. Summer remains warm with a July average of 77.7°F and plenty of moisture.

Manage Moisture and Moderate Heat

Homeowners should focus on basement waterproofing and drainage due to the high 45.2-inch annual rainfall. The 32 days of extreme heat suggest a need for reliable, but not constant, cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Francois County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soil with High Potential

St. Francois County features acidic Entisols with a pH of 5.69, significantly lower than the state average of 6.09. Despite the acidity, the county maintains a respectable soil score of 60.6.

Fine-Textured Silty Clay Loams

A low 12.2% clay content combined with 51.6% silt creates a silty clay loam that is relatively easy to till. The 16.2% sand fraction provides just enough structure to keep the soil from compacting too easily.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

The county boasts an extraordinary 15.57% organic matter, roughly triple the Missouri state average. This high organic content is an incredible asset for fertility, even though the available water capacity (0.157 in/in) is lower than average.

Well Drained for Development

Classified as well drained, this soil is excellent for preventing root rot and supporting building foundations. It falls into hydrologic group C, indicating moderate runoff potential when the soil is saturated.

Maximize Your Zone 6b Harvest

The high organic matter makes this a dream for heavy feeders like tomatoes and squash if you manage the pH. Leverage the 6b climate to get an early start on cool-season crops in these well-drained soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Francois County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Mid-Range Lawn Difficulty

With a score of 56.5, St. Francois County is more challenging for lawn care than the state average. This Zone 6b area requires proactive maintenance to stay healthy compared to the broader Missouri landscape.

Plenty of Rain for Thirsty Turf

The county receives 45.2 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the state average of 43.7. This extra moisture helps offset the 32 extreme heat days, keeping grass greener for longer into the summer months.

Correcting Low Soil pH

The soil pH of 5.69 is quite acidic and typically requires lime amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. On the plus side, the silty clay loam is well-drained, which prevents water from pooling around the roots of your grass.

Targeted Watering for Dry Zones

While most of the county is abnormally dry, 0.4% is already facing severe drought conditions. Target these vulnerable spots with consistent irrigation to mitigate the effects of the 28 weeks of drought seen last year.

Spring Seeding for Best Results

Target the window after April 13 to begin seeding your lawn with cool-season grasses like Perennial Ryegrass. You have 4,114 growing degree days to work with before the first frost hits around October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Francois County's county score?
St. Francois County, Missouri has a composite county score of 37.2 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. Francois County rank among counties in Missouri?
St. Francois County ranks #107 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. Francois County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in St. Francois County is $1,161, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns St. Francois County a tax score of 57.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Francois County?
The median household income in St. Francois County, Missouri is $54,813 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Francois County earns an income score of 24.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Francois County, Missouri a good place to live?
St. Francois County scores 37.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #107 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate St. Francois 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. Francois County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.