countyscore
36.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.3Health 66.1

County Report Card

About St. Louis County, Missouri

Struggling to Meet National Medians

St. Louis County carries a composite score of 36.6, trailing the national median of 50.0. Strong economic performance is tempered by high environmental risks and safety concerns.

Trailing the Missouri Average

Despite its status as an economic engine, the county's 36.6 score falls below the state average of 50.3. High costs and low risk resilience are the primary factors weighing down the rank.

High Earnings and Quality Healthcare

The county features an income score of 85.3, with median household incomes reaching $81,340. It also provides excellent utility services and healthcare, scoring 86.0 for water and 66.1 for health.

Severe Hazard Risk and High Costs

The county faces a critical risk score of 0.7, indicating very high vulnerability to disasters. Living here is also expensive, with a cost score of 15.4 and an effective tax rate of 1.225%.

A Hub for Established Professionals

This county is ideal for high-earning professionals who prioritize health access and school quality. Residents here trade safety and environmental peace of mind for economic opportunity and high-end services.

Score breakdown

Tax24.4Cost15.4Safety10.3Health66.1Schools61.9Income85.3Risk0.7Water86Weather57.3
🏛24.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.5
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 city
Missouri
26.2
St. Charles County
Missouri
48.2
St. Clair County
Illinois
41.3
Jefferson County
Missouri
40.4
Madison County
Illinois
38.1
Monroe County
Illinois
58.5
Jersey County
Illinois
53.4
Calhoun County
Illinois
63

Deep Dives

St. Louis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Louis County

via TaxByCounty

St. Louis County ranks highest nationally

St. Louis County's effective tax rate of 1.225% places it in the 79th percentile nationally, well above the median of 0.71%. The median property tax of $3,193 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by 19%, despite home values that align closely with national norms. St. Louis County represents one of America's higher-tax metropolitan areas.

Highest tax rate in Missouri

At 1.225%, St. Louis County leads all Missouri counties by effective rate, surpassing the state average of 0.733% by 67%. The median property tax of $3,193 is 166% above Missouri's state median of $1,199. This highest-in-state burden reflects St. Louis County's dense infrastructure, services, and debt obligations.

Highest in region by significant margin

St. Louis County's 1.225% rate far exceeds all regional neighbors, including St. Charles County (1.125%) and St. Louis City (1.045%). The gap widens dramatically against lower-tax counties like St. Clair (0.639%) and Stoddard (0.654%). This disparity reflects the county's role as the region's economic and service center.

Your $260,700 home costs $3,193 yearly

A median-value home in St. Louis County generates an estimated annual property tax of $3,193—approximately $266 per month. Owners with mortgages pay around $3,236 when escrow is included. Over 30 years, property taxes total roughly $95,790.

St. Louis County appeals save substantial money

Given St. Louis County's high tax burden and competitive housing market, many homeowners find their properties overassessed relative to recent comparable sales. The county assessor's office welcomes formal challenges during annual appeal periods. Even modest assessment reductions yield significant savings on such high property values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Louis County

via CostByCounty

St. Louis County balances suburban prosperity

St. Louis County renters spend 17.2% of income on housing, slightly above Missouri's 15.6% average but below many comparable suburban counties nationwide. The county's $81,340 median household income—9% above the national average—manages higher rents ($1,164/month) with relative ease.

Upper-tier affordability among suburbs

St. Louis County ranks in the better half of Missouri counties, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that reflects higher incomes offsetting premium suburban housing costs. This positions it as more affordable than St. Louis City but less accessible than rural peer counties.

Suburban premium with suburban earnings

St. Louis County rents ($1,164/month) exceed rural peers like Shelby and Stoddard by $400+, yet household incomes here average $81,340—the second-highest in the peer group. This wage premium justifies higher absolute costs while maintaining reasonable affordability ratios.

Balanced suburban budget allocation

A St. Louis County household earning $81,340 annually ($6,778/month) dedicates $1,164 to rent or $1,320 to mortgage, consuming 17-19% of gross income. This leaves approximately $5,500 monthly for discretionary spending, supporting a comfortable suburban lifestyle.

St. Louis County for suburban balance

St. Louis County appeals to households earning $75,000+ seeking suburban amenities with better affordability than St. Louis City and more services than rural alternatives. If you're earning a solid middle-class income, this county's combination of access, schools, and manageable housing costs rewards relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Louis County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Louis County Exceeds National Income

St. Louis County's median household income of $81,340 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $6,585. This above-average earnings power positions the county among the wealthier regions nationally.

Missouri's Third-Richest County

At $81,340, St. Louis County ranks among the top-earning counties in Missouri, running $21,837 above the state average of $59,503. Only a handful of Missouri counties match its income level.

St. Louis County Leads Surrounding Area

St. Louis County's $81,340 median substantially outpaces neighboring counties: St. Charles ($102,912) leads regionally, but St. Louis County significantly exceeds Ste. Genevieve ($61,310), Shelby ($52,127), and St. Clair ($46,731).

Strong Income Supports Home Values

St. Louis County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% remains manageable despite median home values of $260,700. Above-average incomes allow residents to carry mortgages and living costs without excessive strain.

Optimize Your Prosperous Position

St. Louis County residents earning $81,000+ annually can aggressively build wealth through diversified investments, real estate, and retirement planning. Consulting a financial advisor on tax-efficient strategies maximizes the returns on your above-average earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Louis County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Trends in St. Louis County

St. Louis County maintains a safety score of 95.7, falling just below the Missouri state average of 97.0. The total crime rate of 2,748.5 per 100K is roughly 15% higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Monitoring Missouri's Largest County Network

With 59 reporting agencies, the county has one of the most comprehensive law enforcement networks in the state. Its total crime rate of 2,748.5 exceeds the Missouri state average of 1,926.2, reflecting its dense suburban nature.

Suburban Safety in Regional Context

The county faces higher crime rates than its neighbor St. Charles, though it remains much safer than St. Louis City. This middle-ground profile is typical for large, diverse metropolitan counties with varied neighborhoods.

Property Crime Driving Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 2,345.4 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 403.1. Both metrics are higher than the national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, indicating a need for consistent vigilance.

Securing Your Suburban Property

Given that local property crime rates exceed national norms, home security should be a top priority for residents. Automated lighting and smart locks are effective tools for deterring the property-related incidents common in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in St. Louis County

via HealthByCounty

St. Louis County exceeds national health benchmarks

At 76.3 years, St. Louis County residents live 1.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, demonstrating above-average health and longevity. With only 17.1% reporting poor or fair health versus the national rate of 21%, the county shows strong chronic disease management and preventive care outcomes.

St. Louis County leads Missouri's suburbs

St. Louis County's 76.3-year life expectancy exceeds Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by 2 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The 7.3% uninsured rate is significantly lower than Missouri's 12.5%, reflecting the county's relative affluence and strong employer-based coverage.

St. Louis County rivals regional health leaders

St. Louis County's 76.3-year life expectancy trails only St. Charles (79.1) and Ste. Genevieve (76.5) in the region, signaling consistent, above-average health outcomes. With 121 primary care providers and 384 mental health providers per 100K, St. Louis County has abundant clinical resources that rival urban centers and far exceed most rural peers.

Robust provider network supports prevention

St. Louis County's 121 primary care providers per 100K enable patients to find convenient preventive care, while 384 mental health providers per 100K ensure behavioral health services are accessible without major waits. The low 7.3% uninsured rate means most residents can afford to act on providers' recommendations, supporting consistent treatment and better long-term health.

Maintain optimal coverage for your family

St. Louis County's strong healthcare infrastructure is most effective when paired with continuous coverage; during open enrollment, review your plan to ensure it still fits your family's needs. Visit Healthcare.gov or your employer's benefits portal to compare options and lock in coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Louis County

via SchoolsByCounty

The State's Largest Public School Network

St. Louis County manages a massive infrastructure of 274 schools across 24 districts, serving 135,439 students. This expansive system includes 155 elementary schools and 48 high schools, representing the most diverse educational landscape in Missouri.

Strong Investment and Academic Excellence

The county leads the region with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,027 and a top-tier school score of 57.5. Graduation rates remain strong at 89.2%, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%.

Powerhouse Districts Drive Regional Growth

Rockwood R-VI and Parkway C-2 are the county's largest districts, combined serving over 37,000 students. Unlike the neighboring city, the county has almost no charter school presence, with 99.6% of schools being traditional public institutions.

Suburban Excellence and Large Campuses

With 257 schools in suburban locales, the county features large-scale campuses like Lindbergh Senior High, which serves 2,235 students. The average school size is 511 students, providing comprehensive academic and athletic resources to the community.

A Destination for Education-Minded Families

St. Louis County is widely regarded as a top destination for home buyers prioritizing school quality and district resources. The variety of high-performing suburban districts ensures that families can find the right fit for their children's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Louis County

via RiskByCounty

St. Louis County: Nation's Highest-Risk Areas

St. Louis County's composite risk score of 99.33 rates as "Relatively High," placing it among America's most hazard-exposed counties. Nearly every resident faces significantly above-average natural disaster risk.

Missouri's Single Highest-Risk County

At 99.33, St. Louis County far exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, representing the state's most dangerous natural hazard environment. The county's risk profile is nearly twice the state mean.

Nearly Identical Risk to St. Louis City

St. Louis County (99.33) and St. Louis City (98.70) form a virtually unified high-risk metropolitan zone with minimal variation. Together they represent the most hazard-exposed region in Missouri by a substantial margin.

Four Major Hazards Converge Here

St. Louis County residents face severe tornado risk (98.06), catastrophic flood danger (99.08), significant earthquake exposure (99.05), and notable hurricane risk (45.10). This unprecedented convergence of multiple major hazards requires sophisticated disaster planning.

Comprehensive Coverage Absolutely Essential

St. Louis County homeowners must secure flood, tornado, and earthquake insurance without exception—all three hazards pose serious threats. Additional investments in storm-resistant upgrades and flood mitigation could save lives and property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Louis County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperate Suburban Corridor

St. Louis County averages 56.6°F annually, placing it firmly above the national median temperature. It experiences a humid continental climate with significant seasonal variability.

Warmer than the State Average

The county’s 56.6°F average temperature is nearly two degrees warmer than the Missouri average of 54.9°F. However, its 42.1 inches of precipitation is slightly lower than the state benchmark.

A Buffer Between City and Country

With 44 days of extreme heat, the county is slightly cooler than the city core but warmer than outlying rural areas. It maintains a July average of 79.4°F, typical for the region.

Predictable Snow and High Heat

The county sees 11.6 inches of snow annually, paired with a January average of 31.5°F. Summers are long and humid, featuring temperatures that stay high well into the evening.

Balance Winter Salt and Summer Air

Residents should prepare for roughly a foot of snow while prioritizing air conditioning for the 44 extreme heat days. Proper insulation helps manage the wide swing between January and July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Louis County

via SoilByCounty

Solid Alfisols for Suburban Growth

St. Louis County features a soil score of 64.6, almost exactly mirroring the Missouri state average. Its Alfisols have an average pH of 6.25, which is slightly more acidic than the national median but very productive.

Reliable Silt Loam Texture

The dominant texture is silt loam, composed of 61.7% silt and 19.1% clay. This high silt content makes the soil exceptionally smooth and fertile, while the 16.9% sand ensures it isn't overly heavy.

Healthy Organic Content

Organic matter stands at a healthy 3.20%, which is 60% higher than the national average. The available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, providing dependable moisture for landscapes.

Well Drained and Versatile

The county's soil is primarily well drained, making it ideal for a wide range of uses from farming to residential gardening. It sits in hydrologic group C, which requires some attention to runoff during extreme rain events.

A Gardener's Paradise in Zone 7a

Zone 7a provides a generous window for growing warm-weather favorites like peppers and melons. The reliable silt loam texture makes this one of the most garden-friendly counties in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Louis County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Missouri Growing Conditions

St. Louis County sits right at the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 63.5. This Zone 7a region offers a balanced environment for homeowners looking to maintain a traditional green space.

High Heat Requires Diligent Mowing

With 44 extreme heat days, the county is significantly hotter than the state average. Mowing at a higher setting during the summer is critical to protecting the grass crowns from the 79.4°F July average temperatures.

Well-Drained Loam for Healthy Lawns

The county features well-drained silt loam soil with a respectable pH of 6.25. This soil structure is ideal for grass, as it holds onto the 42.1 inches of annual rain without becoming waterlogged or overly compacted.

Managing Seasonal Water Stress

Despite 22 weeks of drought last year, the county remains 100.0% abnormally dry. Deep watering once or twice a week is more effective for these conditions than light daily sprinkling, as it encourages deeper roots.

Take Advantage of an Early Spring

The last frost typically occurs by April 4, allowing for an early start to the seeding season. Utilize the 4,372 growing degree days to establish a robust lawn before the October 29 frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Louis County's county score?
St. Louis County, Missouri has a composite county score of 36.6 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. Louis County rank among counties in Missouri?
St. Louis County ranks #108 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. Louis County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in St. Louis County is $3,193, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns St. Louis County a tax score of 24.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Louis County?
The median household income in St. Louis County, Missouri is $81,340 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Louis County earns an income score of 85.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Louis County, Missouri a good place to live?
St. Louis County scores 36.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #108 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate St. Louis 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. Louis 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.