countyscore
54
County Score
Property Tax 70Soil Quality 67.9Cost of Living 64.2

County Report Card

About Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri

Consistently Above the National Median

Ste. Genevieve County earns a composite score of 54.0, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It maintains a balanced profile that exceeds standard American quality of life metrics.

Exceeding the Missouri Average

With a 54.0 score, the county sits comfortably above the Missouri state average of 50.3. It represents a stable and attractive option compared to many of its state neighbors.

Favorable Taxes and Balanced Costs

The county boasts a strong tax score of 70.0, supported by a low 0.638% effective tax rate. Housing is accessible with a cost score of 64.2 and a median home value of $215,600.

Infrastructure and Moderate Income Growth

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 19.9. Additionally, an income score of 43.0 suggests that while the middle class is stable, high-tier wage growth is more limited.

Balanced Living for Middle-Class Families

Ste. Genevieve is a solid all-rounder for families seeking low taxes and reasonable housing. It offers a stable, middle-of-the-road lifestyle with high marks in most categories except for water infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax70Cost64.2Safety43.4Health50.8Schools54.9Income43Risk45.4Water19.9Weather53.3
🏛70
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.5
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

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St. Francois County
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Monroe County
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Perry County
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Deep Dives

Ste. Genevieve County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ste. Genevieve County

via TaxByCounty

Ste. Genevieve taxes rank among lowest

Ste. Genevieve County's effective tax rate of 0.638% falls below the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the 37th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,376 lies well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting modest home values ($215,600). Ste. Genevieve offers one of the more affordable tax environments in America.

Below Missouri's state average

At 0.638%, Ste. Genevieve County's effective rate is 13% lower than Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The median property tax of $1,376 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by only 15%, despite higher home values. Ste. Genevieve ranks among the state's most tax-favorable counties.

Tied for lowest taxes regionally

Ste. Genevieve County ties with St. Clair County at roughly 0.638%–0.639%, making them the region's tax leaders. Only St. Francois County (0.749%) comes close among neighbors, while higher-tax areas like Shelby (0.896%) and the St. Louis area pay considerably more. This positions Ste. Genevieve as a tax haven in eastern Missouri.

Your $215,600 home costs $1,376 yearly

A median-value home in Ste. Genevieve County generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,376—approximately $115 per month. With mortgage escrow included, owners typically pay closer to $1,313 annually. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $41,280 in property taxes.

Ste. Genevieve homeowners can appeal assessments

Even in Ste. Genevieve County's favorable tax environment, some properties may be overvalued on assessment rolls. The county assessor accepts formal appeals during designated periods each year. Homeowners unsatisfied with their assessed value have a straightforward path to challenge and potentially reduce their tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ste. Genevieve County

via CostByCounty

Ste. Genevieve offers solid affordability

Ste. Genevieve County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing, matching Missouri's state average and staying comfortably within national affordability benchmarks. At $774/month, rents sit just above the state median, while the $61,310 household income provides a moderate cushion.

Mid-tier affordability statewide

Ste. Genevieve ranks near the median for Missouri counties, with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio that edges slightly below the state average of 15.6%. This places it among the more accessible options for working families across the state.

Balanced costs in regional context

Ste. Genevieve's $774 rent aligns with St. Francois County ($786) but exceeds rural counties like Shelby and St. Clair, while home values ($215,600) are higher than most peers. The county offers a middle-ground between affordable rural areas and expensive suburbs.

Stable housing spending patterns

A Ste. Genevieve household earning $61,310 annually ($5,109/month) allocates $774 to rent or $768 to mortgage, consuming 15% of gross income—remarkably balanced. This leaves approximately $4,350 monthly for other expenses, supporting families with moderate debt and savings capacity.

Ste. Genevieve for balanced living

Ste. Genevieve County appeals to households seeking stability between rural affordability and suburban services, with housing costs that don't overwhelm mid-range incomes. If you currently spend 18-20% on housing, this county could cut that share to 15%, freeing resources for family priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ste. Genevieve County

via IncomeByCounty

Ste. Genevieve Income Approaches National Median

Ste. Genevieve County's median household income of $61,310 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $13,445. The county sits slightly below the national average, reflecting moderate earning capacity.

Above Missouri's Average Income

At $61,310, Ste. Genevieve's median household income exceeds Missouri's state average of $59,503 by $1,807. The county ranks in the upper-middle income tier statewide, outperforming most Missouri counties.

Ste. Genevieve Outearns Most Neighbors

Ste. Genevieve's $61,310 exceeds St. Clair ($46,731), Stoddard ($54,067), Shelby ($52,127), and St. Francois ($54,813). Only St. Louis County ($81,340) and St. Charles County ($102,912) substantially outpace this county.

Solid Housing Affordability

Ste. Genevieve's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% indicates healthy housing affordability, though median home values of $215,600 are among the region's highest. Strong incomes support homeownership at these price points.

Build on Your Regional Advantage

Ste. Genevieve residents earning $61,000+ can establish solid retirement savings and investment portfolios. Combining above-average incomes with disciplined saving creates pathways to generational wealth and financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ste. Genevieve County

via CrimeByCounty

Above Average Safety in Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve County earns a safety score of 98.0, which is higher than the Missouri average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 1,276.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Public Safety Ranking

The county ranks favorably within Missouri, as its total crime rate stays well below the state average of 1,926.2. Two reporting agencies provide the data that supports this relatively secure regional standing.

Unique Crime Profile for the Region

While property crime is low compared to neighbors, the county sees a higher-than-average violent crime rate for its size. This unusual split makes the county's safety profile unique compared to surrounding rural areas.

Violent Crime Exceeds National Rate

The violent crime rate of 421.8 per 100K actually exceeds the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate of 854.3 is very low, coming in at less than half the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Personal and Home Security

Because the violent crime rate is higher than national benchmarks, personal and home security are especially important. Residents should prioritize well-lit entries and secure doors to ensure continued safety in their homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ste. Genevieve County

via HealthByCounty

Ste. Genevieve achieves above-average longevity

At 76.5 years, Ste. Genevieve residents live 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, reflecting solid health and healthcare access for a rural county. With 19.5% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 21%—the county demonstrates effective chronic disease management.

Ste. Genevieve ranks in Missouri's top tier

Ste. Genevieve's 76.5-year life expectancy exceeds Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by 2.2 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The 10.4% uninsured rate is notably lower than Missouri's 12.5%, showing better-than-average coverage penetration.

Ste. Genevieve holds strong regional position

Ste. Genevieve's 76.5-year life expectancy ranks second in the region, behind only St. Charles (79.1), and outpaces St. Louis County (76.3) and all other neighboring counties. With 43 primary care providers and 107 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers solid access without reaching urban density levels.

Rural healthcare network serves community well

Ste. Genevieve's 43 primary care providers per 100K provide reasonable access to routine care, while 107 mental health providers per 100K ensure behavioral health services are within reach for most residents. At 10.4% uninsured, nearly all residents have coverage that enables them to use available services.

Keep coverage continuous for best outcomes

Ste. Genevieve's health success depends partly on consistent insurance coverage; if you're among the 10.4% uninsured, marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov can connect you quickly. Renew coverage annually during open enrollment to maintain uninterrupted access to the county's healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ste. Genevieve County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in Ste. Genevieve

A single unified district, Ste. Genevieve Co. R-II, manages all four public schools in the county. This focused system serves 1,815 students across two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Consistent Performance and Solid Graduation

The county maintains a high 92% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above both state and national averages. The school score of 54.9 is supported by a healthy $7,152 per-pupil expenditure, exceeding the Missouri state average.

One Unified District for the Entire County

Ste. Genevieve Co. R-II is the sole provider of public education, ensuring a consistent experience for all 1,815 students. There are no charter schools in the county, reflecting the community's reliance on its central district.

Community Schools in a Historic Town

Three of the four schools are located in town settings, where the average school size is 454 students. Ste. Genevieve Elementary is the largest campus with 550 students, serving as a primary cornerstone of the local community.

Finding Stability in a Unified District

The single-district system in Ste. Genevieve County offers home buyers a sense of educational stability and community cohesion. High graduation rates and competitive spending make this an attractive area for families seeking a small-town atmosphere.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ste. Genevieve County

via RiskByCounty

Ste. Genevieve County: Moderately Elevated Risk

Ste. Genevieve County's composite risk score of 54.61 rates as "Relatively Low" but slightly exceeds the national average. Residents face somewhat above-typical natural disaster exposure compared to most Americans.

Slightly Above Missouri's Average Risk

At 54.61, Ste. Genevieve County marginally exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, placing it in the state's moderate-risk tier. The county's hazard profile reflects typical exposure for the region.

Middle-Ground Risk Among Regional Counties

Ste. Genevieve County (54.61) sits between safer communities like St. Clair County (25.64) and higher-risk areas like St. Francois County (78.53). Its position reflects moderate but meaningful disaster exposure.

Earthquakes and Tornadoes Lead Threats

Ste. Genevieve County's highest risks are earthquake (81.65) and tornado (57.89), followed by moderate flood (52.61) and lower wildfire (36.23) danger. Earthquake preparedness deserves special emphasis for county residents.

Solid Coverage Protects Against Main Threats

Ste. Genevieve County homeowners should prioritize earthquake and tornado coverage as their insurance foundation, supplemented by flood protection if in a vulnerable area. These targeted policies address the county's primary hazard profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Ste. Genevieve County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Soils Along the River

Ste. Genevieve County earns a soil score of 67.9, outperforming much of the state. While the soil is somewhat acidic with a pH of 5.96, its high nutrient capacity makes it historically significant for agriculture.

The Power of Silt

With 59.0% silt and 16.8% clay, these soils are fine-textured and highly capable of holding nutrients. The relatively low sand content of 15.2% means the soil can be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

Rich in Natural Organic Matter

The county features an impressive 8.28% organic matter, nearly double the state average of 4.74%. This richness helps offset the slightly below-average water capacity of 0.178 in/in by improving soil structure.

Challenges of Saturated Soil

Classified as subaqueous, much of the county's soil profile is adapted to very wet conditions. This requires careful site selection for building and suggests a need for raised beds in some gardening scenarios.

Lush Growth in Zone 6b

The combination of high organic matter and a 6b hardiness zone is perfect for Missouri’s native pawpaws and pecans. Farmers and gardeners alike can capitalize on this fertility to produce high-yielding vegetable crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ste. Genevieve County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Difficulty in Ste. Genevieve

The lawn difficulty score of 57.5 indicates that Ste. Genevieve is slightly more challenging than the average Missouri county. Maintaining a lawn in Zone 6b requires careful attention to the specific local soil and heat factors.

Hot Summers and Ample Rain

The area faces 46 extreme heat days, which is much higher than the Missouri average of 37. While 43.7 inches of annual precipitation provides the necessary water, the intense summer heat can quickly lead to turf dormancy.

Addressing Drainage and Acidity

The soil has a pH of 5.96, suggesting that a light application of lime may help optimize nutrient uptake. Because the drainage is classified as subaqueous, ensure your lawn is graded properly to prevent standing water during heavy rains.

Bracing for Severe Dry Spells

With 2.2% of the area in severe drought and the entire county abnormally dry, water conservation is vital. The county endured 24 weeks of drought last year, so choosing drought-resistant seed varieties is a smart long-term move.

Selecting the Right Grass Types

While frost dates are locally variable, Zone 6b generally supports hearty cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue. Focus on varieties that can handle the 46 days of extreme heat to ensure your lawn stays resilient all year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ste. Genevieve County's county score?
Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri has a composite county score of 54 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 Ste. Genevieve County rank among counties in Missouri?
Ste. Genevieve County ranks #45 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 Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Ste. Genevieve County is $1,376, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Ste. Genevieve County a tax score of 70/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ste. Genevieve County?
The median household income in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri is $61,310 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ste. Genevieve County earns an income score of 43/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri a good place to live?
Ste. Genevieve County scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve 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.