countyscore
47
County Score
Cost of Living 74.5Property Tax 68.1Soil Quality 62.9

County Report Card

About Stoddard County, Missouri

Close to National Median Standards

Stoddard County posts a composite score of 47.1, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. Its strengths in affordability keep it competitive with the rest of the country.

Narrowly Trailing the Missouri Average

The county's 47.1 score is slightly below the Missouri state average of 50.3. It performs well for its region but faces challenges in health and income that limit its overall ranking.

Exceptional Value and Low Taxes

Stoddard shines in affordability with a cost score of 74.5 and median monthly rents of $737. Tax favorability is also high at 68.1, thanks to an effective rate of only 0.654%.

Healthcare Access and Income Gaps

Health services score 26.0, indicating a need for better medical access. The income score of 23.0 also trails the state, with a median household income of $54,067.

A Pragmatic Choice for Low-Cost Living

Stoddard County is best suited for those who prioritize housing affordability and low taxes above all else. It is a strong option for budget-conscious households willing to travel for specialized healthcare.

2040608010068.174.534.92641.72325.729.358Tax68.1Cost74.5Safety34.9Health26Schools41.7Income23Risk25.7Water29.3Weather5847/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Stoddard County DNA

Foverall

How Stoddard County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Stoddard County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (74.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (29.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.1+16.099999999999994
Cost
74.5+26.5
Safety
34.9-20.1
Health
26-24
Schools
41.7-12.299999999999997
Income
23-28
Risk
25.7-21.3
Water
29.3-28.7
Weather
58
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$737/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,067/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.0

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

Bollinger County
Missouri
54.3
Scott County
Missouri
54
Butler County
Missouri
37.9
Wayne County
Missouri
50
New Madrid County
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Alexander County
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Cape Girardeau County
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Mississippi County
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Deep Dives

Stoddard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stoddard County

via TaxByCounty

Stoddard's tax rate ranks well below median

Stoddard County's effective tax rate of 0.654% sits below the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the 42nd percentile nationally. The median property tax of $885 is far below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values ($135,400) and a light tax approach. Stoddard represents an affordable tax environment by national standards.

Below Missouri's state average

At 0.654%, Stoddard County's effective rate is 11% lower than Missouri's state average of 0.733%. The median property tax of $885 falls below the state median of $1,199 by 26%. Stoddard ranks among the state's most tax-friendly counties for property owners.

Low taxes, middle of regional range

Stoddard County's 0.654% rate exceeds only St. Clair (0.639%) and Ste. Genevieve (0.638%) in the region, but falls well below Shelby County (0.896%) and St. Francois County (0.749%). The county offers a reasonable middle ground between the region's most and least tax-burdened communities. This balance has made Stoddard attractive to cost-conscious homebuyers.

Your $135,400 home costs $885 yearly

A median-value home in Stoddard County generates an estimated annual property tax of $885—approximately $74 per month. With mortgage escrow included, owners typically pay around $990 annually. Over 30 years, that amounts to roughly $26,550 in property taxes.

Stoddard homeowners can challenge assessments

Stoddard County residents can pursue formal appeals to challenge potentially inflated property assessments with the county assessor. Many homeowners discover their properties are overvalued, especially in areas where recent sales suggest lower values. The appeal process is accessible and can generate meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stoddard County

via CostByCounty

Stoddard renters face moderate pressure

Stoddard County renters dedicate 16.4% of income to housing, exceeding Missouri's 15.6% state average while remaining below national crisis levels. With $737/month rents and a $54,067 median household income, working families here maintain affordability but with limited margin for error.

Lower-middle affordability tier statewide

Stoddard ranks in the lower-middle tier of Missouri counties, with a 16.4% rent-to-income ratio that trails the state average by less than 1 percentage point. This modest gap masks real hardship for households with irregular incomes or dependents.

Moderate costs in rural company

Stoddard's $737 rent falls between Shelby County ($570) and St. Francois County ($786), while household incomes lag suburban counties significantly. Home values ($135,400) offer affordable entry for buyers, making purchase more achievable than renting long-term.

Stoddard's monthly housing math

A Stoddard household earning $54,067 annually ($4,505/month) allocates $737 to rent or $690 to mortgage, consuming 16-15% of gross income. This leaves approximately $3,800 monthly for all other expenses, tight but manageable for single-income families.

Stoddard for conservative budgeters

Stoddard County suits households earning $50,000–$65,000 seeking rural living with moderate affordability, especially those considering homeownership over renting. Compare your current housing burden here and you'll likely find 1-2% savings, enough to build an emergency fund or invest in community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stoddard County

via IncomeByCounty

Stoddard Income Well Below National Median

Stoddard County's median household income of $54,067 falls $20,688 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects an economy with limited earning power compared to national averages.

Below Missouri's State Average

At $54,067, Stoddard's median household income runs $5,436 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. The county ranks in the lower-middle income tier among Missouri's 114 counties.

Stoddard Income Competitive Locally

Stoddard's $54,067 sits between Shelby ($52,127) and St. Francois ($54,813) among nearby counties. The county earns modestly more than St. Clair ($46,731) but lags significantly behind the St. Louis area counties.

Housing Costs Moderately Affordable

Stoddard's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% sits in the middle range, showing moderate housing affordability. With median home values at $135,400, homeownership remains accessible for local wage earners.

Invest in Your Economic Future

Stoddard residents should pursue career development and skill training to increase earning potential over time. Combining modest wage growth with consistent savings and low-cost index investing creates long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stoddard County

via CrimeByCounty

Stoddard County's Reliable Safety Record

Stoddard County holds a 97.6 safety score, placing it above the Missouri state average of 97.0. The total crime rate of 1,511.0 per 100K is much lower than the national baseline of 2,385.5.

Beating the Missouri Average

Six reporting agencies monitor Stoddard, where the crime rate remains lower than the state average of 1,926.2. This data suggests a more secure environment than many other regions across the state of Missouri.

A Secure Choice in the Bootheel

Stoddard's total crime rate is approximately 800 incidents per 100K lower than the national average. This safety margin provides a buffer that many neighboring counties in the Missouri Bootheel strive to match.

Lower Risks for Most Crimes

The violent crime rate of 219.8 and property crime rate of 1,291.2 are both comfortably below national averages. In practical terms, residents face a lower risk of theft or assault than the typical American citizen.

Staying Safe in Stoddard

Maintaining a high safety score of 97.6 requires consistent community and individual effort. Simple additions like home security cameras can further reduce the property crime rate and keep Stoddard safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Stoddard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Rural Coverage in Stoddard County

Stoddard County operates 23 public schools across seven districts, educating a total of 4,810 students. The landscape is well-distributed with eight elementary and eight high schools ensuring access for rural families.

High Graduation Rates Outperform Expectations

The county achieves an impressive 93% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Missouri average of 91.3%. This is accomplished with an efficient $5,667 per-pupil expenditure, yielding a school score of 52.2.

Dexter R-XI Leads the Local Education Scene

Dexter R-XI is the largest district in the county, serving 2,039 students across five schools. Puxico R-VIII and Bloomfield R-XIV also provide substantial coverage, and no charter schools currently operate in the county.

Rural Learning with Small-Town Hubs

The majority of schools are rural, but town-based hubs like Dexter High serve up to 587 students. With an average school size of 219, students receive personalized attention while still having access to competitive high school programs.

Rural Charm Meets Strong Academic Results

Stoddard County is an ideal location for families seeking high-performing rural schools without sacrificing graduation quality. The strong performance of the Dexter district makes it a particularly popular choice for regional home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stoddard County

via RiskByCounty

Stoddard County: Elevated National Risk Profile

Stoddard County's composite risk score of 74.30 rates as "Relatively Low" but exceeds most national communities' hazard exposure. Residents face significantly above-average natural disaster threats compared to typical Americans.

Above Missouri's State Average Risk

At 74.30, Stoddard County exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56 by nearly 50 percent, positioning it in the state's higher-risk group. The county experiences substantially more hazard exposure than most Missouri communities.

Among Region's Higher-Risk Counties

Stoddard County (74.30) approaches St. Francois County (78.53) in overall risk, both substantially exceeding safer nearby areas like Shelby County (15.94) and St. Clair County (25.64). It represents the higher-hazard end of the regional spectrum.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Dominate Profile

Stoddard County residents face severe tornado risk (75.29) and catastrophic earthquake danger (95.48), with notable hurricane risk (49.06) adding complexity. Tornado and earthquake preparedness should be central to any disaster plan.

Multi-Hazard Coverage Essential

Stoddard County homeowners must prioritize tornado and earthquake insurance given the county's exceptional exposure to both hazards. Consider additional hurricane protection as well, particularly for properties in vulnerable locations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Stoddard County

via WaterByCounty

Stoddard County Receives Failing Grade

Stoddard County is currently graded F due to 16 health violations recorded over a five-year period. However, its rate of 70.3 violations per 100,000 residents is actually lower than the state average of 81.5.

Watershed Health Data Currently N/A

Local water bodies in Stoddard County have not yet been evaluated under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. As such, there is no official record of impairment percentages or causes for this reporting cycle.

Active Monitoring of Inorganic Levels

A total of 12 monitoring sites across the county have collected 832 measurements over the last five years. Top characteristic groups measured include physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic non-metals.

St. Francis River Flows Dwindle

The St. Francis River at Fisk is reporting a current discharge of 200 cfs, a significant drop to 14% of its long-term mean. This is far below the typical 1,475 cfs expected for this 1,370 square mile drainage area.

Be Alert to Quality and Low Flow

Residents should remain vigilant due to the F compliance grade and consider testing private wells if applicable. The drastically low flow in the St. Francis River may also lead to higher concentrations of monitored nutrients and inorganics.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stoddard County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Rainy Southern Profile

Stoddard County averages 56.8°F annually, placing it well above the national median for temperature. Its position in the Bootheel region brings a subtropical influence to the local weather.

Among the Wettest in Missouri

With 49.2 inches of annual precipitation, Stoddard is significantly wetter than the Missouri average of 43.8 inches. It also remains nearly two degrees warmer than the state average temperature.

High Humidity in the Lowlands

Stoddard experiences 44 extreme heat days annually, a number that rivals the state's urban centers. Its average annual temperature of 56.8°F reflects a consistently warmer southern climate.

Long Summers and Damp Winters

July averages 78.9°F, while January stays relatively mild at 33.2°F. While snowfall data is limited, the high annual rainfall of 49.2 inches indicates a year-round moisture surplus.

Focus on Drainage and Dehumidification

The nearly 50 inches of rain require robust gutter systems and landscape grading to prevent flooding. High humidity during the 44 extreme heat days makes indoor climate control a necessity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stoddard County

via SoilByCounty

The Bootheel's Acidic Entisols

Stoddard County's soil score of 62.9 sits right near the state average of 64.2. Its Entisols are quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.89, which is significantly lower than the national 6.5 median.

Silt Loam with a Sandy Edge

The soil is a silt loam, containing 57.0% silt and a notable 26.3% sand. This higher sand fraction compared to northern counties helps with drainage and makes the soil warm up faster in the spring.

Great Water Storage for Crops

An available water capacity of 0.196 in/in puts Stoddard ahead of the state average, a vital asset for the region's intense agriculture. Organic matter is 2.71%, which is solid by national standards if not the state's highest.

Moderately Well Drained Land

The county is classified as moderately well drained, meaning it can hold moisture without staying perpetually swampy. As part of hydrologic group C, it manages water runoff slowly, requiring mindful irrigation.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone allows for long-season crops like cotton and sweet potatoes that northern Missouri can't support. It is a fantastic region for any gardener looking to push the boundaries of the traditional growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stoddard County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Lawn Care in Southern Missouri

Stoddard County faces significant lawn challenges with a difficulty score of 53.8, much lower than the state average. This Zone 7a climate demands more water and maintenance than most other parts of Missouri.

Wet Climate Meets Intense Heat

Annual precipitation is high at 49.2 inches, but 44 extreme heat days can quickly dry out the landscape. This combination of moisture and heat often creates a humid environment where fungal diseases can thrive in the turf.

Silt Loam Requires Acid Correction

The soil pH of 5.89 is just below the ideal range, so testing for lime requirements is recommended. The moderately well-drained silt loam provides a decent base, but the 26.3% sand content means nutrients can leach away during heavy rains.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Almost 43% of the county is currently in severe drought, the highest level among these counties. After 22 weeks of drought last year, it is critical to prioritize watering high-traffic areas to prevent permanent grass loss.

Warm-Season Grasses Offer an Edge

In Zone 7a, warm-season grasses like Zoysia can handle the 44 heat days better than many cool-season types. Plan to seed or sod after the April 7 frost date to take full advantage of the 4,268 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stoddard County's county score?
Stoddard County, Missouri has a composite county score of 47 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 Stoddard County rank among counties in Missouri?
Stoddard County ranks #71 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 Stoddard County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Stoddard County is $885, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Stoddard County a tax score of 68.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stoddard County?
The median household income in Stoddard County, Missouri is $54,067 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stoddard County earns an income score of 23/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stoddard County, Missouri a good place to live?
Stoddard County scores 47/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Stoddard 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 Stoddard County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.