Stoddard County's composite score of 76.2 places it well above the national median of 50.0, ranking in the top 52nd percentile of U.S. counties. The county delivers strong livability compared to most American communities.
2 / 5
Among Missouri's best performers
With a score of 76.2, Stoddard County exceeds Missouri's state average of 74.8 and ranks among the top-performing counties in the state. It stands as one of Missouri's most livable rural communities.
3 / 5
Low taxes and deep affordability
Stoddard County boasts a competitive effective tax rate of 0.654% with a tax score of 83.9, and a cost score of 84.7. Median home values of just $135,400 and rents of $737/month deliver exceptional affordability in rural Missouri.
4 / 5
Limited income-building opportunities
An income score of 18.7 and median household income of $54,067 represent the county's primary limitation. Data on safety, schools, health, and environmental quality are not yet available.
5 / 5
Perfect for value-conscious families
Stoddard County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing low costs and taxes over income potential in a rural setting. This is where stretching your budget is easiest in Missouri.
Stoddard County's composite score of 76.2 places it well above the national median of 50.0, ranking in the top 52nd percentile of U.S. counties. The county delivers strong livability compared to most American communities.
Among Missouri's best performers
With a score of 76.2, Stoddard County exceeds Missouri's state average of 74.8 and ranks among the top-performing counties in the state. It stands as one of Missouri's most livable rural communities.
Low taxes and deep affordability
Stoddard County boasts a competitive effective tax rate of 0.654% with a tax score of 83.9, and a cost score of 84.7. Median home values of just $135,400 and rents of $737/month deliver exceptional affordability in rural Missouri.
Limited income-building opportunities
An income score of 18.7 and median household income of $54,067 represent the county's primary limitation. Data on safety, schools, health, and environmental quality are not yet available.
Perfect for value-conscious families
Stoddard County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing low costs and taxes over income potential in a rural setting. This is where stretching your budget is easiest in Missouri.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 73.5 years, Stoddard County's life expectancy is 1 year below the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and 22.5% report poor or fair health—above the national average of 21%. These metrics suggest higher rates of chronic illness and preventable mortality than the nation as a whole.
Stoddard ranks near Missouri's bottom
Stoddard's 73.5-year life expectancy trails Missouri's state average of 74.3 years by 0.8 years, placing it in the lower half of the state's counties. The 13.9% uninsured rate is among Missouri's highest, exceeding the state average of 12.5% and adding financial barriers to accessing care.
Stoddard underperforms across the region
Stoddard's 73.5-year life expectancy is the lowest among its peers, 3 years below Ste. Genevieve (76.5) and 2.8 years below St. Louis County (76.3). With 49 primary care providers and 74 mental health providers per 100K, Stoddard has moderate provider density but faces limited mental health capacity relative to need.
Coverage gaps limit access to available care
Stoddard's 13.9% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 7 residents lack health insurance, the highest rate among its neighbors, forcing many to postpone care despite 49 primary care providers per 100K. The 74 mental health providers per 100K fall short of regional averages, creating both financial and logistical barriers to behavioral health treatment.
Enrollment today protects your health tomorrow
Stoddard's health challenges make insurance coverage urgent; if you're uninsured, marketplace plans with income-based subsidies may be far cheaper than you expect. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 immediately to enroll and gain access to preventive care and the county's primary care network.
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.