countyscore
42.2
County Score
Property Tax 76.9Weather & Climate 59.6Schools 53.5

County Report Card

About Taney County, Missouri

Below the National Median

Taney County scores 42.2 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score suggests that the county faces more significant livability challenges than the average American county.

Lagging Behind State Averages

With a 42.2 composite score, Taney County sits well below the Missouri average of 50.3. While it serves as a tourism hub, the data reveals underlying gaps in public safety and environmental resilience.

Attractive Tax Rates and Water Access

The county's strongest suit is its tax score of 76.9, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.578%. It also maintains a relatively fair water score of 46.1, which is higher than many neighboring rural counties.

High Risk and Safety Hurdles

The county faces significant pressure with a risk score of 16.0 and a safety score of 17.3. These represent the primary factors dragging down the overall livability index for local residents.

Best for Budget-Focused Tourists

Taney County suits residents who can navigate its safety challenges in exchange for low taxes and proximity to regional amenities. It is a functional choice for those employed in the local service and tourism sectors.

Score breakdown

Tax76.9Cost42.9Safety17.3Health34Schools53.5Income33.5Risk16Water46.1Weather59.6
🏛76.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.8
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

Boone County
Arkansas
53.2
Stone County
Missouri
52.2
Christian County
Missouri
38.5
Marion County
Arkansas
48.3
Ozark County
Missouri
60.2
Carroll County
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Douglas County
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Barry County
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Deep Dives

Taney County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Taney County

via TaxByCounty

Taney County taxes remain well below national

Taney County's effective tax rate of 0.578% significantly undercuts the national median effective rate, placing the county in the bottom 25% nationally. The median tax of $1,178 is less than 45% of the national median of $2,690, offering substantial savings compared to most American homeowners.

Below-average tax rate across Missouri

Taney County's 0.578% rate sits below Missouri's average of 0.733%, ranking in the lower third of the state's counties. The median tax of $1,178 nearly matches the state median despite homes that are worth less, reflecting Taney's competitive tax environment.

Competitive with nearby Ozark counties

Taney County's 0.578% rate edges Stone County (0.493%) but beats Warren County (0.738%) and Washington County (0.576%) in the surrounding Ozark region. For recreational and retirement destinations in the area, Taney offers middle-ground tax rates.

A $203,800 home costs $1,178 annually

The median Taney County home valued at $203,800 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,178. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $1,324 due to lender escrow, while those without mortgages pay closer to $1,024.

Check if your assessment is accurate

Many Taney County homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value and can recover money through the assessor's appeal process. The appeal is cost-free and has successfully reduced taxes for properties across the county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Taney County

via CostByCounty

Taney County rents stretch local incomes thin

At 19.1%, Taney County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most strained in Missouri, well above the national average and indicating serious affordability challenges. The median rent of $925 consumes nearly a fifth of the $58,258 median household income, a burden that exceeds comfortable housing cost guidelines.

Second-least affordable in Missouri

Taney County ranks near the bottom statewide for rental affordability, with a 19.1% rent-to-income ratio that significantly exceeds Missouri's 15.6% average. Only a handful of counties strain renters' budgets more severely than Taney.

Priciest rents alongside Stone County

Taney County's $925 median rent stands among the highest in the region, exceeded only slightly by higher-income Warren County and well above affordable peers like Sullivan County ($692) and Washington County ($680). This premium reflects Taney's appeal as a recreation and tourism destination.

Rent dominates the budget

Renters in Taney County spend $925 monthly—the highest burden here—while homeowners carry more manageable $847 costs. With $58,258 in median household income, renters shoulder a punishing 19.1% of gross income toward rent, while homeowners allocate roughly 17.5%.

Beauty comes with a rental premium

Taney County's Ozark scenery and tourist economy drive rents to the region's highest at $925, making it the least affordable for renters. If relocating here, prioritize homeownership—mortgages at $847 offer relief—or consider more affordable neighbors like Sullivan County just a short drive away.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taney County

via IncomeByCounty

Taney County income trails U.S. average

Taney County's median household income of $58,258 falls 22% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting broader rural income challenges. However, the county's income is closer to national levels than many neighboring counties.

Slightly below Missouri's state average

Taney County's $58,258 median income sits just $1,245 below the Missouri state average of $59,503, placing it near the middle of county rankings. Per capita income of $31,125 nearly matches the state average of $31,011.

Mid-range earner among regional peers

Taney County ranks second in the Ozark cluster—Stone County leads at $61,323, while Taney's $58,258 edges ahead of Vernon ($54,519) and Sullivan ($55,500). The county's tourism economy supports moderate household earnings.

Housing costs push affordability limits

Taney County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% exceeds many neighbors and approaches the 30% affordability ceiling, meaning housing takes a larger slice of household budgets. The median home value of $203,800 requires careful financial planning for families earning $58,258.

Prioritize savings despite housing pressure

With higher housing costs relative to income, Taney County families should focus on automatic savings mechanisms and employer retirement plans to protect long-term wealth. Even modest monthly contributions compound into meaningful financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taney County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates near national averages

Taney County reports 2213.4 crimes per 100K, trending slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.5, reflecting a generally secure atmosphere.

Taney County safety vs state average

The county's total crime rate of 2213.4 is higher than the Missouri state average of 1926.2. Six reporting agencies coordinate to manage public safety across this high-traffic region.

Higher crime rates than Stone County

Taney County sees more incidents than neighboring Stone County, which reports a rate of 1516.9. Residents here experience a crime environment that is roughly 46% more active than their neighbors.

Property crimes dominate local reports

Property crime accounts for 1959.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime stays lower at 254.4. The violent crime rate is significantly safer than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Prioritize property protection today

With property crime as the primary concern, homeowners should focus on visible security deterrents. Security cameras and alarm systems are effective tools for safeguarding your residence.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Taney County

via HealthByCounty

Taney County nears national health benchmarks

Taney County's life expectancy of 74.9 years slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and its 20.9% poor/fair health rate is close to the national average of 21%. The county shows relatively typical health outcomes compared to the broader country.

Slightly above Missouri's health average

At 74.9 years, Taney County's life expectancy edges past Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, though the county's 20.9% poor/fair health rate mirrors state-level challenges. Taney ranks in the middle tier of Missouri counties for health outcomes.

A healthcare hub for the region

Taney County significantly outpaces neighboring Stone County and Sullivan County in provider access, with 80 primary care providers and 95 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This regional strength makes Taney a draw for those seeking comprehensive healthcare nearby.

Strong provider access, higher uninsured rate

Taney County boasts 80 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the region—and robust mental health services at 95 per 100,000. However, 14.0% of residents remain uninsured, above Missouri's 12.5% average, limiting access despite provider availability.

Make the most of local healthcare strength

With abundant providers but 14% of residents uninsured, Taney County residents should prioritize enrollment on the Missouri marketplace to unlock healthcare benefits. Your county's strong healthcare infrastructure becomes most valuable when you have coverage to access it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Taney County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System for Thousands of Students

Taney County supports a large educational infrastructure of 21 public schools serving 7,853 students. This network is spread across seven districts and includes 10 elementary, six middle, and four high schools.

Outstanding Graduation Rates and Consistent Scores

The county features an exceptional 96.1% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. While spending is $5,992 per pupil, the county's school score of 54.6 remains higher than the national median.

Branson R-IV Anchors the County

Branson R-IV is the largest district, serving 4,560 students across seven different campuses. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's educational landscape, with no charter schools currently available.

Diverse Town and Rural Settings

The county offers a mix of 12 town-based schools and nine rural campuses, with an average school size of 374 students. Branson High is the largest facility with 1,423 students, providing a more comprehensive secondary experience.

Make Your Home Near Top-Tier Schools

Taney County is a premier destination for homebuyers who prioritize academic success and diverse school environments. Explore properties in the Branson or Hollister districts to give your family access to some of the state's highest graduation rates.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Taney County

via RiskByCounty

Taney County faces elevated national risk

Taney County's composite risk score of 84.03 earns a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it well above the national average and among higher-exposure counties nationwide. This elevated composite score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types clustered in the southern Ozark region.

Second-highest risk in Missouri

Taney County's 84.03 composite score is the highest in Missouri, far exceeding the state average of 50.56 and marking it as the state's most hazard-exposed jurisdiction. This extreme elevation means Taney residents face substantially greater cumulative disaster risk than most Missourians.

Hotspot among Ozark counties

Taney County (84.03) sits at the apex of a high-risk cluster that includes Stone (76.75) and Washington (67.78) counties, making the area a disaster-risk hotspot. The Branson-area region's tourism, terrain, and weather patterns converge to create the state's most hazardous setting.

Floods lead; tornadoes and quakes follow

Flood risk dominates at 89.06—the highest in Missouri—reflecting Table Rock Lake proximity and Ozark creek systems prone to rapid rises. Tornado exposure (77.70) and earthquake risk (76.02) also rank high, creating a triple-threat environment unique in the state.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

Flood risk at 89.06 makes separate flood coverage absolutely essential for Taney County residents, whether in mapped floodplains or not. Pair this with comprehensive homeowners coverage including earthquake endorsement, given the area's multi-hazard exposure and the cumulative cost of underinsurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Taney County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Humid Ozark Climate

Taney County averages 58.2°F annually, which is warmer than both the national median and the Missouri average. The region features a humid subtropical climate typical of the southern border.

Missouri's High Heat Leader

At 58.2°F, Taney is significantly warmer than the 54.9°F state average. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in Missouri due to its southern location.

Sizzling Summer Temperatures

With 53 extreme heat days per year, Taney experiences much more intense summer heat than the state average. It also receives 45.7 inches of rain, outpacing the Missouri average of 43.8 inches.

Long Summers and Rare Snow

July averages a hot 79.3°F, and heat waves are common. Winters are mild with only 6.8 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 35.9°F.

Plan for Intense Summer Sun

Efficient air conditioning is a necessity for the 53 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F. Since snowfall is minimal at 6.8 inches, light winter prep is usually sufficient.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Taney County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Loams of the White River Valley

Taney County's soil is characterized by Entisols with a silty clay loam texture. The pH stands at 5.81, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and requires careful management.

A Gritty Mix with Good Silt

A mix of 50.5% silt and 15.1% clay creates a soil that is relatively easy to work but prone to some erosion. The 27.4% sand content helps with internal drainage compared to heavier clay soils found elsewhere in the state.

Managing Moderate Nutrient Levels

Organic matter is 2.94%, staying above the 2.0% national benchmark but trailing the Missouri state average. With an available water capacity of 0.125 in/in, this soil holds less moisture for plants than the average Missouri plot.

Excellent Drainage with Slow Infiltration

Despite being well drained, these soils are in hydrologic group C, which implies a slow infiltration rate. This combination makes it suitable for various crops if erosion control measures are in place to manage runoff.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Located in zone 7a, the climate supports a long growing season for tomatoes and peppers. Consider using mulch to help maintain moisture in this lower-capacity soil for a more productive harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taney County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Zone 7a Lawns

Taney County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 47.8, falling below both the national and state benchmarks. Gardeners in Zone 7a must work harder than most to maintain green space in this demanding environment.

Enduring Missouri's Summer Intensity

The region endures 53 extreme heat days, which is 16 more than the Missouri average. This intense heat, combined with 4,455 growing degree days, can quickly stress traditional cool-season grasses during the summer months.

Balanced Soil Texture

The soil is a well-drained silty clay loam with a pH of 5.81, requiring minor adjustments to reach the ideal 6.0 threshold. Low sand content (27.4%) and moderate clay (15.1%) provide a stable base for roots to take hold.

Water Conservation is Key

Severe drought currently covers over 85% of the county after 32 weeks of dry conditions this year. To conserve water, mow at a higher setting to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during peak heat.

Heat-Tolerant Turf Choices

Bermudagrass is a top performer here due to its high heat tolerance and resilience in Zone 7a. With a long window between the April 6th frost and October 31st freeze, there is plenty of time to establish a hardy lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taney County's county score?
Taney County, Missouri has a composite county score of 42.2 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 Taney County rank among counties in Missouri?
Taney County ranks #96 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 Taney County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Taney County is $1,178, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Taney County a tax score of 76.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taney County?
The median household income in Taney County, Missouri is $58,258 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taney County earns an income score of 33.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taney County, Missouri a good place to live?
Taney County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #96 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Taney 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 Taney 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.