countyscore
42
County Score
Cost of Living 75.6Property Tax 62Soil Quality 59.8

County Report Card

About Vernon County, Missouri

Struggling Against National Norms

Vernon County’s composite score of 42.0 falls short of the 50.0 national median. This indicates that several key livability dimensions are underperforming compared to the rest of the country.

Below the Missouri Standard

With a score of 42.0, Vernon County ranks below the Missouri state average of 50.3. Lower scores in safety and schools present hurdles that set it apart from higher-performing Missouri counties.

Highly Affordable Housing Options

Affordability is the county's primary strength, evidenced by a cost score of 75.6. With median home values at $136,700, it remains much more accessible than the national average for first-time buyers.

Significant Safety and School Challenges

The safety score of 6.6 is among the lowest in the state, signaling a need for community intervention. Combined with a school score of 35.4, these factors heavily impact the overall ranking.

A Choice for Value Seekers

Vernon County is best suited for individuals who prioritize low-cost housing and are comfortable in a quiet, rural setting. It may be less ideal for families who are highly sensitive to school performance metrics.

204060801006275.66.629.335.424.154.148.356.5Tax62Cost75.6Safety6.6Health29.3Schools35.4Income24.1Risk54.1Water48.3Weather56.542/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Vernon County DNA

Foverall

How Vernon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Vernon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (75.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62+10
Cost
75.6+27.599999999999994
Safety
6.6-48.4
Health
29.3-20.7
Schools
35.4-18.6
Income
24.1-26.9
Risk
54.1
Water
48.3-9.700000000000003
Weather
56.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$136,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$722/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$136,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,519/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Barton County
Missouri
44.6
Bourbon County
Kansas
41.9
Bates County
Missouri
45.2
Cedar County
Missouri
45.4
Linn County
Kansas
56.6
Crawford County
Kansas
35.5
St. Clair County
Missouri
59.1
Dade County
Missouri
44.1

Deep Dives

Vernon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Vernon County

via TaxByCounty

Vernon County taxes below national median

Vernon County's effective tax rate of 0.710% falls below the national average, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. tax environments. The median annual tax of $970 represents just 36% of the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Missouri's average rate

Vernon County's 0.710% rate sits just below Missouri's average of 0.733%, placing it near the statewide middle in tax burden. The county collects a median tax of $970 compared to Missouri's median of $1,199.

Moderate taxes in southwest Missouri region

Vernon County's 0.710% rate falls between Sullivan County (0.736%) and Stone County (0.493%), offering a middle-ground tax environment in southwestern Missouri. Compared to Warren County's 0.738%, Vernon provides modest tax relief.

A $136,700 home costs $970 yearly

The median Vernon County home valued at $136,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $970. With a mortgage, homeowners typically pay $999, while those without mortgages pay approximately $925.

Appeal overvalued assessments in Vernon

Vernon County homeowners should review their property assessments to ensure valuations reflect fair market value. Many properties can be reduced through the county assessor's free appeal process, lowering annual tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Vernon County

via CostByCounty

Vernon County hovers near national averages

Vernon County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally above the national baseline, while its $722 median rent falls below Missouri's $768 state average. At $54,519 in median household income, Vernon's affordability mirrors typical rural Missouri conditions.

Middle ground for Missouri renters

Vernon County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio hovers just above Missouri's 15.6% state average, placing it in the moderate affordability tier—neither among the best nor the worst statewide. The $722 rent offers modest savings compared to state norms.

Moderate rents between peers

Vernon County's $722 rent sits comfortably between Texas County's bargain $647 and Stone County's pricier $892, offering a middle-ground option for renters. It undercuts the regional average while remaining accessible to the county's $54,519 median income.

Balanced housing costs across tenures

Renters in Vernon County pay $722 monthly while homeowners carry $698 costs—nearly equal burdens reflecting balanced affordability. With $54,519 median household income, housing consumes 15.9% for renters and 15.4% for homeowners, both within reasonable limits.

Vernon County splits the difference

Vernon County offers solid middle-ground affordability with $722 rents and $136,700 home values, neither the cheapest nor most expensive in the region. If you're relocating and want average conditions without extremes, Vernon delivers balanced housing costs and economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Vernon County

via IncomeByCounty

Vernon County lags well behind national norm

Vernon County's median household income of $54,519 falls 27% below the national median of $74,755, indicating persistent economic headwinds. This gap reflects the county's rural character and limited access to higher-wage employment sectors.

Below-average earner for Missouri

Vernon County's $54,519 median income trails Missouri's state average of $59,503 by nearly $5,000, positioning the county in the lower half of state rankings. Per capita income of $26,360 also lags the state average of $31,011.

Second-lowest income in regional group

Vernon County's $54,519 income ranks ahead of only Sullivan County ($55,500) among neighbors—Texas County ($48,055) is lower, while Stone ($61,323) and Taney ($58,258) both earn more. The county's agricultural economy limits earning potential.

Low housing costs provide budget relief

Vernon County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, offering families meaningful savings on housing. A median home value of $136,700 is achievable for households earning $54,519 annually.

Leverage housing affordability for savings

With manageable housing costs, Vernon County families have an opportunity to build wealth through savings and retirement investing despite modest incomes. Explore employer retirement plans and government savings programs to maximize financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Vernon County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates exceed national figures

Vernon County reports a total crime rate of 3175.4 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a local safety score of 95.0.

Vernon County trails state safety averages

The county's total crime rate of 3175.4 is significantly higher than the Missouri average of 1926.2. Two reporting agencies manage the law enforcement needs for the local population.

High crime compared to Texas County

Vernon County sees nearly double the total crime rate of Texas County, which reports only 1675.6 incidents per 100K. This makes it one of the more active crime areas in its region.

Property crime is the primary issue

Property crime is high at 2841.7 per 100K, while violent crime remains below national averages at 333.7. Most reported incidents involve theft or burglary rather than physical confrontation.

Take active steps to secure property

With property crime rates exceeding 2,800 per 100K, home security is a critical priority for residents. Motion sensors and deadbolt locks are essential investments for Vernon County homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Vernon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Four Districts Serving the Community

Vernon County’s educational system consists of 14 public schools serving 2,948 students across four districts. The infrastructure includes six elementary, one middle, and five high schools, plus a special education facility.

Reliable Graduation Rates and Performance

The county maintains a 90.8% graduation rate, outperforming the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $6,009 is lower than national averages, the 51.8 school score shows the county remains competitive with state performance.

Nevada R-V Manages the County's Core

Nevada R-V is the dominant district, educating 2,377 students across seven different schools. There are no charter schools in the county, with all students served by traditional public school districts.

A Blend of Town and Rural Campuses

The county offers a diverse locale mix with eight schools in town settings and six in rural areas. Nevada High is the largest school with 786 students, significantly higher than the county's average school size of 246.

Settle in a Region Committed to Education

Vernon County offers a unique mix of town amenities and rural charm for education-focused families. Look for real estate near the Nevada R-V district to secure access to the county's largest and most diverse school network.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Vernon County

via RiskByCounty

Vernon County sits near national average

Vernon County scores 45.96 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting just slightly below the national average. This near-average positioning suggests Vernon faces moderate, not severe, cumulative disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Below-average risk for Missouri

Vernon County's 45.96 composite score falls below Missouri's state average of 50.56, making it one of the state's safer counties. This below-state-average standing reflects Vernon's location in western Missouri, away from the high-hazard Ozark region.

Less exposed than nearby counties

Vernon County (45.96) benefits from lower risk than neighboring Bates and Bourbon counties, and is especially safer than Ozark-based counties like Stone or Taney. The county's western prairie location protects it from the earthquake and flood extremes affecting southeastern Missouri.

Floods and tornadoes merit preparation

Flood risk reaches 49.84 and tornado risk 51.30, the county's two leading hazards, though both remain near state averages. Earthquake (52.45) poses moderate concern, while wildfire exposure is relatively low at 24.52, reflecting the county's grassland and agricultural character.

Standard coverage with flood policy

Vernon County residents should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance with emphasis on wind and hail coverage for spring tornado season. Adding a flood policy is prudent for properties in or near floodplains, though the county's overall flood risk is moderate compared to state hotspots.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Vernon County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Record in Vernon County

Vernon County maintains a D grade but features a low violation rate of 18.6 per 100K residents. With only 4 health violations in five years, the county performs significantly better than the state average of 81.5.

Watershed Assessments Currently Pending

Local water bodies in Vernon County have not yet been evaluated under federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No official data exists at this time to categorize the health or impairment causes of the county's watersheds.

Nutrients and Metals Monitored Regularly

Monitoring agencies operate 13 sites, gathering 1,270 measurements over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include physical traits, nutrients, and metal concentrations.

Marmaton River Experiences Critical Low Flow

The Marmaton River near Nevada is flowing at just 46 cfs, a mere 5% of its long-term typical discharge. This drastic reduction across its 1,074-square-mile drainage area marks a significant hydrological event.

Extreme Low Flow Demands Attention

The critical 5% flow rate on the Marmaton River could significantly affect source water quality and availability. Residents should remain vigilant about local water restrictions and ensure their filtration systems are effective against metals tracked in local monitoring.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Vernon County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Prairie Winds

Vernon County averages 56.1°F annually, which is warmer than the national median. This western Missouri county sits in a transition zone for heat and moisture.

Warmer Than the State Mean

The county's average temperature of 56.1°F exceeds the state average of 54.9°F. It ranks in the warmer southern half of Missouri's temperature data.

High Heat on the Plains

Vernon sees 42 extreme heat days, significantly more than the state's northern and eastern regions. It also records 46.5 inches of rain, making it wetter than the 43.8-inch Missouri average.

Dry Snow and Hot July

Summers are intense with a July average of 78.5°F and frequent 90°F days. Winters are relatively dry regarding ice and snow, with only 6.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Stay Cool During Long Heatwaves

Energy bills likely peak in summer during the 42 days of extreme heat. Since snow is rare at 6.4 inches, focus winter prep on insulating pipes against the 31.5°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Vernon County

via SoilByCounty

Stable Acidity on the Western Border

Vernon County's soil has a pH of 5.99, which is just slightly more acidic than the Missouri state average of 6.09. It remains below the national median of 6.5, a common trait for soils in this part of the state.

Balanced Texture for Nutrient Retention

The blend of 50.2% silt and 22.0% clay suggests a soil with good nutrient-holding potential. The 27.8% sand content provides enough grit to prevent the clay from becoming too dense for delicate root systems.

Drought-Resistant Growing Potential

Organic matter sits at 2.60%, which is healthy by national standards but lower than the Missouri average. However, the available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is higher than the state average, offering a vital buffer during dry spells.

Responsive Soil for Farming

While specific drainage and hydrologic classes aren't categorized in this dataset, the balance of clay and silt usually points to moderate drainage. Farmers in this area typically find the soil very responsive to consistent management.

Productive Plots in Zone 6b

As part of hardiness zone 6b, the area is well-suited for staples like berries and root vegetables. Your soil's high water capacity makes it a great candidate for a productive and resilient home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Vernon County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growth in Zone 6b

Vernon County holds a lawn difficulty score of 57.0, placing it behind the Missouri state average of 63.7. In Hardiness Zone 6b, the balance between heat and cold requires a strategic approach to lawn maintenance.

Frequent Mowing Requirements

High summer temperatures are a factor here, with 42 extreme heat days compared to the state average of 37. The 46.5 inches of annual rain provide plenty of moisture, but the 4,202 growing degree days mean grass grows fast and needs frequent mowing.

Balanced Mineral Foundations

The soil pH of 5.99 is nearly perfect, sitting just at the edge of the ideal 6.0 range. The 22.0% clay and 27.8% sand mix indicates a balanced foundation that should support most regional grasses well.

Encouraging Deep Root Systems

The county has experienced 25 weeks of drought in the last year, and currently, the entire area is abnormally dry. Implement a 'soak and dry' watering schedule to encourage deep root growth, which helps plants survive dry periods.

Seeding Resilient Fescue

Tall fescue is a resilient workhorse for Zone 6b, providing green color for much of the year. Time your seeding between the April 7th last frost and the October 27th first frost for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vernon County's county score?
Vernon County, Missouri has a composite county score of 42 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 Vernon County rank among counties in Missouri?
Vernon County ranks #97 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 Vernon County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Vernon County is $970, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Vernon County a tax score of 62/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Vernon County?
The median household income in Vernon County, Missouri is $54,519 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Vernon County earns an income score of 24.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Vernon County, Missouri a good place to live?
Vernon County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #97 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Vernon 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 Vernon 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.