Warren County

Missouri · MO

#81 in Missouri
68.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Warren County, Missouri

Warren County Significantly Above National Median

Warren County's composite score of 71.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties for livability. This 43% advantage reflects solid fundamentals in tax efficiency and housing.

Slightly Below Missouri Average but Competitive

Warren County scores 71.7 against Missouri's state average of 74.8, placing it in the middle tier of Missouri counties. Despite being slightly below average, it remains a viable option compared to lower-performing counties.

Strong Incomes and Reasonable Tax Burden

Warren County distinguishes itself with an income score of 34.3 and a median household income of $77,989, the highest in this county group. A tax score of 81.5 and effective tax rate of 0.738% round out solid fiscal fundamentals.

Housing Costs Reflect Growing Popularity

The cost score of 73.6 is the lowest in this group, with median home values of $241,200 and rent of $913 per month indicating less affordability. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental factors, and risk remains incomplete.

Best for Professionals with Strong Incomes

Warren County attracts higher-earning professionals and established families who can afford premium housing while benefiting from low tax burden. The county's income advantage makes it most suitable for dual-income households or those with established careers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81.5Cost73.6SafetyComing SoonHealth67.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.3Risk44.7WaterComing Soon
🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠73.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼34.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
44.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren County above Missouri average rate

Warren County's effective tax rate of 0.738% exceeds both Missouri's average of 0.733% and positions the county slightly above the national median. The median annual tax of $1,780 reflects higher home values and represents about 66% of the national median tax.

Upper-middle tier among Missouri counties

Warren County's 0.738% rate ranks in the upper half of Missouri's 114 counties, making it one of the higher-tax areas statewide. The median tax of $1,780 is substantially above Missouri's median of $1,199, driven by higher property values.

Higher taxes than most Ozark neighbors

Warren County's 0.738% rate exceeds nearby Stone County (0.493%), Taney County (0.578%), and Washington County (0.576%) by significant margins. The county sits among the higher-tax regions in central Missouri, though this reflects its more affluent property base.

A $241,200 home costs $1,780 yearly

The median Warren County home valued at $241,200 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,780. With a mortgage, homeowners pay approximately $1,814, while those without mortgages pay around $1,722.

Challenge inflated property assessments

Warren County homeowners paying higher taxes than regional averages should review their assessments for potential overvaluation. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor can identify and correct excessive valuations, reducing annual bills.

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren County outearns most Missourians

Warren County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, powered by a median household income of $77,989—the only county here exceeding the national average. Despite higher rents at $913, residents' superior earning power creates exceptional housing affordability.

Missouri's most affordable county overall

Warren County leads Missouri in housing affordability thanks to its 14.1% rent-to-income ratio—the best among all counties here and below the state average of 15.6%. The county's strong income profile of $77,989 makes housing costs feel manageable despite premium rents.

Higher rents, higher incomes

Warren County's $913 rent ranks second-highest in the region behind Taney County's $925, yet its median income of $77,989 dwarfs all peers, creating the region's best rent-to-income ratio. This income premium transforms what looks like expensive housing into an affordability advantage.

Premium mortgages, premium incomes

Warren County homeowners carry the region's highest mortgage costs at $1,206 monthly, while renters pay $913—both the priciest or near-priciest here. Yet the $77,989 median household income means renters spend just 14.1% on rent and homeowners 18.6%—still reasonable by national standards.

Pay more, earn more, still afford it

Warren County offers the best affordability ratio in the region despite highest mortgages at $1,206 and premium rents at $913, thanks to median incomes of $77,989. If you're relocating with strong earning potential, Warren County's higher home values ($241,200) represent excellent equity-building opportunities.

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren County exceeds national income average

Warren County's median household income of $77,989 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 4%, placing it among the nation's stronger-earning communities. This advantage reflects the county's proximity to St. Louis and robust employment ecosystem.

Missouri's highest-earning county profiled

Warren County's $77,989 median income leads Missouri by $18,486 above the state average of $59,503, ranking it firmly in the state's top tier. Per capita income of $36,403 also exceeds the state average of $31,011 by 17%.

Clear leader among all regional counties

Warren County's $77,989 income dramatically outpaces all nearby counties—Stone County ($61,323) is the closest competitor, followed by Taney ($58,258). This substantial gap reflects Warren's position as a suburban extension of the St. Louis metro area.

Exceptional housing affordability ratio

Warren County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% is the lowest in the region, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $241,200 remains accessible for households earning $77,989, allowing significant discretionary income.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Warren County residents enjoy above-average incomes and manageable housing costs—a combination ideal for aggressive wealth building. Take full advantage of 401(k) employer matches, consider investment properties, and develop a diversified portfolio.

Health in Warren County

via HealthByCounty

Warren County thrives above national norms

Warren County's life expectancy of 75.6 years exceeds the U.S. average of 74.5 years, and just 18.5% of residents report poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 21%. The county ranks among Missouri's healthiest communities by these key metrics.

One of Missouri's healthiest counties

Warren County's 75.6-year life expectancy ranks 1.3 years above Missouri's 74.3 average, and its 18.5% poor/fair health rate stands well below the state benchmark. These figures position Warren County among the state's best performers for health outcomes.

A regional health leader

Warren County's 75.6-year life expectancy leads nearby Stone County (76.0 is higher, but Warren is competitive) and far outpaces Texas County (72.6) and Vernon County (72.6). At 18.5% poor/fair health, Warren's rate is the best in its peer group.

Lowest uninsured rate in comparison

Warren County's 10.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among its peers and below Missouri's 12.5% average, indicating strong health coverage. With 22 primary care providers and 64 mental health providers per 100,000, Warren maintains accessible healthcare infrastructure.

Keep momentum going

Warren County's strong health outcomes partly reflect its low uninsured rate of 10.8%—among the best in the state. Current and prospective residents should verify coverage through the Missouri marketplace to sustain the county's health advantage.

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren County near-average national risk

Warren County's composite risk score of 55.34 earns a Relatively Low rating and falls slightly above the national average. This modest elevation suggests Warren residents face somewhat greater cumulative natural disaster exposure than typical Americans, though far from extreme.

Slightly elevated for Missouri

Warren County's 55.34 score exceeds Missouri's state average of 50.56, positioning it in the mid-to-upper tier of statewide risk. The county's location on the border between low-risk western and higher-risk central Missouri creates a blended hazard profile.

Moderate risk in central corridor

Warren County (55.34) sits between lower-risk Vernon (45.96) to the west and higher-risk Washington (67.78) to the south and east. The county's position reflects the transition zone where central Missouri's hazard intensification begins to mount.

Earthquakes and floods lead concerns

Earthquake risk reaches 73.28 and flood risk 61.20, the county's dominant hazards and both well above state averages, reflecting central Missouri's seismic and hydrologic exposure. Tornado (55.25) and wildfire (56.55) risks are moderate, making earthquake resilience a distinctive planning priority.

Earthquake coverage essential

Warren County's 73.28 earthquake score makes a separate earthquake endorsement or policy a necessity, not optional coverage. Combine this with standard homeowners coverage and flood insurance for properties in or near river corridors to address the county's dual hazard exposure.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.