countyscore
50
County Score
Property Tax 81.9Income & Jobs 65.6Weather & Climate 59.4

County Report Card

About Webster County, Missouri

A Perfect Mirror of the National Median

Webster County earns a composite score of 50.0, aligning it exactly with the national median for livability. This 50th percentile ranking indicates a balance of factors that represents the middle of the American experience.

Just Below the Missouri Average

While its score of 50.0 is respectable, it sits just slightly under the Missouri state average of 50.3. Despite this, the county remains competitive with neighboring rural areas due to its proximity to the Springfield metropolitan market.

Low Taxes and Resilient Incomes

The county excels with a high Tax Score of 81.9, driven by an attractive effective tax rate of just 0.539%. Residents also benefit from a solid Income Score of 65.6, supported by a median household income of $69,731.

Education and Water Quality Needs

Local schools present the primary challenge with a score of 26.8, suggesting a need for more investment in educational outcomes. Additionally, the Water Score of 39.2 indicates that infrastructure improvements could enhance local utility quality.

Balanced Living for Regional Commuters

Webster County is an ideal fit for families who want to keep more of their paycheck thanks to low tax rates. It offers a middle-of-the-road lifestyle that balances suburban access with rural affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax81.9Cost55.4Safety40.3Health40.5Schools26.8Income65.6Risk55.4Water39.2Weather59.4
🏛81.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.9
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

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Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Webster County

via TaxByCounty

Webster County ranks low nationally

At 0.539%, Webster County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.72%, putting it in the lower 30th percentile across all U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay significantly less in property taxes than the national median of $2,690 annually, with Webster County's median hitting just $1,181.

Below average for Missouri

Webster County's 0.539% effective rate falls short of Missouri's 0.733% state average, meaning residents enjoy slightly lower tax burdens than typical Missourians. The county's median property tax of $1,181 is also below the state average of $1,199, offering modest savings statewide.

Mixed results across the region

Webster County's 0.539% rate sits between neighboring Worth County (0.801%) and Wright County (0.384%), making it a middle ground in the area. While Worth County collects higher taxes per capita, Wright County offers the lowest burden, giving the region considerable variation in tax approaches.

What a typical home costs annually

On a median home valued at $219,100, Webster County residents pay approximately $1,181 per year in property taxes without mortgage deduction, or $1,234 with mortgage interest factored in. This translates to about $99–$103 monthly, below national and state norms.

You might be overassessed

Many Webster County homeowners have property values inflated on the assessor's rolls, making them eligible for an appeal. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, filing a formal appeal could lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webster County

via CostByCounty

Webster rents are surprisingly affordable

At 13.4%, Webster County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of their paychecks on housing than most Americans. The typical renter pays $777 monthly while earning a median household income of $69,731—well-positioned compared to the national median income of $74,755.

Best affordable housing in Missouri

Webster County ranks among Missouri's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% versus the state average of 15.6%. This 2.2-percentage-point advantage means Webster renters keep more money in their pockets than the typical Missourian.

Webster undercuts regional rents

Webster County's median rent of $777 exceeds nearby Worth County's $353 but sits below Wright County's $558, placing it in the middle of the regional housing market. Despite higher rents than its neighbors, Webster's stronger median income of $69,731 gives renters better affordability cushion than Wright County's $47,304.

Where Webster housing dollars go

Renters spend $777 monthly on rent while homeowners face $888 in monthly ownership costs, yet both are manageable on Webster's $69,731 median household income. Housing consumes roughly 13.4% of renter income and about 15.3% of owner income—leaving healthy room for other expenses.

Consider Webster for balance

If you're weighing relocation, Webster County offers solid affordability without sacrificing income potential—your rent won't spike, and your paycheck is competitive. Compare this 13.4% rent burden to your current situation: if you're paying more than 15% of income on housing, Webster might stretch your money further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webster County

via IncomeByCounty

Webster County earns above the nation

Webster County's median household income of $69,731 falls just shy of the national median of $74,755—a solid showing that places the county in the upper-middle tier nationally. While the county lags the national average by about 7%, it outperforms most rural Missouri communities by a meaningful margin.

Top tier among Missouri counties

At $69,731, Webster County's median household income runs $10,228 above Missouri's state average of $59,503, ranking it well above the typical county in the state. The county's per capita income of $29,530 also trails the state average of $31,011, suggesting income is concentrated in fewer households.

Stronger income than regional peers

Webster County significantly outearns its neighboring counties—Worth County ($46,167) and Wright County ($47,304) both fall roughly $20,000 below Webster's median. This income advantage reflects Webster's larger economic base and job diversity compared to the more rural counties nearby.

Housing costs are manageable here

At 13.4%, Webster County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below the national affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume a reasonable share of household earnings. With a median home value of $219,100 and solid median income, homeownership remains accessible for working families.

Build on strong household earnings

Webster County households earning above the state average have a real opportunity to invest surplus income into savings, retirement accounts, or real estate. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop a wealth-building strategy that leverages your above-average earning potential in the region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Webster County

via CrimeByCounty

Webster County outperforms national safety averages

Webster County maintains a safety score of 97.9, notably higher than many regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,360.0 per 100,000 residents sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A top performer in Missouri safety rankings

Webster County outpaces the Missouri average safety score of 97.0. With its total crime rate roughly 30% lower than the state average of 1,926.2, it remains a secure choice for residents.

Strong local safety compared to regional peers

Webster County maintains a lower overall crime profile than several surrounding urbanized areas in the state. Data from five reporting agencies provides a comprehensive and transparent look at the county's local safety environment.

Violent crime slightly exceeds national averages

Property crime in Webster is remarkably low at 881.2 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. However, the violent crime rate of 478.8 exceeds the national benchmark of 369.8, signaling a specific area for community focus.

Stay vigilant to keep Webster safe

While Webster’s safety score is high, staying proactive with home security remains essential. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras help maintain the county's low property crime levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Webster County

via HealthByCounty

Webster County edges ahead nationally

At 74.7 years, Webster County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 73.5 years by more than a year. Yet nearly 1 in 5 residents report poor or fair health, tracking closely with national rates of self-reported poor health around 18%.

Outpacing Missouri's health baseline

Webster County ranks above Missouri's state average life expectancy of 74.3 years, placing it in the healthier tier statewide. Its 12.7% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 12.5%, reflecting stable coverage across the region.

Strongest primary care in the region

Webster County's 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represents solid access compared to neighboring Wright County's 16 per 100,000. Mental health services are well-distributed with 82 providers per 100,000, supporting residents managing chronic conditions and behavioral health.

Uninsured rates remain a gap

About 1 in 8 Webster County residents lack health insurance, slightly above Missouri's state average. This coverage gap can delay preventive care and routine checkups that keep people healthy.

Find coverage that fits your life

If you're among Webster County's uninsured residents, healthcare options exist for every income level. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health centers near you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Webster County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Foundation for 5,200 Students

Webster County supports a robust educational network of 17 public schools, including six elementary and five high schools, across four distinct districts. The system serves 5,252 students, providing a comprehensive infrastructure that balances primary and secondary education. This network includes one alternative school to ensure diverse learning pathways for the local community.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves a graduation rate of 88.9%, outperforming the national average of 87.0% despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,798. While local spending sits below the Missouri average of $6,334, the county maintains a 50.4 composite school score, which aligns closely with the national median. These figures suggest that Webster County districts are efficiently translating modest resources into successful student outcomes.

Marshfield R-I Leads the County

Marshfield R-I serves as the county's primary educational anchor, enrolling 3,113 students across six different schools. Other key providers include Fordland R-III with 610 students and Niangua R-V with 295 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, as traditional public districts manage 100% of the student population.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

The educational experience here is defined by 10 rural schools and seven town-based facilities, with an average enrollment of 328 students per school. Students attend institutions ranging from the large Marshfield High with 916 learners to smaller specialized centers. This distribution offers families a choice between larger, resource-heavy high schools and more intimate primary settings like Shook Elementary.

Put Down Roots Near Top Schools

Finding the right home often starts with finding the right classroom for your children. Families moving to Webster County can explore properties near Marshfield or Logan-Rogersville to take advantage of established community schools. Quality education remains a primary driver for local property values and long-term neighborhood stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webster County

via RiskByCounty

Webster County's moderate risk profile

Webster County scores 44.59 on the national disaster risk scale, placing it in the 'Relatively Low' category and below Missouri's state average of 50.56. This means the county faces fewer compounded hazards than most U.S. counties, though specific risks remain significant in certain categories.

Safer than most Missouri counties

At 44.59, Webster County ranks better than average among Missouri's 114 counties, with a composite risk score that sits well below the state average of 50.56. This relatively favorable standing reflects lower flood and hurricane exposure compared to other parts of Missouri.

Notable differences from neighbors

Webster County's composite risk of 44.59 sits between Worth County's very low 8.21 and Wright County's higher 57.41, making it a middle ground for the region. Worth County faces dramatically lower overall risk across nearly all hazard types, while Wright County's earthquake exposure (76.11) significantly outpaces Webster's (70.32).

Earthquakes and wildfires dominate here

Webster County residents face the greatest threats from earthquakes (70.32) and wildfires (69.15), both scoring well above the county's composite average. Tornado risk also merits attention at 65.65, making severe weather preparedness essential for households and businesses.

Insurance priorities for Webster County

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earthquake and wildfire damage, making separate coverage critical given Webster County's elevated scores in both categories. Residents should also verify tornado coverage and review annual updates as climate conditions evolve.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Webster County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures in the Ozarks

Webster County averages 55.6°F annually, putting it slightly above the national median temperature. It features the humid subtropical characteristics of south-central Missouri.

Warmer Than the Missouri Average

The county's average temperature of 55.6°F is higher than the state average of 54.9°F. It ranks among the warmer half of Missouri's counties.

Low Snowfall and High Rain

Webster receives 45.6 inches of rain, which is wetter than the state average of 43.8 inches. However, its 5.2 inches of annual snow is much lower than northern neighbors.

Hot Summers and Steady Rain

Summer features 33 extreme heat days and a July average of 77.5°F. Winters are fairly mild, with the January average staying above freezing at 31.9°F.

Focus on Rain Management

Since snowfall is rare at 5.2 inches, prioritize rain gear and drainage for the 45.6 inches of precipitation. Prepare for about a month of extreme heat during the summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Webster County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols define the local landscape

Webster County features Entisols with a pH of 5.74, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This very gravelly silty clay land sits below the Missouri average soil score of 64.2, coming in at 57.7.

A silty mix with gravelly texture

The soil is dominated by 59.9% silt and 14.8% clay, creating a medium texture with substantial gravel components. This 19.8% sand mix offers poor workability for delicate plants but provides a rugged base for native vegetation.

High organic matter meets low water capacity

At 5.47%, the organic matter content far exceeds the 2.0% national average and the 4.74% state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.167 in/in is lower than the state's 0.183, meaning moisture drains away quickly.

Excessive drainage creates dry conditions

This land is classified as excessively drained, which prevents root rot but requires frequent irrigation during dry spells. Falling into Hydrologic Group D, the soil presents specific challenges for building foundations and pond retention.

Acid-loving plants thrive in Zone 6b

Gardeners in Hardiness Zone 6b can leverage the rich organic matter to grow blueberries and azaleas that thrive in acidic conditions. Your local landscape is perfect for heat-tolerant perennials and native grasses that enjoy fast-draining earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Webster County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Ease in Webster County

Webster County scores a 54.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0. However, homeowners face a more challenging environment than the Missouri state average of 63.7. The local climate falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, which supports a mix of cool and warm-season grasses.

Ample Rainfall Meets High Summer Heat

High annual rainfall of 45.6 inches supports lush growth, though 33 extreme heat days can stress traditional turf. With 4,055 growing degree days, the warm season is robust and requires a consistent mowing schedule to keep up with rapid growth. While specific growing season length data is unavailable, the 04/13 last frost date signals a mid-spring start.

Managing Acidic and Gravelly Soils

The soil is a very gravelly silty clay with a pH of 5.74, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. Because this soil is classified as excessively drained, lawns may require more frequent watering to prevent dehydration in the summer. Lime amendments are often necessary to balance the pH for optimal nutrient uptake and root health.

Navigating Significant Recent Drought Patterns

Drought is a major factor here, as the county spent 31 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, and 6.7% faces severe drought levels. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to build the resilient root systems needed to survive these recurring dry spells.

Start Growing Between Spring and Fall Frosts

Tall fescue and zoysia are excellent choices for Zone 6b, providing the durability needed for the local heat and soil drainage. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 13 or well before the first fall frost on October 24. A well-timed start ensures your lawn establishes itself before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webster County's county score?
Webster County, Missouri has a composite county score of 50 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 Webster County rank among counties in Missouri?
Webster County ranks #62 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 Webster County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Webster County is $1,181, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Webster County a tax score of 81.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webster County?
The median household income in Webster County, Missouri is $69,731 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webster County earns an income score of 65.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webster County, Missouri a good place to live?
Webster County scores 50/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Webster 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 Webster 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.