countyscore
64.2
County Score
Property Tax 94.8Cost of Living 90.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Wright County, Missouri

High Rankings for Quality of Life

Wright County earns an impressive composite score of 64.2, placing it far ahead of the national median of 50.0. This high ranking is fueled by a combination of extreme tax friendliness and housing value.

A Top-Tier Missouri Performer

The county beats the Missouri average score of 50.3 by nearly 14 points, making it one of the most attractive options in the state. It manages to offer high levels of safety and affordability compared to its regional peers.

Near-Perfect Tax and Cost Scores

The county features an elite Tax Score of 94.8 with a very low effective tax rate of 0.384%. Combined with a Cost Score of 90.8, residents enjoy some of the most affordable living conditions in the country.

Healthcare Access and Local Wages

Healthcare is the main area for improvement with a Health Score of only 24.3, indicating limited medical infrastructure. Furthermore, the Income Score of 9.8 highlights that local wages are significantly lower than state averages.

Perfect for Maximizing Every Dollar

Wright County is a premier choice for budget-conscious families and individuals who want to minimize tax burdens. It suits those who value a safe, low-cost community and are comfortable traveling for healthcare services.

Score breakdown

Tax94.8Cost90.8Safety73.4Health24.3Schools45.9Income9.8Risk42.6Water86Weather60.6
🏛94.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.6
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

Webster County
Missouri
50
Douglas County
Missouri
60.8
Laclede County
Missouri
43.7
Texas County
Missouri
50.3
Pulaski County
Missouri
49.8
Dallas County
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Christian County
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Greene County
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54.4

Deep Dives

Wright County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wright County

via TaxByCounty

Wright County offers exceptional savings

At 0.384%, Wright County's effective tax rate ranks in the nation's bottom 10%, offering some of the lowest property tax burdens in America. The median property tax of $584 is less than a quarter of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a low rate and modest home values.

Missouri's most tax-friendly county

Wright County's 0.384% effective rate is dramatically below Missouri's 0.733% state average, making it one of the state's most affordable property tax havens. The median annual tax of $584 is roughly half the state average of $1,199, offering substantial savings compared to most Missourians.

Significantly lower than nearby counties

Wright County's 0.384% rate undercuts both Webster County (0.539%) and Worth County (0.801%), making it the region's clear tax leader. Residents here enjoy markedly lighter property tax loads than their neighbors in surrounding areas.

What a typical home costs annually

On a median home valued at $152,300, Wright County residents pay approximately $584 per year in property taxes without mortgage deduction, or $636 with mortgage interest factored in. This equals roughly $49–$53 monthly, extraordinarily low by national standards.

You might be overassessed

Even in Wright County's low-tax environment, some homeowners carry inflated assessed values on their properties and could benefit from an assessment appeal. Filing a challenge with the local assessor's office could unlock additional savings on your already modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wright County

via CostByCounty

Wright sits near the national affordability line

Wright County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above the national standard, putting it in the moderately affordable category for American renters. The median rent of $558 is below the state average of $768, but the median income of $47,304 trails the national $74,755 by a significant margin.

Wright ranks middle of Missouri pack

With a 14.2% rent-to-income ratio, Wright County performs slightly better than Missouri's 15.6% state average, landing it in the middle tier of county affordability. This modest advantage means Wright renters retain slightly more breathing room than the typical Missourian.

Wright bridges Worth and Webster costs

Wright County's $558 rent sits squarely between Worth County's ultra-low $353 and Webster County's $777, offering middle-ground housing prices. However, Wright's $47,304 income is closer to Worth's level, making its rent burden slightly higher than Webster's despite the lower absolute costs.

Wright's modest housing split

Renters commit $558 monthly to housing while homeowners spend $597, both manageable on Wright's $47,304 median income. At 14.2% for renters and 15.1% for owners, housing takes up a reasonable but notable chunk of household budgets.

Wright County: balanced rural option

Wright County offers a middle path—cheaper than Webster, higher-earning than Worth—if you're seeking rural Missouri living without extreme trade-offs. If your current rent-to-income ratio exceeds 14%, Wright's $558 rent could improve your financial situation while maintaining community-oriented rural life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wright County

via IncomeByCounty

Wright County well below national median

Wright County's median household income of $47,304 trails the national median of $74,755 by $27,451, reflecting the limited earning opportunities in this rural region. The income gap signals structural economic challenges that constrain household wealth accumulation.

Below-average income across Missouri

At $47,304, Wright County's median household income sits $12,199 below Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it among the state's lower-income counties. The county's per capita income of $23,682 falls substantially below the state average of $31,011, suggesting concentrated earning power.

Similar struggles as Worth County

Wright County's median income of $47,304 closely matches Worth County's $46,167, with both rural counties facing similar economic constraints compared to Webster County's $69,731. Wright's median home value of $152,300 is higher than Worth's, creating tighter affordability pressures.

Housing takes a larger income share

Wright County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% exceeds the national affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume a notably higher share of household earnings than ideal. This housing burden leaves less discretionary income for savings, medical care, and other essential needs.

Build wealth through careful planning

Despite lower income, Wright County households can strengthen their financial position by budgeting aggressively, exploring income-boosting opportunities, and seeking employer retirement benefits. Consider connecting with local nonprofit financial counseling services to develop a personalized wealth-building roadmap suited to your earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wright County

via CrimeByCounty

Wright County excels in national safety comparisons

With a near-perfect safety score of 99.0, Wright County is one of the safest spots in the country. Its total crime rate of 633.2 per 100,000 is approximately 73% lower than the national average.

Outperforming Missouri safety and crime averages

Wright County's total crime rate is nearly one-third of the Missouri state average of 1,926.2. This exceptional performance places it well ahead of the 97.0 state average safety score.

Wright County leads its regional neighbors

Wright County reports significantly lower crime than neighboring Webster and Worth counties. Data from three local reporting agencies confirms a consistently low-risk environment across the county's various communities.

Minimal property crime and low violence

Property crime in Wright is extremely low at 400.5 per 100,000, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime is similarly subdued at 232.7, which is much lower than the national rate of 369.8.

Simple steps to maintain your security

High safety scores are a point of pride, but home security awareness remains vital for every homeowner. Basic precautions like locking doors and installing exterior lighting help ensure these low rates continue for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wright County

via HealthByCounty

Wright County trails national health

Life expectancy in Wright County stands at 72.9 years, nearly a full year below the U.S. average of 73.5 years. Over 1 in 5 residents (21.7%) report poor or fair health—notably higher than the national average—signaling serious health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in state comparison

Wright County's 72.9-year life expectancy falls 1.4 years short of Missouri's state average of 74.3 years. Its 14.9% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 12.5%, leaving more residents vulnerable to healthcare costs.

Severe primary care shortage

With only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Wright County faces a critical access gap compared to Worth County's 50 per 100,000. Conversely, mental health services are robust at 134 providers per 100,000, suggesting strong community support for behavioral health.

Uninsured and underserved reality

Nearly 15% of Wright County residents lack health insurance—significantly above the state average—and primary care deserts make finding a doctor difficult. This combination of gaps delays diagnosis and treatment, contributing to the county's higher rates of poor health.

Breaking barriers to health care

Wright County residents without insurance should explore coverage options immediately; every month without protection increases financial risk. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find Medicaid eligibility and low-cost marketplace plans designed for your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wright County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of 15 Schools

Wright County maintains 15 public schools, including six elementary and five high schools, distributed across five local districts. The county manages a total enrollment of 3,265 students and offers specialized facilities including a dedicated special education school and one alternative school. This infrastructure provides a wide range of academic and support services for a growing rural population.

Top-Tier Graduation and Academic Scores

Wright County excels in student outcomes with an impressive 93.9% graduation rate, far surpassing both state and national averages. Despite spending $5,835 per pupil—which is lower than the Missouri average of $6,334—the county achieves a school score of 53.1. This score beats the state median of 52.8, proving that the local districts are delivering high-quality education with great efficiency.

Mountain Grove R-III Sets the Pace

Mountain Grove R-III stands as the largest district in the county, serving 1,611 students across five schools. Hartville R-II follows with 682 students, while Mansfield R-IV supports 594 students. There are no charter schools in Wright County, as traditional public districts continue to lead all educational initiatives for the region's 3,200+ students.

Rural Roots with Town Centers

The county features 10 rural schools and five town-based schools, creating a mix of educational settings with an average size of 233 students. Mountain Grove Elementary is the largest individual school, serving 688 primary students, while smaller specialized schools offer more targeted environments. This blend allows families to choose between centralized town campuses and quiet, rural schoolhouses.

Secure Your Future in a High-Performing District

With a graduation rate nearing 94%, Wright County is a premier destination for families who prioritize academic success. Looking for a home near Mountain Grove or Hartville puts your children in some of the highest-performing schools in the region. Explore the local housing market to find a community that values education and consistently beats state benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wright County

via RiskByCounty

Wright County faces elevated disaster risks

Wright County scores 57.41 on the national disaster risk scale, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating while exceeding Missouri's state average of 50.56. This above-average positioning reflects particular vulnerability in earthquake and flood hazards.

Among higher-risk Missouri counties

At 57.41, Wright County ranks above the Missouri state average of 50.56, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties for overall disaster risk. The county's earthquake exposure (76.11) is among the highest in Missouri.

Notably riskier than neighbors

Wright County's composite risk of 57.41 significantly exceeds both Worth County (8.21) and Webster County (44.59), driven largely by elevated earthquake exposure (76.11). The county's flood risk (62.34) and wildfire risk (64.60) also run higher than Webster's.

Earthquakes pose the greatest threat

Wright County residents face the nation's higher earthquake risk at 76.11, plus above-average exposure to floods (62.34) and wildfires (64.60). Together, these three hazards demand serious preparation and insurance planning.

Specialized insurance is essential

Wright County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance immediately, as this hazard scores highest locally and is excluded from standard homeowners policies. Adding wildfire and flood coverage—or verifying current protection—should follow as the second priority.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wright County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced Temperatures in the Ozark Heart

Wright County records an annual average temperature of 55.3°F, placing it almost exactly at the national median. This climate provides a classic four-season experience without the extreme temperature skews seen in coastal or mountain regions.

Mirroring the Missouri Average

The county's annual temperature of 55.3°F sits just 0.4 degrees above the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It represents the typical climate of the southern-central part of the state, ranking in the middle tier for statewide warmth.

Wet and Mild Compared to Neighbors

With 45.8 inches of annual rain, Wright County is wetter than the state average and similar to neighbors like Webster County. It enjoys a milder winter average of 34.5°F compared to the harsher conditions found in Missouri's northern counties.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Summers bring 29 days of extreme heat over 90°F, contributing to a July average of 77.1°F. Winters are manageable with only 9.1 inches of annual snowfall, which is light compared to more northern latitudes.

Managing High Humidity and Rainfall

Homeowners should maintain robust drainage and gutter systems to handle the significant 45.8 inches of annual precipitation. Air conditioning is essential during the 29 days of extreme heat, as summer averages consistently reach 75.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wright County

via SoilByCounty

High acidity in the Ozark highlands

Wright County soil sits at a 5.71 pH, making it notably more acidic than both the Missouri average of 6.09 and the national median of 6.5. This land earns a soil score of 55.1, reflecting its specific geological constraints compared to the state's 64.2 average.

Silty earth with low clay content

With 60.6% silt and 14.7% clay, the soil provides a silty foundation with 20.6% sand. While specific texture classification data is limited, this mixture typically promotes moderate drainage but lacks the structural grip of heavier clay soils.

Rich organic content above state averages

The soil contains 4.80% organic matter, slightly edging out the Missouri state average of 4.74%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.165 in/in falls below the state average, requiring careful moisture management.

Unique hydrology and subaqueous conditions

Classified as subaqueous, the local soil suggests high water proximity or seasonal saturation in specific areas. While taxonomic and hydrologic group data are unavailable, these conditions often limit traditional basement construction and heavy farming.

Productive gardening in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b residents can succeed by choosing acid-loving plants like strawberries and potatoes that tolerate the local 5.71 pH. Turn your Wright County plot into a productive garden by focusing on soil-stabilizing groundcovers and native Ozark wildflowers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wright County

via LawnByCounty

Competitive Lawn Scores in Wright County

Wright County earns a lawn difficulty score of 57.6, performing better than the national median of 50.0. While it sits below the Missouri state average of 63.7, the Zone 6b climate provides a fair environment for a variety of grass types. Local residents benefit from a moderate maintenance level compared to more arid regions.

Balanced Rainfall and Growing Days

Annual precipitation of 45.8 inches sits comfortably within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy turf growth. With 29 extreme heat days and 3,948 growing degree days, the climate supports active growth from mid-spring through late autumn. This ample moisture helps mitigate the impact of summer temperatures that often peak in July.

Unique Drainage Requires Careful Monitoring

The local soil has a pH of 5.71, indicating an acidic profile that may require lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Unique subaqueous drainage conditions suggest that water management is critical to prevent root saturation or moisture-related turf diseases. Proper aeration and soil testing are recommended to navigate these specific drainage challenges.

Managing Frequent Drought Intervals

Drought management is a regular task here, as the county endured 29 weeks of drought during the past year. While 100% of the area is abnormally dry today, there are currently no regions in severe drought. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain the moisture needed during these frequent dry periods.

Optimal Planting for Wright County Lawns

Resilient grasses like tall fescue thrive in Zone 6b and can handle the local soil variability well. Plan your major lawn projects between the last spring frost on April 11 and the first fall frost on October 26. Starting early in the spring gives your lawn the best chance to establish deep roots before the summer heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wright County's county score?
Wright County, Missouri has a composite county score of 64.2 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 Wright County rank among counties in Missouri?
Wright County ranks #5 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 Wright County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Wright County is $584, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Wright County a tax score of 94.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wright County?
The median household income in Wright County, Missouri is $47,304 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wright County earns an income score of 9.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wright County, Missouri a good place to live?
Wright County scores 64.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Wright 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 Wright County with other counties side by side.

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