DeKalb
Missouri

What stands out

Against every county in America, DeKalb County is unusual in three ways: population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-12.5% a year), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 9% of American counties (0.4 per 1,000). Within Missouri it ranks 1st of 115 counties for population growth, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in DeKalb County, Missouri. 11,838 people live here with you. The population shrank 12.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -1,382).

Missouri stopped taxing Social Security and public pensions for all residents in 2024 and has been cutting its top income-tax rate toward 4.5%. Home prices are well below the national average in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The state's property tax on vehicles, paid every year, surprises new arrivals; tornado exposure is high across the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $67,910 a year, higher than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,221. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 80% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,011 a year.

Home

The median home costs $236K, pricier than 51% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $829 a month. Property tax is 0.81% of home value, roughly $1,300 a year on that median home, lower than 55% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 70% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 77.3 years, longer than 68% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 2.5 per 10,000 people. 9.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.97 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 61% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 54 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 50% of eligible voters turned out. Under Missouri law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 65 and lows near 43, colder than 57% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 31 out of 100, safer than 69% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 222 Mbps down, faster than 60% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.