Hickory
Missouri

What stands out

If you had to describe Hickory County in numbers, start here: the median household income is in the bottom 3% of American counties ($33,302), the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), and the average commute is in the top 6% of American counties (31 minutes). Within Missouri it ranks 1st of 115 counties for the median household income, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Hickory County, Missouri. 8,452 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +237).

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 $33,302 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $36,375. Unemployment runs 2.7%, lower than 74% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 31 minutes each way.

Missouri takes 4.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,385 a year.

Home

The median home costs $205K, cheaper than 61% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $667 a month. Property tax is 0.53% of home value, roughly $573 a year on that median home, lower than 85% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 87% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 75.0 years, shorter than 60% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 1.2 per 10,000 people. 12.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.29 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 88% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 53 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% 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 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 55% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 26 out of 100, safer than 74% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 74 Mbps down, slower than 94% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.