Iron
Missouri

Where you are

You live in Iron County, Missouri. 9,538 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +123).

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 $53,401 a year, lower than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,965. Unemployment runs 4.0%, higher than 69% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,403 a year.

Home

The median home costs $159K, cheaper than 80% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $671 a month. Property tax is 0.66% of home value, roughly $721 a year on that median home, lower than 70% of American counties. 78% 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. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.1 years, shorter than 92% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 3.1 per 10,000 people. 10.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.13 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 72% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 51 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 57% 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 56°F, highs near 68 and lows near 44, warmer than 53% of American counties. About 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 52 out of 100, riskier than 52% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 148 Mbps down, slower than 72% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.