Lafayette
Missouri

What stands out

Against every county in America, Lafayette County is unusual in one way: the median household income is in the top 14% of American counties ($78,397). Within Missouri it ranks 6th of 115 counties for the median household income.

Where you are

You live in Lafayette County, Missouri. 32,858 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +313).

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 $78,397 a year, higher than 86% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,138. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 79% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,504 a year.

Home

The median home costs $251K, pricier than 56% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $849 a month. Property tax is 0.78% of home value, roughly $1,464 a year on that median home, lower than 57% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 60% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.3 years, shorter than 57% of American counties. There are 15 active physicians in the county, about 4.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 9.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.88 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 68% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 41 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 68% 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 67 and lows near 45, warmer than 50% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 47 out of 100, safer than 53% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 195 Mbps down, slower than 52% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.