Lawrence
Missouri

What stands out

If you had to describe Lawrence County in numbers, start here: violent crime is in the top 14% of American counties (4.6 per 1,000) and unemployment is in the bottom 15% of American counties (2.4%). Within Missouri it ranks 31st of 115 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Lawrence County, Missouri. 38,231 people live here with you. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +212).

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 $52,225 a year, lower than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,246. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 85% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,274 a year.

Home

The median home costs $207K, cheaper than 60% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $737 a month. Property tax is 0.65% of home value, roughly $951 a year on that median home, lower than 71% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 86% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.3 years, shorter than 67% of American counties. There are 17 active physicians in the county, about 4.4 per 10,000 people. 14.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.81 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 75% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 58 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 64% 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 58°F, highs near 69 and lows near 47, warmer than 60% of American counties. About 40 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 75 out of 100, riskier than 75% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 206 Mbps down, faster than 53% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.