Osage
Missouri

What stands out

Against every county in America, Osage County is unusual in three ways: home internet speed is in the bottom 2% of American counties (53 Mbps), unemployment is in the bottom 3% of American counties (1.9%), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Missouri it ranks 8th of 115 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Osage County, Missouri. 13,374 people live here with you. The population grew 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +61).

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 $70,313 a year, higher than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,573. Unemployment runs 1.9%, lower than 97% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,124 a year.

Home

The median home costs $265K, pricier than 60% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $620 a month. Property tax is 0.63% of home value, roughly $1,160 a year on that median home, lower than 73% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 56% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 78.5 years, longer than 80% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 3.0 per 10,000 people. 8.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.05 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 60% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 66 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 72% 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 69 and lows near 46, warmer than 58% of American counties. About 35 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 29 out of 100, safer than 70% of American counties; the county has had 30 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 53 Mbps down, slower than 98% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.