Stone
Missouri

What stands out

If you had to describe Stone County in numbers, start here: homeownership is in the top 3% of American counties (85%), home internet speed is in the bottom 7% of American counties (80 Mbps), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 11% of American counties (0.49%). Within Missouri it ranks 3rd of 115 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Stone County, Missouri. 31,314 people live here with you. The population grew 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +711).

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 $58,392 a year, lower than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $38,944. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 62% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 26 minutes each way.

Missouri takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,564 a year.

Home

The median home costs $326K, pricier than 75% of American counties, about 3.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $785 a month. Property tax is 0.49% of home value, roughly $1,071 a year on that median home, lower than 89% of American counties. 85% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 69% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 16 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.7 years, shorter than 52% of American counties. There are 16 active physicians in the county, about 5.1 per 10,000 people. 11.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.98 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 51% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 57 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 70% 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 59°F, highs near 70 and lows near 47, warmer than 62% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 58 out of 100, riskier than 58% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 80 Mbps down, slower than 93% 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.