The 7 Richest Counties in Missouri (and Who Lives There)

Do you live in one of the seven richest counties in Missouri? If you do, you’re not alone. With over one million people living in these counties combined, they’re clearly great places to live. The richest counties in Missouri even have some famous residents among their citizens.

Discover the seven richest counties of Missouri, classified by their overall wealth index, home value, and population. Using data from SmartAsset, AZ Animals compiled a list of the seven richest counties in Missouri and why they have such a relatively high GDP per capita.

SmartAsset determined the wealth index of the county “based on a combination of these three metrics and ranked them accordingly to provide a holistic view of what areas of the U.S. are accumulating the most wealth.”

Platte County

Population: 109,000

Median home value: $347,382

Overall wealth index: 24.67

Platte County has the highest wealth index of the state according to SmartAsset, and it makes sense when you look at the numbers. Crime is low, reliable careers in farming, manufacturing, and consulting are plentiful, and a median household income of over $85,000 blows the national average of $69,000 out of the water. With well-rated schools and community recreation to spare, Platte County is not only the richest, but one of the all-around best places to live.

St. Charles County

Population: 410,000

Median home value: $327,229

Overall wealth index: 24.55

Of all the counties to buy a house in Missouri, St. Charles nabs the top spot, according to data from Niche. This rich county has incredible public schools — also ranking as the best county for public schools in Missouri — and is great for families. It’s also a vibrant community with a great job market, plentiful restaurants and bars, and a relatively safe atmosphere.

St. Louis County

Population: 998,000

Median home value: $255,470

Overall wealth index: 21.48

If you’re looking for the richest and best county in which to live in Missouri, you’ve found it in St. Louis County. St. Louis County has it all with highly-rated public schools, a diverse resident base, great housing, plentiful jobs, and exciting nightlife. While the median household income isn’t too far above the national average at $72,000, homes remain affordable to residents.

Cass County

Population: 109,000

Median home value: $298,354

Overall wealth index: 21.20

Cass County has very low crime, a higher median household income than the national average by $7,000, and admirable employment rates, business growth, and living costs. The public schools in Cass County aren’t as highly rated as those in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties, but not by much. Residents report happy lives in Cass with beautiful homes, expansive acreage, and steady jobs.

Gang members, the Coffman brothers, and professional baseball players all lived or were born in Cass County.

Camden County

Population: 44,000

Median home value: $287,277

Overall wealth index: 20.34

Unlike the previous counties on the list, Camden County is particularly filled with retirees. Over 80% of residents in the county own their homes rather than rent. The Big Surf Waterpark, Dogwood Animal Shelter, and community hospital make up three of the larger employers of the small town for the residents who still work. Elementary and middle schools in the area have fair ratings.

Clay County

Population: 256,000

Median home value: $293,031

Overall wealth index: 20.19

Clay County is another highly-rated rich county in Missouri. Not only does it have great public schools, a fair housing market, and eclectic nightlife, but it’s also a great place for families to live. It provides an A-rated job market with steady work, business growth, and opportunities. Most of the residents work in healthcare, which contributes to the over $75,000 median household income.

The brothers of the James-Younger Gang — Jesse James and his brother Frank — were born in Clay County in the 1840s.

Boone County

Population: 186,000

Median home value: $284,228

Overall wealth index: 19.57

Boone County’s schools, job market, and nightlife make it a destination for young professionals just starting in their careers and establishing their families. With good public schools, steady work at large healthcare systems, and affordable housing, the wealth index of Boone County ensures its residents can live a comfortable life. According to Niche, it’s the second-best county in Missouri in which to live, right after St. Louis.

Boone County produced nearly 100 notable people in its history, from politicians, to athletes, to actresses. Some of the most famous names are Gary Anderson, a football player; E. Stanley Kroenke, a sports mogul; Carlos PenaVega, a musician; and the Walton brothers, who founded Walmart.

Christian County

Population: 92,000

Median home value: $291,931

Overall wealth index: 19.40

Finally, Christian County rounds out the list of the seven richest counties in Missouri as the number three best county in which to live and incredible schools. Residents of Christian County make, on average, the national median household income and have their pick of great education options for children. Most residents own their homes.

Despite being a fictional character, Jason Bourne was from Nixa, Christian County’s largest city. Christian County also became the setting of the 2010 movie Winter’s Bone.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com