Best Missouri Counties for Families: Kansas City Area Tops List
Four counties in the Kansas City area are ranked among the top 30 Missouri counties for families (St. Louis County topped the list). Slacker compiled the list based on a variety of factors, including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation and weather. The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season.
No. 18. Cass County
Population: 106,966
Median home value: $212,000 (76 percent own)
Median rent: $1,055 (24 percent own)
Median household income: $76,924
Top public schools: Creekmoor Elementary School (grade A minus), East Lynne Elementary School (grade A minus), Westview Elementary School (grade B+)
Top private schools: Blue Ridge Christian School (grade B), Heartland High School & Academy (grade B), Training Center Christian School (grade unavailable)
No. 6. Jackson County
Population: 713,229
Median home value: $167,900 (59 percent own)
Median rent: $993 (41 percent own)
Median household income: $60,800
Top public schools: James Walker Elementary School (grade A+), Delta Woods Middle School (grade A), Voy Spears Jr. Elementary School (grade A)
Top private schools: The Pembroke Hill School (grade A+), The Barstow School (grade A+), Notre Dame de Sion High School (grade A+)
No. 5. Clay County
Population: 250,134
Median home value: $199,600 (68 percent own)
Median rent: $1,046 (32 percent own)
Median household income: $75,596
Top public schools: Chapel Hill Elementary School (grade A), Bell Prairie Elementary School (grade A), Nashua Elementary School (grade A)
Top private schools: St. Pius X High School (grade A minus), Eagle Heights Christian School (grade B+), St. James School (grade unavailable)
No. 3. Platte County
Population: 105,189
Median home value: $251,100 (67 percent own)
Median rent: $1,121 (33 percent own)
Median household income: $85,031
Top public schools: Park Hill South High School (grade A), Park Hill High School (grade A), Graden Elementary School (grade A)
Top private schools: Faith Christian Academy (grade A), Northland Christian Schools (grade B+), St. Therese School (grade A)
–Alan Goforth
