Pros and Cons of Living in Ozark

Ozark's core trade-off pairs genuinely fast growth, a top-ranked school district, and low property taxes against a real, disclosed home-price spread and a rising crime trend layered on an otherwise low current rate.

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Pro: fast growth and a top-ranked school district

Ozark's real 12.17% population growth since 2020 and Ozark R-VI's top-5%-statewide proficiency ranking together make this a genuine draw for relocating families.

Pro: a low property-tax rate

Christian County's 0.70% effective property tax rate runs below both the national median and Missouri's own statewide average.

Con: a real, disclosed home-price spread

Ozark's home-value figures range from $291,411 (Zillow typical value) to $359,000 (August 2026 median list price) -- a genuine spread that makes budgeting against one number unreliable.

Con: a disclosed rising crime trend

Even though Ozark's current crime rate remains low, the same source's own 17-year trend analysis found both violent and property crime rising, with 2026 projected higher than 2019.

Key takeaways

Pro: genuinely fast population growth (+12.17% since 2020) and a top-5%-statewide school district.
Pro: a low 0.70% effective property tax rate, below both national and Missouri statewide averages.
Con: a real, disclosed home-price spread across measures ($291,411-$359,000).
Con: a disclosed rising crime trend over a 17-year window, even with a low current absolute rate.

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-27. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.