The February 2005 issue of Progressive Farmer magazine ranks Callaway County as the fourth-best place to live in rural America.
Health care, education, climate, pollution, crime and taxes were considered in the rankings, as well as factors such as scenery, quality of life and leisure and cultural opportunities. The magazine said the county “can boast of a low crime rate, good school systems and a low cost of living. Though it’s growing fast, the county has kept its warm rural charm.”
Three other Missouri counties made the magazine’s top 100: Franklin County (31), Clinton County (48) and Lafayette County (54).