Barton County
MO · Pop. 11,685 · Rural County
Barton County is a rural county in Missouri, spanning 592 square miles with 11,685 residents at a density of 19.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, hay, corn. A median home price of $136,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.74% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 199-day growing season, average summer highs of 88°F and average winter lows of 25°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Cox Barton County Hospital is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 90% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 199-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.74% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $136,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 90% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Cox Barton County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 22.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Barton County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 86/100
- Median home price
- $136k
- Property tax
- 0.74%
- Growing season
- 199 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.2"
- Broadband
- 90%
- Nearest hospital
- Cox Barton County Hospital, 2.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Barton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Barton County?
- Barton County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 199-day growing season, average summer highs of 88°F, and average winter lows of 25°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $136,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.74%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 90% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Cox Barton County Hospital is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Missouri Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Missouri
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The closest counties to Barton County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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