Benton County
MO · Pop. 19,887 · Suburban County
Benton County sits in Missouri across 704 square miles, home to 19,887 people at 28.2 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $165,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.56%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 194-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.2°F and average winter lows of 22.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 43.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Golden Valley Memorial Hospital is 26.8 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 86.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 194-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.56% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $165,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, is 26.8 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Benton County, MO is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 55/100
- Median home price
- $165k
- Property tax
- 0.56%
- Growing season
- 194 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 43.1"
- Broadband
- 86.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, 26.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Benton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Benton County?
- Benton County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 194-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.2°F, and average winter lows of 22.2°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $165,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.56%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 86.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Golden Valley Memorial Hospital is 26.8 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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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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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