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Boone County

MO · Pop. 185,874 · Mixed County

56/100Homestead Score

Boone County, Missouri covers 686 square miles with a population of 185,874 and a density of 271 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, hay, corn. A median home price of $254,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.88% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 206-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F and average winter lows of 24.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.3 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Landmark Hospital of Columbia, Llc is 2.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.88%
Growing Season: 206 days
Broadband: 97.8%
Density: 271/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 206-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.88% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • Broadband reaches 97.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Landmark Hospital of Columbia, Llc, with an emergency room, is just 2.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.

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.
  • At 271 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.

At a glance

Boone County, MO is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
56/100
Median home price
$254k
Property tax
0.88%
Growing season
206 days (zone 6b)
Annual rainfall
46.3"
Broadband
97.8%
Nearest hospital
Landmark Hospital of Columbia, Llc, 2.2 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.88%
Median Household Income$69,913
Poverty Rate17.1%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$254K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6b
Growing Season206 days
Annual Rainfall46.3 inches
Avg Summer High87.5°F
Avg Winter Low24.5°F
Top CropsSoybeans, Hay, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought5/10
Wildfire8/10
Tornado10/10
Flood9/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalLandmark Hospital of Columbia, Llc (2.2 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities8

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage97.8%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.4%
Ag EconomyModerate

Homesteading in Boone County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Boone County?
Boone County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 206-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F, and average winter lows of 24.5°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $254,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.88%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 97.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Landmark Hospital of Columbia, Llc is 2.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 8 hospitals in the county.

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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.