Dade County
MO · Pop. 7,627 · Rural County
Dade County sits in Missouri across 490 square miles, home to 7,627 people at 15.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, soybeans, wheat. A median home price of $157,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.65% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F and average winter lows of 23.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 47.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Cox Barton County Hospital is 25 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.7% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 191-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.65% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $157,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, soybeans, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 15.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Cox Barton County Hospital, is 25 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Dade County, MO is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 68/100
- Median home price
- $157k
- Property tax
- 0.65%
- Growing season
- 191 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 47.8"
- Broadband
- 84.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Cox Barton County Hospital, 25 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Dade County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Dade County?
- Dade County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F, and average winter lows of 23.8°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $157,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.65%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Cox Barton County Hospital is 25 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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The closest counties to Dade 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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