Jackson County
MO · Pop. 717,021 · Urban County
Jackson County is an urban county in Missouri, spanning 605 square miles with 717,021 residents at a density of 1185.2 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. The median home price is $213,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.15%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 195-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.3°F and average winter lows of 22.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.2 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Centerpoint Medical Center is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 195-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 99.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Centerpoint Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 3.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- 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 1185.2 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Jackson County, MO is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 56/100
- Median home price
- $213k
- Property tax
- 1.15%
- Growing season
- 195 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.2"
- Broadband
- 99.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Centerpoint Medical Center, 3.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jackson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jackson County?
- Jackson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 195-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.3°F, and average winter lows of 22.3°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $213,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.15%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Centerpoint Medical Center is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 17 hospitals in the county.
Explore Missouri Resources
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LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Missouri
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The closest counties to Jackson 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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