Macon County
MO · Pop. 15,163 · Rural County
Macon County, Missouri covers 801 square miles with a population of 15,163 and a density of 18.9 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 $127,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.83% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.5°F and average winter lows of 20.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Macon County Samaritan Memorial Hos is 7.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 186-day growing season in USDA zone 6a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.83% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $127,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Macon County Samaritan Memorial Hos, with an emergency room, is just 7.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, hay, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
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.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Macon County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 83/100
- Median home price
- $127k
- Property tax
- 0.83%
- Growing season
- 186 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.1"
- Broadband
- 89.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Macon County Samaritan Memorial Hos, 7.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Macon County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Macon County?
- Macon County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.5°F, and average winter lows of 20.1°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $127,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.83%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Macon County Samaritan Memorial Hos is 7.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Missouri Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
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
All Missouri countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Macon 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.