Maries County
MO · Pop. 8,435 · Rural County
Maries County is a rural county in Missouri, spanning 527 square miles with 8,435 residents at a density of 16 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $193,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.56%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F and average winter lows of 25.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Phelps Health is 16.3 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 190-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 $193,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- At 16 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- The nearest hospital, Phelps Health, is 16.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Maries County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 88/100
- Median home price
- $193k
- Property tax
- 0.56%
- Growing season
- 190 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.5"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Phelps Health, 16.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Maries County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Maries County?
- Maries County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F, and average winter lows of 25.3°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $193,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.56%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Phelps Health is 16.3 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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 Maries 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.