New Madrid County
MO · Pop. 16,041 · Rural County
New Madrid County is a rural county in Missouri, spanning 675 square miles with 16,041 residents at a density of 23.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, cotton, corn. A median home price of $106,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.71% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 220-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.2°F and average winter lows of 29°F. Annual rainfall averages 49.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Missouri Delta Medical Center is 20.8 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 94% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 220-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.71% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $106,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 94% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, cotton, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Missouri Delta Medical Center, is 20.8 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 18.6% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
New Madrid County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 83/100
- Median home price
- $106k
- Property tax
- 0.71%
- Growing season
- 220 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 49.2"
- Broadband
- 94%
- Nearest hospital
- Missouri Delta Medical Center, 20.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in New Madrid County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in New Madrid County?
- New Madrid County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 220-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.2°F, and average winter lows of 29°F. The established crops are soybeans, cotton, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $106,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.71%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 94% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Missouri Delta Medical Center is 20.8 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 New Madrid 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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