Phelps County
MO · Pop. 44,948 · Suburban County
Phelps County is a suburban county in Missouri, spanning 672 square miles with 44,948 residents at a density of 66.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $195,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 201-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F and average winter lows of 23.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 48.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Phelps Health is 6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 201-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.64% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $195,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Phelps Health, with an emergency room, is just 6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Phelps County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 93/100
- Median home price
- $195k
- Property tax
- 0.64%
- Growing season
- 201 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 48.2"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Phelps Health, 6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Phelps County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Phelps County?
- Phelps County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 201-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F, and average winter lows of 23.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $195,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.64%. 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 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 Phelps 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.