Saline County
MO · Pop. 23,177 · Suburban County
Saline County sits in Missouri across 756 square miles, home to 23,177 people at 30.7 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $140,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.82%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.7°F and average winter lows of 21.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Fitzgibbon Hospital is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very 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 0.82% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $140,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Fitzgibbon Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay 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.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Saline County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 80/100
- Median home price
- $140k
- Property tax
- 0.82%
- Growing season
- 190 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.3"
- Broadband
- 88.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Fitzgibbon Hospital, 3.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Saline County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Saline County?
- Saline County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 190-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.7°F, and average winter lows of 21.1°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $140,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.82%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Fitzgibbon Hospital is 3.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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 Saline 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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