St. Francois County
MO · Pop. 66,864 · Mixed County
St. Francois County, Missouri covers 452 square miles with a population of 66,864 and a density of 147.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. A median home price of $155,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.75% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.8°F and average winter lows of 24.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Parkland Health Center - Farmington is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 185-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.75% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $155,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Parkland Health Center - Farmington, with an emergency room, is just 2.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
St. Francois County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 70/100
- Median home price
- $155k
- Property tax
- 0.75%
- Growing season
- 185 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.7"
- Broadband
- 96%
- Nearest hospital
- Parkland Health Center - Farmington, 2.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in St. Francois County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in St. Francois County?
- St. Francois County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.8°F, and average winter lows of 24.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $155,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.75%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Parkland Health Center - Farmington is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals 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 St. Francois 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.