St. Louis city
MO · Pop. 293,109 · Urban County
St. Louis city sits in Missouri across 62 square miles, home to 293,109 people at 4727.6 per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The median home price is $185,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.05%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F and average winter lows of 26.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 43 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. SSM Health Saint Louis University Hosp is 0.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 216-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $185,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 98.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hosp, with an emergency room, is just 0.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 43 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
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.
- A poverty rate of 19.8% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- At 4727.6 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
St. Louis city, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $185k
- Property tax
- 1.05%
- Growing season
- 216 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 43"
- Broadband
- 98.6%
- Nearest hospital
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hosp, 0.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in St. Louis city: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in St. Louis city?
- St. Louis city is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.5°F, and average winter lows of 26.6°F.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $185,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.05%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hosp is 0.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 15 hospitals 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 St. Louis city 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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