Vernon County
MO · Pop. 19,713 · Rural County
Vernon County, Missouri covers 826 square miles with a population of 19,713 and a density of 23.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, hay, corn. A median home price of $137,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.71% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 200-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F and average winter lows of 25°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Nevada Regional Medical Center is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 200-day growing season in USDA zone 7a 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 $137,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Nevada Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 1.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, hay, 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.
- A poverty rate of 19% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Vernon County, MO is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 87/100
- Median home price
- $137k
- Property tax
- 0.71%
- Growing season
- 200 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.5"
- Broadband
- 89.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Nevada Regional Medical Center, 1.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Vernon County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Vernon County?
- Vernon County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 200-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F, and average winter lows of 25°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $137,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.71%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Nevada Regional Medical Center is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Missouri Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Missouri
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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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