Webster County
MO · Pop. 39,868 · Suburban County
Webster County sits in Missouri across 593 square miles, home to 39,868 people at 67.2 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $219,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.54%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F and average winter lows of 22.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mercy Hospital Springfield is 23.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 73.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 186-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.54% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.9% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 44.8 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Broadband reaches only 73.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Mercy Hospital Springfield, is 23.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Webster County, MO is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 51/100
- Median home price
- $219k
- Property tax
- 0.54%
- Growing season
- 186 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.8"
- Broadband
- 73.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Mercy Hospital Springfield, 23.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Webster County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Webster County?
- Webster County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.9°F, and average winter lows of 22.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $219,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.54%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 73.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mercy Hospital Springfield is 23.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Missouri Resources
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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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