Andrew County, MO
18,003 residents · 433 sq mi · 41.6/sq mi · 60% rural
About Andrew County
Andrew County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 18,135. Its county seat is Savannah. The county was organized January 29, 1841, and named for Andrew Jackson Davis, a lawyer and prominent citizen of St. Louis.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, with a population density of 41.6 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 52.9°F and 37.3 inches of rainfall per year, suitable for a variety of crops in USDA zone 7b. The growing season is moderate, allowing for diverse agricultural options, but the region's humid conditions may pose challenges for certain crops during particularly wet seasons.
Natural hazards include a notable risk of landslides (FEMA rank 72) and drought (FEMA rank 72), alongside tornadoes (FEMA rank 66) and hail (FEMA rank 53). While the county has a lower violence percentile at 34/100, indicating relative safety, potential homesteaders should consider the implications of these hazards on long-term sustainability. The median home price of $175,300 may be appealing, but property taxes at 0.81% could impact affordability.
This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle with moderate agricultural potential. Those comfortable with the risks associated with natural hazards and who have the means to invest in property may thrive here. Conversely, urban dwellers or those seeking complete self-sufficiency in a more isolated environment might find the county's infrastructure and climate limitations a dealbreaker.