Phelps County, MO
45,313 residents · 672 sq mi · 67.5/sq mi · 54% rural
About Phelps County
Phelps County is a county in the central portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 44,638. The largest city and county seat is Rolla. The county was organized on November 13, 1857, and was named for U.S. Representative and Governor of Missouri John Smith Phelps.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of rural and suburban environments, with a population density of 67.5 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 55.8°F and 44.2 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for various crops. USDA zone 8a indicates potential for diverse gardening, though the region experiences summer highs of 88.6°F and winter lows of 22.5°F, which may require careful planning for seasonal changes.
Natural hazards in the county include a high risk of heat waves (FEMA rank 90) and ice storms (rank 87), as well as significant risks from earthquakes (rank 80) and winter weather (rank 77). With a median home price of $174,100 and a median household income of $53,242, the cost of living is moderate. While the violence percentile is at 47/100, indicating a relatively safer environment, the area's overall disaster percentile of 54/100 suggests some vulnerability to natural events.
This county may be well-suited for individuals or families seeking a blend of rural living with access to urban amenities in Rolla. Those who thrive here will likely appreciate the lower property tax rate of 0.68% and the potential for self-sufficient living through gardening and livestock. However, prospective residents should be cautious of the area's natural hazards, particularly if they lack experience dealing with extreme weather events, which could be a dealbreaker for some homesteaders.