St. Francois County, MO
66,969 residents · 452 sq mi · 148.2/sq mi · 41% rural
About St. Francois County
St. Francois County is a county in the Lead Belt region in the U.S. state of Missouri. At the 2020 census, the population was 66,922. The largest city and county seat is Farmington. The county was officially organized on December 19, 1821. It was named after the St. Francis River. The origin of the river's name is unclear. It may refer to St. Francis of Assisi. Another possibility is that Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit who explored the region in 1673, named the river for the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier; Marquette had spent some time at the mission of St. François Xavier before his voyage and, as a Jesuit, was unlikely to have given the river a name honoring the Franciscans.
Prepper Assessment
Living in this area offers a mix of rural charm and accessibility, with a population density of 148.2 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid subtropical environment, with an annual mean temperature of 55.1°F and ample rainfall of 45.7 inches per year. The growing season is favorable for many crops, supported by USDA zone 8a, which allows for a diverse range of agricultural activities. However, the terrain's mix of flat and hilly areas may present challenges in terms of water management and soil quality for self-sufficient living.
Risks in this region include a range of natural hazards, notably heat waves (ranked 96) and strong winds (ranked 94), which could impact comfort and safety. Earthquakes (92) and tornadoes (85) also pose significant risks, particularly for those unfamiliar with emergency preparedness. While the violence percentile is moderate at 48, indicating a relatively safe environment, the overall disaster percentile of 78 suggests potential challenges in dealing with severe weather events. The median home price of $141,700 is relatively affordable, but the cost of living may vary based on location within the county.
This county may suit individuals or families looking for an affordable rural lifestyle with access to farming and self-sufficiency opportunities. Those with experience in managing the risks associated with natural hazards would likely thrive here. However, newcomers to rural living or those seeking a more urban environment may find the county's challenges, such as potential extreme weather and infrastructure limitations, to be dealbreakers. The presence of a strong community and agricultural potential could be hidden gems for the right homesteader.