St. Louis County, MO
990,414 residents · 508 sq mi · 1,949.7/sq mi · 1% rural
About St. Louis County
St. Louis County is located in eastern Missouri. It is bounded by the City of St. Louis and the Mississippi River to the east, the Missouri River to the north, and the Meramec River to the south. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,004,125, making it the most populous county in Missouri, and was estimated to be 987,059 in 2023. Its county seat is Clayton, while the largest city is Florissant. The county is included in the St. Louis, MO–IL metropolitan statistical area.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a humid climate with an annual mean temperature of 56.1°F and 42.3 inches of rainfall per year, supporting a growing season suitable for USDA zone 8a. However, the high population density of 1,949.7 people per square mile limits opportunities for remote living and self-sufficient practices. The abundance of water sources, including the nearby Mississippi and Meramec Rivers, can be advantageous for homesteaders, though urban encroachment may limit access to rural land.
Significant risks in this region include extreme heat, with a FEMA heat wave hazard ranking of 100, as well as high risks for hail, lightning, and riverine flooding, all ranked at 99. The area has a violence percentile of 86, indicating higher levels of crime compared to other regions. Additionally, the median home price of $249,400 may present a barrier for those seeking affordable land for homesteading.
This county may be a better fit for individuals who prefer urban amenities and are comfortable navigating a densely populated area. Those seeking a more rural, self-sufficient lifestyle may find the high density and natural hazards challenging. A dealbreaker for many homesteaders could be the lack of available land, while a hidden gem might be the access to diverse resources and community infrastructure within the metropolitan area.