Oregon County
MO · Pop. 8,704 · Rural County
Oregon County is a rural county in Missouri, spanning 790 square miles with 8,704 residents at a density of 11 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, hemp. The median home price is $118,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.51%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F and average winter lows of 23.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Ozarks Healthcare is 26.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 74.8% 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 low effective property tax rate of 0.51% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $118,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 11 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- Annual rainfall of 45.1 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 74.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Ozarks Healthcare, is 26.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 21.9% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Oregon County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Oregon County?
- Oregon County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F, and average winter lows of 23.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, hemp.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $118,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.51%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 74.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Ozarks Healthcare is 26.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Missouri Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Missouri
All Missouri countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Oregon County by distance, including across state lines.
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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.