Laclede County, MO
36,313 residents · 765 sq mi · 47.5/sq mi · 59% rural
About Laclede County
Laclede County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,039. Its county seat is Lebanon. The county was organized February 24, 1849, and was named after Pierre Laclède, founder of St. Louis.
Prepper Assessment
This area features a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, with a population density of 47.5 people per square mile. The climate is characterized by a humid environment, with an annual mean temperature of 55.8°F and around 44.6 inches of rainfall per year, providing a decent growing season for crops typical of USDA zone 8a. However, the summer highs can reach 88.2°F, which may challenge certain crops and livestock during the hotter months.
Natural hazards in this region include ice storms (FEMA rank 97) and cold waves (rank 87), which can disrupt living conditions and food supply. The area also faces risks from heat waves (rank 87) and earthquakes (rank 81), which may pose challenges for self-sufficiency. With a violence percentile of 83, this area may not appeal to those seeking a very low-risk environment, and the relatively moderate cost of living may not offset these concerns for some individuals.
This county may suit those who can adapt to its climate and manage the risks posed by natural hazards. Homesteaders with experience in cold-weather agriculture and disaster preparedness might thrive here. Conversely, individuals unaccustomed to rural living or those seeking a low-risk environment may find it less suitable. The potential for ice storms and heat waves could be a dealbreaker for some, while the affordable housing market may be a hidden gem for others.