Lafayette County, MO
32,961 residents · 628 sq mi · 52.5/sq mi · 69% rural
About Lafayette County
Lafayette County is a county in the western portion of Missouri, part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 32,984. Its county seat is Lexington. The county was organized November 16, 1820, from Cooper County and originally named Lillard County for James Lillard of Tennessee, who served in the first state constitutional convention and first state legislature. It was renamed Lafayette County on February 16, 1825, in honor of Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de La Fayette, who was then visiting the United States.
Prepper Assessment
The county features a mix of rural landscapes with a population density of 52.5 people per square mile, allowing for some degree of remoteness while still being part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 54.6°F and ample rainfall at 40.9 inches per year, supporting a growing season suitable for USDA zone 8a. This area offers good potential for self-sufficient living, although the humid climate may require careful water management.
Natural hazards include a cold wave risk ranked at 88 and a heat wave at 76, which could affect outdoor activities and crop yields. Additionally, the county faces a landslide risk of 72 and ice storm risk of 70, which may pose challenges to infrastructure. The population density is moderate, and the violence percentile is at 49, indicating an average level of safety. The cost of living is reasonable with a median home price of $187,000, but broadband access is limited to 58% of households.
This county may be a good fit for those seeking a balance of rural living with access to urban amenities. Individuals who thrive in moderate climates and are prepared for occasional extreme weather may find it suitable. However, those reliant on high-speed internet or who prefer a more isolated lifestyle might find the area's connectivity and population density to be dealbreakers.