Section Image

About Defiance, MO

About Defiance, MO

The gateway to Missouri wine country begins in the green hills of Defiance. Not actually a city, Defiance is an unincorporated community in southwest St. Charles County, where farms, vineyards and pastoral estates are spread among the sparsely populated region of 3,200 residents.

Though residential construction is spilling into the area from other parts of the county, a defining factor of Defiance real estate remains the expansive lots that homes sit on, which Lauderdale Realty owner Dan Lauderdale says typically are 5 acres or larger, though 3-acre lots are sometimes seen. “The rural feel of the area is what everybody is migrating toward. It still has an old town feel even though we’re less rural these days.” That land provides privacy, but it’s also factored into home prices, Lauderdale says. An undeveloped 3-acre lot can cost $175,000, while an existing three-bedroom house with a 1-acre yard can be picked up in the low $400,000s. Head west from downtown Defiance into less developed parts the county, and lots get larger, homes become bigger and prices climb – all the way up to $5 million for a four-bedroom house on a 39-acre estate.

Most of the Defiance community sits within Francis Howell School District, the best school system in the county according to Niche. That means students start at Daniel Boone Elementary School, a National Blue Ribbon School. Older children attend Francis Howell Middle School, where students’ proficiency in math, science and language arts consistently outperforms the state at large. Teenagers get to take classes in a fresh campus, as Francis Howell Union High School moved to a new campus in 2022.

The community’s small collection of shops and eateries are concentrated along Highway 94, where the Defiance General Store recently debuted. Patrons can pop inside to pick up a cup of coffee, a sandwich from the deli or a scoop of ice cream and leisurely enjoy it from a front porch rocking chair. Although Defiance General Store carries an assortment of cheeses, pastries and snacks, a trip to Schnucks in Weldon Spring is necessary to stock up on groceries. Back in Defiance, you can take in a hilltop view at Defiance Ridge Vineyards while sipping locally made wines packed with flavors of cherries or peaches. This is only one of the wineries in Defiance, and a trip along Highway 94 toward the nearby city of Augusta will reveal even more vineyards to explore and sample.

For a different kind of trail, venture into Matson Hill State Park. The 475 acres of forestland are crisscrossed by 6 miles of trails that weave through timbers and cut across fields of golden flowers. Thrill-seeking mountain bikers can hit the park’s gravity-flow trails, steep paths that let cyclists cruise downhill. Keep an eye out for the Hays Home in the middle of the park, an 1830s stone house once owned by the grandson of pioneer Daniel Boone.

Lauderdale says Defiance is perhaps “the last stronghold” for a rural lifestyle in growing St. Charles County, but there’s still plenty bubbling up across the community.

Alex Soderstrom
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
John Collins
Photography Contributed By
John Collins
Mallory Nolte
Video By
Mallory Nolte

Neighborhood Map

Defiance by the Numbers

154
Population
$651K
Average Housing Value
55
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Defiance, MO

Source:

Best Public Elementary School

Daniel Boone Elementary School
#1 Daniel Boone Elementary School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle School

Francis Howell Middle School
#1 Francis Howell Middle School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Francis Howell High School
#1 Francis Howell High School
A-
Niche
10
GreatSchools
Washington High School
#2 Washington High School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Francis Howell Union High School
#3 Francis Howell Union High School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Samantha Richardson
(314) 370-2414
With over 27 years of experience and more than $156 million in career sales, Samantha Richardson is a top-producing Realtor® known for her expertise, dedication, and results-driven approach. Voted #1 Realtor in Warren County for 10 consecutive years, she has built a reputation for providing exceptional service to buyers and sellers alike.
As the Broker and Co-Owner of Main St. Real Estate, Samantha and her business partner, Stacey, founded their boutique brokerage in 2017 in Warrenton’s historic downtown district. Affectionately known as their “Mom & Mom shop,” the company has quickly grown to 31 agents and closed over $88 million in sales in 2024 alone.
Samantha holds multiple prestigious real estate designations, including ABR, MRP, LLA, PSA, NHCP, ALHS, C2EX, and PPS REA Consultant, ensuring her clients receive the highest level of knowledge and professionalism. Her deep roots in the local community—having lived in Warrenton since she was 17—give her unmatched insight into the market, making her the go-to real estate expert in the area.
Samantha’s success is built on a foundation of local expertise, innovative marketing, and personalized service. With over $156 million in career sales she has the experience and track record to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. Her strategic marketing approach includes premium exposure on Homes.com and Zillow Showcase, ensuring that listings receive maximum visibility and attract the right buyers.
Beyond real estate, Samantha is dedicated to giving back to the community she calls home. Each year, Main St. Real Estate purchases Christmas gifts for over 250 children in the Warren County R-III School District. They have also donated an industrial fan for the fairgrounds livestock barn to support FFA students and contribute thousands annually to organizations such as Backstoppers, The Wise Foundation, Holy Rosary, The Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, Wright City High School’s "Blue & Gold" program, and many more.
Her commitment to community service extends to leadership roles as Vice President of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council, 3 time Past President and 3 time Past Vice President of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, and board member of Turning Point and the Saint Charles County Association of Realtors. She is also actively involved with the Warrenton Elks Lodge #2662 and Warrenton Rotary Club.
For buyers and sellers looking for an experienced, results-driven Realtor® who truly cares about her clients and community, Samantha Richardson is the trusted choice.
“Hometown REALTORS® with Hometown Heart.”
Agent since 1998
Cell: Phone: 314-713-2455
Email: sam@mainstre.com
See Full Agent Profile
See All Agents
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.