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Potosi

Potosi

Located in Washington County

$202,066 Average Value
$140 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

Potosi's small community and mining legacy

Potosi is Washington County's largest city, yet it still has a population of fewer than 2,600 people. Once defined by its lead mining industry, the city still bears the imprint of those days, but is now also shaped by its slower pace and community comforts. "Everyone almost knows everybody. They say hi and will give you a nod and a wave," says Amanda Wall of Heartland Realty, who has sold homes for nine years. The town's rural atmosphere is balanced out by its commercial options, including national chains like Walmart Supercenter, and proximity to larger cities such as Farmington and St. Louis. Located within the St. Francois Mountain Range, Potosi is also a gateway to diverse recreation, from off-roading in an ATV to snowshoeing in the winter. While the town's lead mining era has passed, Potosi is now a Superfund site and on the national priority list for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency has been working to remediate lead in the area for decades.

Ranch-style homes are frequently seen throughout Potosi neighborhoods.
Ranch-style homes are frequently seen throughout Potosi neighborhoods.
Mining history continues to shape Potosi’s identity in Washington County.
Mining history continues to shape Potosi’s identity in Washington County.
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Housing variety close to town and on acres

Housing in Potosi ranges from small, historic Craftsman cottages to large, custom-built homes. Ranch-style houses are a common in-between style. The town's compact core and rural reaches also mean lots vary widely. Some homes are on small parcels, while others are on wooded, hilly acreage without neighbors. Prices for smaller or older homes needing renovation start around $45,000 and go up to $180,000. Larger, newer properties on bigger lots or acres range from $180,000 to $380,000. Custom luxury homes head toward $600,000, but are in the minority. Wall says older homes are the norm, and new construction is sporadic. Homeowners may request lead testing of yards and private drinking wells from EPA and receive remediation services at no cost.

Newer homes in Potosi are typically found on larger lots near town.
Newer homes in Potosi are typically found on larger lots near town.
Bungalow homes help define the historic residential character of Potosi.
Bungalow homes help define the historic residential character of Potosi.
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Public education through four B to A-minus rated schools

The area is served by Potosi R-3 School District, which offers school choice through open enrollment. Students may attend Potosi Elementary School, covering kindergarten through third grade and earning a B-plus on Niche. Trojan Intermediate School, for Grades 4 through 6, scores an A-minus. John Evans Middle School gets a B-plus, and Potosi High School maintains a B rating. The high school's flex program lets working students or those earning certifications attend fewer hours in the traditional classroom while still progressing toward graduation.

Potosi Elementary School serves kindergarten through third grade.
Potosi Elementary School serves kindergarten through third grade.
Potosi High School supports flexible programs for local students.
Potosi High School supports flexible programs for local students.
John Evans Middle School is part of the Potosi R-3 School District.
John Evans Middle School is part of the Potosi R-3 School District.
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City parks stocked with amenities and a state forest nearby

Most parks in Potosi are small and include playgrounds. Potosi City Park is the largest and has recently added a splash pad and an inclusive playground. The park is a hub for athletes, including tennis and disc golf players. Children learn to fish at the park's small pond, and picnic tables dot the grounds. Fourche Valley Golf Club's public, nine-hole course has rugged, natural features that add layers of challenge. The forests surrounding Potosi offer their own adventures. "People who hunt and fish are the type of people you run into here," Wall says. "Lots of people come through Potosi to get gas and fill up their ATV to go riding." Mark Twain National Forest is within 8 miles, with an extensive array of multi-use trails for off-roading, mountain biking, horseback riding and snowshoeing. The forest also attracts paddlers to its streams and has campgrounds.

Natural elevation changes add challenge at Fourche Valley Golf Club in Potosi.
Natural elevation changes add challenge at Fourche Valley Golf Club in Potosi.
Potosi City Park features a splash pad, playgrounds, and disc golf.
Potosi City Park features a splash pad, playgrounds, and disc golf.
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All-day breakfast plus shopping at local stores or national chains

Potosi's main roads are dotted with local businesses. Along East High Street, the city's downtown area, they are within comfortable walking distance of each other. Uncle Jimmy's is a pitstop at lunchtime for specialty burgers and crisp fries. Blackbird Cafe & Bakery serves homemade comfort dishes, like pancake platters, and rotating daily specials, from sandwiches to taco salads. Bearfoot Cafe and Huddle House serve breakfast all day as well as lunch and dinner. Dos Primos is a go-to for Mexican, and fast-food staples like Hardee's and McDonald's add to the mix. DG Market is one of several grocery options in town. Retailers include a thrift shop, antique store, Walmart Supercenter and Dollar Tree.

Downtown Potosi is known for antique and vintage shopping along East High Street.
Downtown Potosi is known for antique and vintage shopping along East High Street.
Burgers and fries make Uncle Jimmy's a popular lunch stop in Potosi.
Burgers and fries make Uncle Jimmy's a popular lunch stop in Potosi.
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Sip and Spook is a tradition that gives back during the holiday season

Sip and Spook is a popular October tradition in downtown Potosi. "The boutiques will offer a glass of wine while you're shopping in the evening and then enter you to win a prize," Wall says. The event has served as a way to generate financial support for local families, including assistance with medical expenses.

State routes and public transportation support commuters

Missouri Routes 21 and 8 intersect in Potosi. Farmington is within 30 miles, and St. Louis is within 70 miles. Southeast Missouri Transportation Services offers door-to-door regional transportation, including to Washington County Memorial Hospital in Potosi.

A tornado struck in 2025, damaging the local elementary school

Located within Missouri’s broader Tornado Alley, Potosi experiences tornadoes and frequent tornado warnings. One of the most recent incidents was in 2025, when one struck the town, damaging Potosi Elementary School. The damage was superficial, and no students were harmed as they hunkered down in a storm shelter.

Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Matt Ponstingl
Photography Contributed By
Matt Ponstingl
Timothy Cerva
Video By
Timothy Cerva

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tracey Wibbenmeyer, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
497
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1955
Months of Supply
2.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,429
Significantly below the national average
1,931
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,496
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,632

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Potosi Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,046
Median Age
41
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$43,023
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$60,349

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.3%
College Graduates
13%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4%
% Population in Labor Force
45.4%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

30 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Potosi