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Choctaw County

AL · Pop. 12,525 · Rural County

80/100Homestead Score

Choctaw County, Alabama covers 913 square miles with a population of 12,525 and a density of 13.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. A median home price of $112,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.18% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 254-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F and average winter lows of 37.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 60.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Choctaw General Hospital is 7.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 46% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.18%
Growing Season: 254 days
Broadband: 46%
Density: 13.7/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 254-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.18% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $112,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Choctaw General Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 7.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 13.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
  • Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
  • Broadband reaches only 46% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • A poverty rate of 19.5% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

Choctaw County, AL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
80/100
Median home price
$112k
Property tax
0.18%
Growing season
254 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
60.7"
Broadband
46%
Nearest hospital
Choctaw General Hospital, 7.4 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.18%
Median Household Income$44,483
Poverty Rate19.5%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$112K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season254 days
Annual Rainfall60.7 inches
Avg Summer High90.3°F
Avg Winter Low37.2°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Soybeans

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10
Wildfire6/10
Tornado8/10
Flood8/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalChoctaw General Hospital (7.4 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage46%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.2%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Choctaw County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Choctaw County?
Choctaw County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 254-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.3°F, and average winter lows of 37.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $112,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.18%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 46% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Choctaw General Hospital is 7.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Choctaw 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. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.