Hale County
AL · Pop. 14,749 · Rural County
Hale County, Alabama covers 644 square miles with a population of 14,749 and a density of 22.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, soybeans. The median home price is $126,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.32%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 238-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.1°F and average winter lows of 36.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 53.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Hale County Hospital is 4.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 63.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 238-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.32% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $126,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Hale County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 22.9 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.
- Broadband reaches only 63.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 23.9% 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
Hale County, AL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 89/100
- Median home price
- $126k
- Property tax
- 0.32%
- Growing season
- 238 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 53.5"
- Broadband
- 63.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Hale County Hospital, 4.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hale County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hale County?
- Hale County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 238-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.1°F, and average winter lows of 36.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $126,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.32%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 63.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hale County Hospital is 4.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Alabama Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Alabama
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The closest counties to Hale 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.
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