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Pickens County

AL · Pop. 18,843 · Rural County

61/100Homestead Score

Pickens County, Alabama covers 881 square miles with a population of 18,843 and a density of 21.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, cotton. The median home price is $123,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.29%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 228-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.6°F and average winter lows of 32.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 56.7 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Baptist Memorial Hospital - Golden Triangle is 24.8 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 56.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.29%
Growing Season: 228 days
Broadband: 56.6%
Density: 21.4/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 228-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.29% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $123,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • At 21.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.9% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
  • Broadband reaches only 56.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • The nearest hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital - Golden Triangle, is 24.8 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
  • A poverty rate of 22.6% 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

Pickens County, AL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
61/100
Median home price
$123k
Property tax
0.29%
Growing season
228 days (zone 8a)
Annual rainfall
56.7"
Broadband
56.6%
Nearest hospital
Baptist Memorial Hospital - Golden Triangle, 24.8 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.29%
Median Household Income$47,014
Poverty Rate22.6%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$123K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8a
Growing Season228 days
Annual Rainfall56.7 inches
Avg Summer High91.6°F
Avg Winter Low32.9°F
Top CropsHay, Corn, Cotton

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought5/10
Wildfire3/10
Tornado8/10
Flood5/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalBaptist Memorial Hospital - Golden Triangle (24.8 mi)
Emergency RoomNo
Healthcare Facilities0

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage56.6%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.9%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Pickens County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Pickens County?
Pickens County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 228-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.6°F, and average winter lows of 32.9°F. The established crops are hay, corn, cotton.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $123,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.29%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 56.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Baptist Memorial Hospital - Golden Triangle is 24.8 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

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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.