Sumter County
AL · Pop. 12,020 · Rural County
Sumter County, Alabama covers 904 square miles with a population of 12,020 and a density of 13.3 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 $84,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.35% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 221-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.8°F and average winter lows of 34.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 56.1 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Hill Hospital of Sumter County is 9.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 48.1% 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.
Pros
- A long 221-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.35% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $84,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Hill Hospital of Sumter County, with an emergency room, is just 9.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 13.3 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 48.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 28.1% 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
Sumter County, AL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 77/100
- Median home price
- $84k
- Property tax
- 0.35%
- Growing season
- 221 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 56.1"
- Broadband
- 48.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Hill Hospital of Sumter County, 9.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Sumter County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Sumter County?
- Sumter County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 221-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.8°F, and average winter lows of 34.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $84,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.35%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 48.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hill Hospital of Sumter County is 9.2 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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AcreTrader
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More counties in Alabama
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The closest counties to Sumter 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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