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Wilcox County

AL · Pop. 10,347 · Rural County

92/100Homestead Score

Wilcox County, Alabama covers 888 square miles with a population of 10,347 and a density of 11.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, cotton, haylage. The median home price is $84,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.37%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 251-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.9°F and average winter lows of 37°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. J. Paul Jones Hospital is 0.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 39.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.37%
Growing Season: 251 days
Broadband: 39.9%
Density: 11.7/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 251-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.37% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $84,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • J. Paul Jones Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 11.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Broadband reaches only 39.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • A poverty rate of 29% 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

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

Homestead score
92/100
Median home price
$84k
Property tax
0.37%
Growing season
251 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
55.9"
Broadband
39.9%
Nearest hospital
J. Paul Jones Hospital, 0.6 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.37%
Median Household Income$42,236
Poverty Rate29%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$84K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season251 days
Annual Rainfall55.9 inches
Avg Summer High90.9°F
Avg Winter Low37°F
Top CropsHay, Cotton, Haylage

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10
Wildfire5/10
Tornado6/10
Flood6/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalJ. Paul Jones Hospital (0.6 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage39.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate5.6%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Wilcox County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Wilcox County?
Wilcox County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 251-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.9°F, and average winter lows of 37°F. The established crops are hay, cotton, haylage.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $84,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.37%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 39.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
J. Paul Jones Hospital is 0.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Wilcox 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.