Cochise County
AZ · Pop. 125,458 · Rural County
Cochise County is a rural county in Arizona, spanning 6,210 square miles with 125,458 residents at a density of 20.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, corn, sorghum. The median home price is $207,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 200-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F and average winter lows of 29.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 13.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Inc is 29.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 200-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.64% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, corn, sorghum means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 20.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Annual rainfall of just 13.3 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- The nearest hospital, Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Inc, is 29.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Cochise County, AZ is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 31/100
- Median home price
- $207k
- Property tax
- 0.64%
- Growing season
- 200 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 13.3"
- Broadband
- 88.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Inc, 29.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cochise County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cochise County?
- Cochise County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 200-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F, and average winter lows of 29.9°F. The established crops are hay, corn, sorghum.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $207,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.64%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Inc is 29.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 6 hospitals in the county.
Explore Arizona 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 Arizona
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The closest counties to Cochise 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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