Graham County
AZ · Pop. 38,860 · Rural County
Graham County is a rural county in Arizona, spanning 4,622 square miles with 38,860 residents at a density of 8.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on cotton, hay, corn. The median home price is $203,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.54%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 97.6°F and average winter lows of 29.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 10.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center is 11.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.5% 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 214-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.54% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 11.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 8.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
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 10.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
At a glance
Graham County, AZ is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 55/100
- Median home price
- $203k
- Property tax
- 0.54%
- Growing season
- 214 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 10.5"
- Broadband
- 88.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, 11.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Graham County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Graham County?
- Graham County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 97.6°F, and average winter lows of 29.7°F. The established crops are cotton, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $203,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.54%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center is 11.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Arizona Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Arizona
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The closest counties to Graham 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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