Greenlee County
AZ · Pop. 9,452 · Rural County
Greenlee County, Arizona covers 1,843 square miles with a population of 9,452 and a density of 5.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay. The median home price is $136,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.36%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 282-day growing season, average summer highs of 97.8°F and average winter lows of 35.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 16 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center is 40.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 76.6% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 282-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.36% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $136,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 5.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.9% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Annual rainfall of just 16 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 76.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, is 40.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Greenlee County, AZ is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 62/100
- Median home price
- $136k
- Property tax
- 0.36%
- Growing season
- 282 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 16"
- Broadband
- 76.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, 40.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Greenlee County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Greenlee County?
- Greenlee County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 282-day growing season, average summer highs of 97.8°F, and average winter lows of 35.9°F. The established crops are hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $136,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.36%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 76.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center is 40.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Arizona Resources
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LandWatch
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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.
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