Madison County
AR · Pop. 17,032 · Rural County
Madison County sits in Arkansas across 834 square miles, home to 17,032 people at 20.4 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, tomatoes. A median home price of $158,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.44% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.3°F and average winter lows of 30.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.6 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital is 24.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 93% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 214-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.44% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $158,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 93% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- At 20.4 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.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The nearest hospital, Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital, is 24.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Madison County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 84/100
- Median home price
- $158k
- Property tax
- 0.44%
- Growing season
- 214 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.6"
- Broadband
- 93%
- Nearest hospital
- Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital, 24.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Madison County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Madison County?
- Madison County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.3°F, and average winter lows of 30.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, tomatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $158,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.44%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 93% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital is 24.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Arkansas 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 Arkansas
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The closest counties to Madison 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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