Elbert County
CO · Pop. 27,152 · Rural County
Elbert County sits in Colorado across 1,850 square miles, home to 27,152 people at 14.7 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on wheat, hay, millet. The median home price is $665,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.45%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.5°F and average winter lows of 15.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 17.6 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Lincoln Health Hospital is 36.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.2% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.45% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 95.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- At 14.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 5.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 142-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 17.6 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- A median home price of $665,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The nearest hospital, Lincoln Health Hospital, is 36.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Elbert County, CO is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 21/100
- Median home price
- $665k
- Property tax
- 0.45%
- Growing season
- 142 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 17.6"
- Broadband
- 95.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Lincoln Health Hospital, 36.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Elbert County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Elbert County?
- Elbert County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.5°F, and average winter lows of 15.2°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, millet.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $665,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.45%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 95.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Lincoln Health Hospital is 36.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Colorado 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 Colorado
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The closest counties to Elbert 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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