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Duval County

FL · Pop. 1,007,189 · Urban County

67/100Homestead Score

Duval County is an urban county in Florida, spanning 763 square miles with 1,007,189 residents at a density of 1320 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, greens. The median home price is $275,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.78%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 316-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F and average winter lows of 47.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 49.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. UF Health Jacksonville is 1.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.78%
Growing Season: 316 days
Broadband: 98.7%
Density: 1320/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 316-day growing season in USDA zone 9b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.78% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • UF Health Jacksonville, with an emergency room, is just 1.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • Annual rainfall of 49.2 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.

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.
  • Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
  • At 1320 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.

At a glance

Duval County, FL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
67/100
Median home price
$275k
Property tax
0.78%
Growing season
316 days (zone 9b)
Annual rainfall
49.2"
Broadband
98.7%
Nearest hospital
UF Health Jacksonville, 1.3 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.78%
Median Household Income$68,447
Poverty Rate14.6%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$275K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone9b
Growing Season316 days
Annual Rainfall49.2 inches
Avg Summer High90.5°F
Avg Winter Low47.1°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Greens

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought3/10
Wildfire9/10
Tornado10/10
Flood10/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalUF Health Jacksonville (1.3 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities15

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage98.7%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.1%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Duval County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Duval County?
Duval County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 316-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F, and average winter lows of 47.1°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, greens.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $275,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.78%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 98.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
UF Health Jacksonville is 1.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 15 hospitals in the county.

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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.