Jefferson County
FL · Pop. 14,713 · Rural County
Jefferson County sits in Florida across 598 square miles, home to 14,713 people at 24.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, cotton. The median home price is $199,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.68%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 252-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.6°F and average winter lows of 41°F. Annual rainfall averages 56.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Capital Regional Medical Center is 19.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 73.9% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 252-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.68% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $199,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 24.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Broadband reaches only 73.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Capital Regional Medical Center, is 19.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 20.3% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Jefferson County, FL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 65/100
- Median home price
- $199k
- Property tax
- 0.68%
- Growing season
- 252 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 56.8"
- Broadband
- 73.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Capital Regional Medical Center, 19.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jefferson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jefferson County?
- Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 252-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.6°F, and average winter lows of 41°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, cotton.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $199,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.68%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 73.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Capital Regional Medical Center is 19.2 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Florida 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 Florida
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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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