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Chatham County

GA · Pop. 298,143 · Urban County

61/100Homestead Score

Chatham County is an urban county in Georgia, spanning 433 square miles with 298,143 residents at a density of 688.6 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on lettuce, greens, carrots. A median home price of $273,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.9% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 266-day growing season, average summer highs of 91°F and average winter lows of 40.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 48 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Candler Hospital is 3.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.5% 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: 0.9%
Growing Season: 266 days
Broadband: 98.5%
Density: 688.6/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 266-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.9% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • Broadband reaches 98.5% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Candler Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • 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.
  • 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 688.6 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.

At a glance

Chatham County, GA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
61/100
Median home price
$273k
Property tax
0.9%
Growing season
266 days (zone 9a)
Annual rainfall
48"
Broadband
98.5%
Nearest hospital
Candler Hospital, 3.4 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.9%
Median Household Income$69,575
Poverty Rate14.3%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$273K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone9a
Growing Season266 days
Annual Rainfall48 inches
Avg Summer High91°F
Avg Winter Low40.4°F
Top CropsLettuce, Greens, Carrots

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10
Wildfire10/10
Tornado8/10
Flood10/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalCandler Hospital (3.4 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities8

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage98.5%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate2.9%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Chatham County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Chatham County?
Chatham County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 266-day growing season, average summer highs of 91°F, and average winter lows of 40.4°F. The established crops are lettuce, greens, carrots.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $273,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.9%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 98.5% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Candler Hospital is 3.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 8 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.