DeKalb County
GA · Pop. 762,105 · Urban County
DeKalb County, Georgia covers 268 square miles with a population of 762,105 and a density of 2843.7 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on tomatoes. The median home price is $331,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 235-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F and average winter lows of 34.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 53 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Emory Decatur Hospital is 3.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 235-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.92% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Emory Decatur Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- 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 2843.7 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
DeKalb County, GA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 61/100
- Median home price
- $331k
- Property tax
- 0.92%
- Growing season
- 235 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 53"
- Broadband
- 99.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Emory Decatur Hospital, 3.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in DeKalb County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in DeKalb County?
- DeKalb County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 235-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F, and average winter lows of 34.8°F. The established crops are tomatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $331,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.92%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Emory Decatur Hospital is 3.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 13 hospitals in the county.
Explore Georgia Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Georgia
All Georgia countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to DeKalb 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.