Alexander County
IL · Pop. 5,042 · Rural County
Alexander County sits in Illinois across 235 square miles, home to 5,042 people at 21.5 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $59,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.65%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 194-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.1°F and average winter lows of 26.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Southeasthealth is 13.7 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 72.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 194-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $59,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 21.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.65% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 72.3% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Southeasthealth, is 13.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 21% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Alexander County, IL is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 47/100
- Median home price
- $59k
- Property tax
- 1.65%
- Growing season
- 194 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.8"
- Broadband
- 72.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Southeasthealth, 13.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Alexander County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Alexander County?
- Alexander County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 194-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.1°F, and average winter lows of 26.3°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $59,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.65%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 72.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Southeasthealth is 13.7 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Illinois
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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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