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Coles County

IL · Pop. 46,689 · Suburban County

50/100Homestead Score

Coles County is a suburban county in Illinois, spanning 508 square miles with 46,689 residents at a density of 91.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $122,000 and an effective property tax rate of 2.05% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.1°F and average winter lows of 23.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.7 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is 3.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 2.05%
Growing Season: 185 days
Broadband: 97.9%
Density: 91.9/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 185-day growing season in USDA zone 6a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A median home price of $122,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 97.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, with an emergency room, is just 3.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.

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.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • An effective property tax rate of 2.05% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
  • A poverty rate of 18.4% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.

At a glance

Coles County, IL is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
50/100
Median home price
$122k
Property tax
2.05%
Growing season
185 days (zone 6a)
Annual rainfall
42.7"
Broadband
97.9%
Nearest hospital
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, 3.3 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate2.05%
Median Household Income$56,040
Poverty Rate18.4%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$122K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6a
Growing Season185 days
Annual Rainfall42.7 inches
Avg Summer High85.1°F
Avg Winter Low23.1°F
Top CropsCorn, Soybeans, Hay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought9/10
Wildfire1/10
Tornado8/10
Flood8/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalSarah Bush Lincoln Health Center (3.3 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage97.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.8%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Coles County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Coles County?
Coles County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 85.1°F, and average winter lows of 23.1°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $122,000 and the effective property tax rate is 2.05%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 97.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is 3.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital 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.