Cumberland County
IL · Pop. 10,378 · Suburban County
Cumberland County is a suburban county in Illinois, spanning 346 square miles with 10,378 residents at a density of 30 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, hay. The median home price is $118,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.76%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.2°F and average winter lows of 22.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 41.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is 15 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 94.2% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 186-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $118,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 94.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.5% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 9.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.76% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, is 15 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Cumberland County, IL is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $118k
- Property tax
- 1.76%
- Growing season
- 186 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 41.3"
- Broadband
- 94.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, 15 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cumberland County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cumberland County?
- Cumberland County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 186-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.2°F, and average winter lows of 22.6°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $118,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.76%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 94.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is 15 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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More counties in Illinois
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The closest counties to Cumberland 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.
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