Douglas County
IL · Pop. 19,686 · Suburban County
Douglas County is a suburban county in Illinois, spanning 417 square miles with 19,686 residents at a density of 47.2 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, hay. The median home price is $143,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.81%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.1°F and average winter lows of 19.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 41 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is 19.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $143,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 97.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- 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 1.81% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, is 19.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Douglas County, IL is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 42/100
- Median home price
- $143k
- Property tax
- 1.81%
- Growing season
- 181 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 41"
- Broadband
- 97.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, 19.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Douglas County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Douglas County?
- Douglas County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.1°F, and average winter lows of 19.9°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $143,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.81%. 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 19.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Illinois
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The closest counties to Douglas 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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