Hamilton County
IL · Pop. 7,972 · Rural County
Hamilton County is a rural county in Illinois, spanning 435 square miles with 7,972 residents at a density of 18.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. A median home price of $109,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.35% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 192-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.3°F and average winter lows of 23.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.9 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Hamilton Memorial Hospital is 0.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 76.4% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 192-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $109,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Hamilton Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 18.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- An effective property tax rate of 1.35% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 76.4% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Hamilton County, IL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 79/100
- Median home price
- $109k
- Property tax
- 1.35%
- Growing season
- 192 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.9"
- Broadband
- 76.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Hamilton Memorial Hospital, 0.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hamilton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hamilton County?
- Hamilton County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 192-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.3°F, and average winter lows of 23.7°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $109,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.35%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 76.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hamilton Memorial Hospital is 0.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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 Hamilton 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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