Hardin County
IL · Pop. 3,623 · Rural County
Hardin County sits in Illinois across 177 square miles, home to 3,623 people at 20.5 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $92,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.18%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 183-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.5°F and average winter lows of 24.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 49.9 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Hardin County General Hospital is 8.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.6% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $92,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Hardin County General Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 8.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 20.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low poverty rate of 10.5% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Hardin County, IL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 90/100
- Median home price
- $92k
- Property tax
- 1.18%
- Growing season
- 183 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 49.9"
- Broadband
- 96.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Hardin County General Hospital, 8.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hardin County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hardin County?
- Hardin County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 183-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.5°F, and average winter lows of 24.4°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $92,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.18%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hardin County General Hospital is 8.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Illinois Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Illinois
All Illinois countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Hardin 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.