Henderson County
IL · Pop. 6,284 · Rural County
Henderson County is a rural county in Illinois, spanning 379 square miles with 6,284 residents at a density of 16.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $102,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.68%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F and average winter lows of 18°F. Annual rainfall averages 36.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Great River Medical Center is 12.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 75.1% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 191-day growing season in USDA zone 6a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $102,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 16.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low poverty rate of 11.6% 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 1.68% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 75.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Great River Medical Center, is 12.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Henderson County, IL is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 51/100
- Median home price
- $102k
- Property tax
- 1.68%
- Growing season
- 191 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 36.8"
- Broadband
- 75.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Great River Medical Center, 12.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Henderson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Henderson County?
- Henderson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F, and average winter lows of 18°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $102,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.68%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 75.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Great River Medical Center is 12.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Illinois
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The closest counties to Henderson 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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