Lawrence County
IL · Pop. 15,137 · Suburban County
Lawrence County is a suburban county in Illinois, spanning 372 square miles with 15,137 residents at a density of 40.7 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $96,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.21%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 196-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F and average winter lows of 24.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Lawrence County Memorial Hospital is 2.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 93.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 196-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $96,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 93.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Lawrence County Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.1 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.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Lawrence County, IL is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $96k
- Property tax
- 1.21%
- Growing season
- 196 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.5"
- Broadband
- 93.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Lawrence County Memorial Hospital, 2.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lawrence County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lawrence County?
- Lawrence County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 196-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F, and average winter lows of 24.5°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $96,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.21%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 93.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Lawrence County Memorial Hospital is 2.1 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 Lawrence 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.