Mason County
IL · Pop. 12,878 · Rural County
Mason County is a rural county in Illinois, spanning 539 square miles with 12,878 residents at a density of 23.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, popcorn. The median home price is $106,000, with an effective property tax rate of 2.15%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 176-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F and average winter lows of 18.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Mason District Hospital is 8.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.4% 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 median home price of $106,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Mason District Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 8.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, popcorn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 23.9 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 2.15% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Mason County, IL is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $106k
- Property tax
- 2.15%
- Growing season
- 176 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.8"
- Broadband
- 82.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Mason District Hospital, 8.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Mason County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Mason County?
- Mason County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 176-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F, and average winter lows of 18.8°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, popcorn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $106,000 and the effective property tax rate is 2.15%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mason District Hospital is 8.8 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 Mason 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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