Pope County
IL · Pop. 3,757 · Rural County
Pope County, Illinois covers 369 square miles with a population of 3,757 and a density of 10.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on soybeans, hay, corn. The median home price is $165,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.02%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 194-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F and average winter lows of 28.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 49.3 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Hardin County General Hospital is 10.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 72.8% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 194-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $165,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 10.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Broadband reaches only 72.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Hardin County General Hospital, is 10.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Pope County, IL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 65/100
- Median home price
- $165k
- Property tax
- 1.02%
- Growing season
- 194 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 49.3"
- Broadband
- 72.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Hardin County General Hospital, 10.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Pope County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Pope County?
- Pope County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 194-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.2°F, and average winter lows of 28.9°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $165,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.02%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 72.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hardin County General Hospital is 10.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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 Pope 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.