Jefferson County
IN · Pop. 33,074 · Suburban County
Jefferson County sits in Indiana across 361 square miles, home to 33,074 people at 91.6 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, hay. A median home price of $181,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.66% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 192-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F and average winter lows of 24.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 47.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. King's Daughters' Health is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 192-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.66% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $181,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- King's Daughters' Health, with an emergency room, is just 4.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Jefferson County, IN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 81/100
- Median home price
- $181k
- Property tax
- 0.66%
- Growing season
- 192 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 47.9"
- Broadband
- 88.1%
- Nearest hospital
- King's Daughters' Health, 4.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jefferson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jefferson County?
- Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 192-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F, and average winter lows of 24.7°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $181,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.66%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- King's Daughters' Health is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Indiana 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 Indiana
All Indiana countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Jefferson 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.