Decatur County
IA · Pop. 7,669 · Rural County
Decatur County, Iowa covers 532 square miles with a population of 7,669 and a density of 14.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $110,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.69%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 151-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F and average winter lows of 14.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 38.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Decatur County Hospital is 2.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.3% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $110,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 99.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Decatur County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 14.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 151-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.69% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 14.4°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Decatur County, IA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 67/100
- Median home price
- $110k
- Property tax
- 1.69%
- Growing season
- 151 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 38.1"
- Broadband
- 99.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Decatur County Hospital, 2.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Decatur County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Decatur County?
- Decatur County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 151-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.6°F, and average winter lows of 14.4°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $110,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.69%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Decatur County Hospital is 2.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Iowa 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 Iowa
All Iowa countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Decatur 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.