Harrison County
IA · Pop. 14,645 · Rural County
Harrison County sits in Iowa across 697 square miles, home to 14,645 people at 21 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $165,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.34%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 157-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.2°F and average winter lows of 12.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 33.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital is 9.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.5% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $165,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 9.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 21 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.8% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 157-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.34% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 12.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Harrison County, IA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $165k
- Property tax
- 1.34%
- Growing season
- 157 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 33.5"
- Broadband
- 85.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital, 9.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Harrison County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Harrison County?
- Harrison County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 157-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.2°F, and average winter lows of 12.9°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $165,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.34%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital is 9.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Iowa Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Iowa
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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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