Caldwell County
KY · Pop. 12,631 · Suburban County
Caldwell County, Kentucky covers 345 square miles with a population of 12,631 and a density of 36.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. A median home price of $114,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.52% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.8°F and average winter lows of 28.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Caldwell Medical Center is 3.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 73.2% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 191-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.52% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $114,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Caldwell Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 3.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
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.
- Broadband reaches only 73.2% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Caldwell County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 82/100
- Median home price
- $114k
- Property tax
- 0.52%
- Growing season
- 191 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.1"
- Broadband
- 73.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Caldwell Medical Center, 3.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Caldwell County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Caldwell County?
- Caldwell County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.8°F, and average winter lows of 28.1°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $114,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.52%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 73.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Caldwell Medical Center is 3.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Kentucky 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 Kentucky
All Kentucky countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Caldwell 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.