Tensas County
LA · Pop. 3,992 · Rural County
Tensas Parish, Louisiana covers 603 square miles with a population of 3,992 and a density of 6.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, cotton, corn. A median home price of $80,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.29% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 258-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F and average winter lows of 38.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 56.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Claiborne County Hospital is 21.3 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 76.9% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 258-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.29% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $80,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, cotton, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 6.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Broadband reaches only 76.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Claiborne County Hospital, is 21.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 32.8% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Tensas County, LA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 78/100
- Median home price
- $80k
- Property tax
- 0.29%
- Growing season
- 258 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 56.5"
- Broadband
- 76.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Claiborne County Hospital, 21.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Tensas County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Tensas Parish?
- Tensas Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 258-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F, and average winter lows of 38.4°F. The established crops are soybeans, cotton, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $80,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.29%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 76.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Claiborne County Hospital is 21.3 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Louisiana Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Louisiana
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The closest counties to Tensas 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.
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