Vernon County
LA · Pop. 47,764 · Suburban County
Vernon Parish sits in Louisiana across 1,327 square miles, home to 47,764 people at 36 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, pumpkins. The median home price is $144,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.54%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 233-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.8°F and average winter lows of 38.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 57.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Doctor's Hospital at Deer Creek is 5.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 86.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 233-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.54% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $144,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Doctor's Hospital at Deer Creek, with an emergency room, is just 5.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 57.7 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A poverty rate of 18.3% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Vernon County, LA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 84/100
- Median home price
- $144k
- Property tax
- 0.54%
- Growing season
- 233 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 57.7"
- Broadband
- 86.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Doctor's Hospital at Deer Creek, 5.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Vernon County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Vernon Parish?
- Vernon Parish is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 233-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.8°F, and average winter lows of 38.1°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, pumpkins.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $144,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.54%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 86.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Doctor's Hospital at Deer Creek is 5.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 5 hospitals in the county.
Explore Louisiana 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 Louisiana
All Louisiana countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Vernon 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.