Nantucket County
MA · Pop. 14,299 · Mixed County
Nantucket County sits in Massachusetts across 46 square miles, home to 14,299 people at 310.8 per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on sweet corn, lettuce, peppers. The median home price is $1,387,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.22%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 204-day growing season, average summer highs of 72.6°F and average winter lows of 27.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Nantucket Cottage Hospital is 1.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.9% of homes.
Pros
- A long 204-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.22% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 98.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Nantucket Cottage Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 1.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 44.4 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- A median home price of $1,387,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 310.8 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
Nantucket County, MA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 74/100
- Median home price
- $1387k
- Property tax
- 0.22%
- Growing season
- 204 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.4"
- Broadband
- 98.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Nantucket Cottage Hospital, 1.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Nantucket County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Nantucket County?
- Nantucket County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 204-day growing season, average summer highs of 72.6°F, and average winter lows of 27.5°F. The established crops are sweet corn, lettuce, peppers.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $1,387,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.22%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Nantucket Cottage Hospital is 1.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Massachusetts Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Massachusetts
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The closest counties to Nantucket 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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