Douglas County
MN · Pop. 39,354 · Suburban County
Douglas County sits in Minnesota across 637 square miles, home to 39,354 people at 61.8 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $292,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.86% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 155-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F and average winter lows of 4.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 25.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Alomere Health is 6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.86% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Alomere Health, with an emergency room, is just 6 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.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.6% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A 155-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 4.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Douglas County, MN is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 41/100
- Median home price
- $292k
- Property tax
- 0.86%
- Growing season
- 155 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 25.1"
- Broadband
- 89.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Alomere Health, 6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Douglas County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Douglas County?
- Douglas County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 155-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F, and average winter lows of 4.9°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $292,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.86%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Alomere Health is 6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Minnesota Resources
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More counties in Minnesota
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The closest counties to Douglas 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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