Fillmore County
MN · Pop. 21,346 · Rural County
Fillmore County, Minnesota covers 861 square miles with a population of 21,346 and a density of 24.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $204,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.95%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 139-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.4°F and average winter lows of 8.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 35.6 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Regional Health Services of Howard County is 20.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.95% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 99.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 24.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- 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 139-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, Regional Health Services of Howard County, is 20.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 8.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Fillmore County, MN is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 43/100
- Median home price
- $204k
- Property tax
- 0.95%
- Growing season
- 139 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 35.6"
- Broadband
- 99.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Regional Health Services of Howard County, 20.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Fillmore County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Fillmore County?
- Fillmore County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 139-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.4°F, and average winter lows of 8.9°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $204,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.95%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Regional Health Services of Howard County is 20.6 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Minnesota 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 Minnesota
All Minnesota countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Fillmore 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.