Hooker County
NE · Pop. 613 · Rural County
Hooker County sits in Nebraska across 721 square miles, home to 613 people at 0.9 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay. A median home price of $85,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.43% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 146-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.4°F and average winter lows of 15.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 21.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. North Platte Ne Hospital Corporation is 58 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $85,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 95.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- At 0.9 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low poverty rate of 7.7% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 146-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 21.1 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.43% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, North Platte Ne Hospital Corporation, is 58 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Hooker County, NE is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 59/100
- Median home price
- $85k
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- Growing season
- 146 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 21.1"
- Broadband
- 95.7%
- Nearest hospital
- North Platte Ne Hospital Corporation, 58 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hooker County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hooker County?
- Hooker County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 146-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.4°F, and average winter lows of 15.1°F. The established crops are hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $85,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.43%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 95.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- North Platte Ne Hospital Corporation is 58 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Nebraska Resources
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More counties in Nebraska
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The closest counties to Hooker 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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