Chatham County
NC · Pop. 78,319 · Mixed County
Chatham County sits in North Carolina across 681 square miles, home to 78,319 people at 115 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. A median home price of $398,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.67% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F and average winter lows of 30.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.6 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Chatham Hospital, Inc is 9.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.4% 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 long 214-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.67% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Chatham Hospital, Inc, with an emergency room, is just 9.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 10.5% signals a relatively stable local economy.
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 median home price of $398,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
At a glance
Chatham County, NC is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 48/100
- Median home price
- $398k
- Property tax
- 0.67%
- Growing season
- 214 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.6"
- Broadband
- 88.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Chatham Hospital, Inc, 9.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Chatham County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Chatham County?
- Chatham County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.8°F, and average winter lows of 30.6°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $398,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.67%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Chatham Hospital, Inc is 9.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore North Carolina Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in North Carolina
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The closest counties to Chatham 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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