Cotton County
OK · Pop. 5,475 · Rural County
Cotton County is a rural county in Oklahoma, spanning 633 square miles with 5,475 residents at a density of 8.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, hay, cotton. The median home price is $113,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.63%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 215-day growing season, average summer highs of 94°F and average winter lows of 28.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 34.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Southwestern Medical Center is 21.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 97% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 215-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.63% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $113,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 97% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, hay, cotton means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Southwestern Medical Center, is 21.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 22.9% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Cotton County, OK is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 76/100
- Median home price
- $113k
- Property tax
- 0.63%
- Growing season
- 215 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 34.5"
- Broadband
- 97%
- Nearest hospital
- Southwestern Medical Center, 21.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cotton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cotton County?
- Cotton County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 215-day growing season, average summer highs of 94°F, and average winter lows of 28.2°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, cotton.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $113,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.63%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 97% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Southwestern Medical Center is 21.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Oklahoma Resources
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More counties in Oklahoma
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The closest counties to Cotton 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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