Decatur County
TN · Pop. 11,499 · Suburban County
Decatur County sits in Tennessee across 334 square miles, home to 11,499 people at 34.4 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, corn. A median home price of $134,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.49% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 199-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F and average winter lows of 28.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Perry Community Hospital is 13.9 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 94.5% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 199-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.49% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $134,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 94.5% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Annual rainfall of 55.8 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The nearest hospital, Perry Community Hospital, is 13.9 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 21.6% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Decatur County, TN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 88/100
- Median home price
- $134k
- Property tax
- 0.49%
- Growing season
- 199 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.8"
- Broadband
- 94.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Perry Community Hospital, 13.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Decatur County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Decatur County?
- Decatur County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 199-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F, and average winter lows of 28.4°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $134,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.49%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 94.5% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Perry Community Hospital is 13.9 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Tennessee Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Tennessee
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The closest counties to Decatur 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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