Cooke County
TX · Pop. 42,473 · Suburban County
Cooke County is a suburban county in Texas, spanning 875 square miles with 42,473 residents at a density of 48.5 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, haylage. A median home price of $225,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.24% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 242-day growing season, average summer highs of 92°F and average winter lows of 33.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 42.7 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. North Texas Medical Center is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 242-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 95.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- North Texas Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 2.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, haylage means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- 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.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
At a glance
Cooke County, TX is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $225k
- Property tax
- 1.24%
- Growing season
- 242 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 42.7"
- Broadband
- 95.8%
- Nearest hospital
- North Texas Medical Center, 2.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cooke County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cooke County?
- Cooke County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 242-day growing season, average summer highs of 92°F, and average winter lows of 33.3°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $225,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.24%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 95.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- North Texas Medical Center is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Texas 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 Texas
All Texas countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Cooke 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.