Dawson County
TX · Pop. 12,311 · Rural County
Dawson County is a rural county in Texas, spanning 900 square miles with 12,311 residents at a density of 13.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on cotton, wheat, hay. A median home price of $91,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.73% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.1°F and average winter lows of 27.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 19.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Medical Arts Hospital is 1.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 216-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $91,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Medical Arts Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 1.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on cotton, wheat, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Annual rainfall of just 19.1 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.73% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Dawson County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 66/100
- Median home price
- $91k
- Property tax
- 1.73%
- Growing season
- 216 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 19.1"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Medical Arts Hospital, 1.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Dawson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Dawson County?
- Dawson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.1°F, and average winter lows of 27.4°F. The established crops are cotton, wheat, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $91,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.73%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Medical Arts Hospital is 1.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Texas 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 Texas
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The closest counties to Dawson 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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