Duval County
TX · Pop. 9,824 · Rural County
Duval County sits in Texas across 1,793 square miles, home to 9,824 people at 5.5 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. A median home price of $86,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.08% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 315-day growing season, average summer highs of 96.1°F and average winter lows of 44.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 26 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Christus Spohn Hospital Alice is 28.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 72.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 315-day growing season in USDA zone 9b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $86,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 5.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Broadband reaches only 72.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Christus Spohn Hospital Alice, is 28.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 29% 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
Duval County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 62/100
- Median home price
- $86k
- Property tax
- 1.08%
- Growing season
- 315 days (zone 9b)
- Annual rainfall
- 26"
- Broadband
- 72.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Christus Spohn Hospital Alice, 28.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Duval County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Duval County?
- Duval County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 315-day growing season, average summer highs of 96.1°F, and average winter lows of 44.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $86,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.08%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 72.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Christus Spohn Hospital Alice is 28.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Texas Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Texas
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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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