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Hale County

TX · Pop. 32,247 · Suburban County

49/100Homestead Score

Hale County, Texas covers 1,005 square miles with a population of 32,247 and a density of 32.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on cotton, wheat, hay. The median home price is $106,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.39%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 210-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F and average winter lows of 23.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 20.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Covenant Hospital Plainview is 10.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 93.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.39%
Growing Season: 210 days
Broadband: 93.7%
Density: 32.1/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 210-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A median home price of $106,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 93.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Covenant Hospital Plainview, with an emergency room, is just 10.9 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

  • 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.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • Annual rainfall of just 20.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
  • An effective property tax rate of 1.39% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.

At a glance

Hale County, TX is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
49/100
Median home price
$106k
Property tax
1.39%
Growing season
210 days (zone 7b)
Annual rainfall
20.5"
Broadband
93.7%
Nearest hospital
Covenant Hospital Plainview, 10.9 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.39%
Median Household Income$52,788
Poverty Rate19%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$106K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7b
Growing Season210 days
Annual Rainfall20.5 inches
Avg Summer High89.6°F
Avg Winter Low23.5°F
Top CropsCotton, Wheat, Hay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought10/10
Wildfire8/10
Tornado9/10
Flood5/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalCovenant Hospital Plainview (10.9 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities2

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage93.7%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.2%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Hale County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Hale County?
Hale County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 210-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F, and average winter lows of 23.5°F. The established crops are cotton, wheat, hay.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $106,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.39%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 93.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Covenant Hospital Plainview is 10.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.

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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.