Hamilton County
TX · Pop. 8,320 · Rural County
Hamilton County is a rural county in Texas, spanning 836 square miles with 8,320 residents at a density of 10 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, wheat. The median home price is $125,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.54%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 237-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.1°F and average winter lows of 33.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.7 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Hamilton General Hospital is 0.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.8% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 237-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $125,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 92.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Hamilton General Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 10 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.54% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- A poverty rate of 18.4% 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
Hamilton County, TX is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 81/100
- Median home price
- $125k
- Property tax
- 1.54%
- Growing season
- 237 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.7"
- Broadband
- 92.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Hamilton General Hospital, 0.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hamilton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hamilton County?
- Hamilton County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 237-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.1°F, and average winter lows of 33.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $125,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.54%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 92.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hamilton General Hospital is 0.2 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 Hamilton 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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