Houston County
TX · Pop. 22,042 · Rural County
Houston County, Texas covers 1,231 square miles with a population of 22,042 and a density of 17.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, cotton. A median home price of $155,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.92% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 258-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.7°F and average winter lows of 38.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.2 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Crockett Medical Center is 1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 73.7% 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.
Pros
- A long 258-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.92% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $155,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Crockett Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 17.9 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.
- 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.
- Broadband reaches only 73.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Houston County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 69/100
- Median home price
- $155k
- Property tax
- 0.92%
- Growing season
- 258 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.2"
- Broadband
- 73.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Crockett Medical Center, 1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Houston County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Houston County?
- Houston County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 258-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.7°F, and average winter lows of 38.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, cotton.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $155,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.92%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 73.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Crockett Medical Center is 1 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 Houston 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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