Karnes County
TX · Pop. 14,819 · Rural County
Karnes County, Texas covers 748 square miles with a population of 14,819 and a density of 19.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, sorghum. The median home price is $137,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.98%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 287-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.8°F and average winter lows of 43.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 30.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital is 4.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 287-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $137,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 97.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 19.8 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A poverty rate of 21.3% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Karnes County, TX is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 82/100
- Median home price
- $137k
- Property tax
- 0.98%
- Growing season
- 287 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 30.1"
- Broadband
- 97.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital, 4.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Karnes County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Karnes County?
- Karnes County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 287-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.8°F, and average winter lows of 43.1°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, sorghum.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $137,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.98%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 97.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital is 4.3 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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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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