Madison County
TX · Pop. 13,574 · Suburban County
Madison County is a suburban county in Texas, spanning 466 square miles with 13,574 residents at a density of 29.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, beans. A median home price of $149,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.15% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 242-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.7°F and average winter lows of 38.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. CHI St Joseph Health Madison Hospital is 2.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 242-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $149,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- CHI St Joseph Health Madison Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Madison County, TX is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 77/100
- Median home price
- $149k
- Property tax
- 1.15%
- Growing season
- 242 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.1"
- Broadband
- 87%
- Nearest hospital
- CHI St Joseph Health Madison Hospital, 2.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Madison County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Madison County?
- Madison County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 242-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.7°F, and average winter lows of 38.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, beans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $149,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.15%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- CHI St Joseph Health Madison Hospital is 2.1 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 Madison 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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