Martin County
TX · Pop. 5,230 · Rural County
Martin County sits in Texas across 915 square miles, home to 5,230 people at 5.7 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, cotton, haylage. The median home price is $162,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.88%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 231-day growing season, average summer highs of 95.5°F and average winter lows of 32.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 17.6 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Martin County Hospital District is 15.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.6% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 231-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.88% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $162,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 98.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- At 5.7 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.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Annual rainfall of just 17.6 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
At a glance
Martin County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 68/100
- Median home price
- $162k
- Property tax
- 0.88%
- Growing season
- 231 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 17.6"
- Broadband
- 98.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Martin County Hospital District, 15.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Martin County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Martin County?
- Martin County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 231-day growing season, average summer highs of 95.5°F, and average winter lows of 32.9°F. The established crops are hay, cotton, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $162,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.88%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Martin County Hospital District is 15.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Texas Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Texas
All Texas countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Martin 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.