Matagorda County
TX · Pop. 36,274 · Suburban County
Matagorda County, Texas covers 1,093 square miles with a population of 36,274 and a density of 33.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on cotton, hay, corn. The median home price is $162,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.25%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 301-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F and average winter lows of 45.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.6 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Palacios Community Medical Center is 13.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 93.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 301-day growing season in USDA zone 9b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $162,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 93.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on cotton, hay, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
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.
- A poverty rate of 21.8% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Matagorda County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 65/100
- Median home price
- $162k
- Property tax
- 1.25%
- Growing season
- 301 days (zone 9b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.6"
- Broadband
- 93.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Palacios Community Medical Center, 13.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Matagorda County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Matagorda County?
- Matagorda County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 301-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F, and average winter lows of 45.5°F. The established crops are cotton, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $162,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.25%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 93.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Palacios Community Medical Center is 13.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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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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