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McLennan County

TX · Pop. 263,608 · Mixed County

42/100Homestead Score

McLennan County, Texas covers 1,037 square miles with a population of 263,608 and a density of 254.2 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, corn, wheat. A median home price of $219,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.53% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 253-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.1°F and average winter lows of 37°F. Annual rainfall averages 36.4 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Ascension Providence is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.53%
Growing Season: 253 days
Broadband: 98.9%
Density: 254.2/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 253-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • Broadband reaches 98.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Ascension Providence, with an emergency room, is just 2.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on hay, corn, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.

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.
  • Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
  • An effective property tax rate of 1.53% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
  • At 254.2 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.

At a glance

McLennan County, TX is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
42/100
Median home price
$219k
Property tax
1.53%
Growing season
253 days (zone 8b)
Annual rainfall
36.4"
Broadband
98.9%
Nearest hospital
Ascension Providence, 2.4 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.53%
Median Household Income$63,888
Poverty Rate17.1%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$219K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8b
Growing Season253 days
Annual Rainfall36.4 inches
Avg Summer High94.1°F
Avg Winter Low37°F
Top CropsHay, Corn, Wheat

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought6/10
Wildfire10/10
Tornado10/10
Flood9/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalAscension Providence (2.4 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities6

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage98.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in McLennan County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in McLennan County?
McLennan County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 253-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.1°F, and average winter lows of 37°F. The established crops are hay, corn, wheat.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $219,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.53%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 98.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Ascension Providence is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 6 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.