Newton County
TX · Pop. 12,193 · Rural County
Newton County, Texas covers 934 square miles with a population of 12,193 and a density of 13.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, peas. A median home price of $83,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.03% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 258-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.2°F and average winter lows of 39.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 57.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Christus Southeast Texas - Jasper Memorial is 18.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.3% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 258-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $83,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 13.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- Annual rainfall of 57.5 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- The nearest hospital, Christus Southeast Texas - Jasper Memorial, is 18.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 22.4% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Newton County, TX is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 74/100
- Median home price
- $83k
- Property tax
- 1.03%
- Growing season
- 258 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 57.5"
- Broadband
- 89.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Christus Southeast Texas - Jasper Memorial, 18.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Newton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Newton County?
- Newton County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 258-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.2°F, and average winter lows of 39.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, peas.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $83,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.03%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Christus Southeast Texas - Jasper Memorial is 18.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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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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