Skip to content

Ochiltree County

TX · Pop. 9,852 · Rural County

56/100Homestead Score

Ochiltree County, Texas covers 918 square miles with a population of 9,852 and a density of 10.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, corn, sorghum. A median home price of $137,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.4% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 175-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.1°F and average winter lows of 20.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 22.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Ochiltree General Hospital is 6.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.9% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.4%
Growing Season: 175 days
Broadband: 88.9%
Density: 10.7/sq mi

Pros

  • A median home price of $137,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Ochiltree General Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 6.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, corn, sorghum means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • At 10.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.2% reflects a stable local job base.

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.
  • An effective property tax rate of 1.4% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.

At a glance

Ochiltree County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
56/100
Median home price
$137k
Property tax
1.4%
Growing season
175 days (zone 7a)
Annual rainfall
22.1"
Broadband
88.9%
Nearest hospital
Ochiltree General Hospital, 6.4 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.4%
Median Household Income$64,988
Poverty Rate15.5%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$137K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7a
Growing Season175 days
Annual Rainfall22.1 inches
Avg Summer High90.1°F
Avg Winter Low20.4°F
Top CropsWheat, Corn, Sorghum

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought10/10
Wildfire8/10
Tornado5/10
Flood1/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalOchiltree General Hospital (6.4 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage88.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.2%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Ochiltree County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Ochiltree County?
Ochiltree County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 175-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.1°F, and average winter lows of 20.4°F. The established crops are wheat, corn, sorghum.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $137,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.4%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 88.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Ochiltree General Hospital is 6.4 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

Nearby counties

The closest counties to Ochiltree 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.