Panola County
TX · Pop. 22,624 · Suburban County
Panola County sits in Texas across 811 square miles, home to 22,624 people at 27.9 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, melons. The median home price is $146,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.9%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 248-day growing season, average summer highs of 92°F and average winter lows of 36.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. UT Health East Texas Carthage Hospital is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 76.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 248-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.9% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $146,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- UT Health East Texas Carthage Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 2.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 51.4 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.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Broadband reaches only 76.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Panola County, TX is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 80/100
- Median home price
- $146k
- Property tax
- 0.9%
- Growing season
- 248 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.4"
- Broadband
- 76.7%
- Nearest hospital
- UT Health East Texas Carthage Hospital, 2.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Panola County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Panola County?
- Panola County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 248-day growing season, average summer highs of 92°F, and average winter lows of 36.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, melons.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $146,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.9%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 76.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- UT Health East Texas Carthage Hospital is 2.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Texas Resources
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More counties in Texas
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The closest counties to Panola 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.
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