Real County
TX · Pop. 2,821 · Rural County
Real County is a rural county in Texas, spanning 699 square miles with 2,821 residents at a density of 4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on haylage. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.9°F and average winter lows of 32.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 30.3 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Peterson Regional Medical Center is 42.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 68.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 216-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- At 4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A median household income of $45,417 anchors the local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Broadband reaches only 68.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Peterson Regional Medical Center, is 42.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 20.5% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Real County, TX is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 41/100
- Growing season
- 216 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 30.3"
- Broadband
- 68.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Peterson Regional Medical Center, 42.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Real County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Real County?
- Real County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 216-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.9°F, and average winter lows of 32.5°F. The established crops are haylage.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 68.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Peterson Regional Medical Center is 42.2 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Texas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Texas
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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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