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Refugio County

TX · Pop. 6,693 · Rural County

88/100Homestead Score

Refugio County is a rural county in Texas, spanning 770 square miles with 6,693 residents at a density of 8.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on cotton, sorghum, corn. The median home price is $94,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.4%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 287-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.8°F and average winter lows of 45.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 36.9 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Refugio County Memorial Hospital District is 7.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 95.3% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.4%
Growing Season: 287 days
Broadband: 95.3%
Density: 8.7/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 287-day growing season in USDA zone 9b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A median home price of $94,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 95.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Refugio County Memorial Hospital District, with an emergency room, is just 7.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 8.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • 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.
  • Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.

At a glance

Refugio County, TX is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
88/100
Median home price
$94k
Property tax
1.4%
Growing season
287 days (zone 9b)
Annual rainfall
36.9"
Broadband
95.3%
Nearest hospital
Refugio County Memorial Hospital District, 7.2 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.4%
Median Household Income$58,016
Poverty Rate17.3%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$94K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone9b
Growing Season287 days
Annual Rainfall36.9 inches
Avg Summer High91.8°F
Avg Winter Low45.7°F
Top CropsCotton, Sorghum, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought9/10
Wildfire6/10
Tornado3/10
Flood2/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalRefugio County Memorial Hospital District (7.2 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage95.3%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.9%
Ag EconomyModerate

Homesteading in Refugio County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Refugio County?
Refugio County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b with a 287-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.8°F, and average winter lows of 45.7°F. The established crops are cotton, sorghum, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $94,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.4%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 95.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Refugio County Memorial Hospital District is 7.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Refugio 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.