Rockwall County
TX · Pop. 116,931 · Urban County
Rockwall County is an urban county in Texas, spanning 127 square miles with 116,931 residents at a density of 920.7 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $386,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.64%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 259-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.2°F and average winter lows of 36.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 38.6 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Texas Health Hospital Rockwall is 3.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 259-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 99.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Texas Health Hospital Rockwall, with an emergency room, is just 3.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 4.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
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.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.64% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- A median home price of $386,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
At a glance
Rockwall County, TX is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 37/100
- Median home price
- $386k
- Property tax
- 1.64%
- Growing season
- 259 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 38.6"
- Broadband
- 99.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Texas Health Hospital Rockwall, 3.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Rockwall County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Rockwall County?
- Rockwall County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 259-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.2°F, and average winter lows of 36.3°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $386,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.64%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Texas Health Hospital Rockwall is 3.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
Explore Texas Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Texas
All Texas countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Rockwall 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.