Shackelford County
TX · Pop. 3,169 · Rural County
Shackelford County, Texas covers 914 square miles with a population of 3,169 and a density of 3.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, wheat, sorghum. The median home price is $177,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.29%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.3°F and average winter lows of 31.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 28.4 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Stephens Memorial Hospital is 26.7 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.1% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 219-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $177,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 3.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 11.6% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- The nearest hospital, Stephens Memorial Hospital, is 26.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Shackelford County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $177k
- Property tax
- 1.29%
- Growing season
- 219 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 28.4"
- Broadband
- 89.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Stephens Memorial Hospital, 26.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Shackelford County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Shackelford County?
- Shackelford County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 219-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.3°F, and average winter lows of 31.7°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, sorghum.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $177,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.29%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Stephens Memorial Hospital is 26.7 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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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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