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Stephens County

TX · Pop. 9,278 · Rural County

77/100Homestead Score

Stephens County, Texas covers 897 square miles with a population of 9,278 and a density of 10.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, wheat, soybeans. The median home price is $106,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.68%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 225-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.3°F and average winter lows of 31.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 30 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Stephens Memorial Hospital is 3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.2% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.68%
Growing Season: 225 days
Broadband: 88.2%
Density: 10.3/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 225-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A median home price of $106,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Stephens Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 10.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • An effective property tax rate of 1.68% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

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

Homestead score
77/100
Median home price
$106k
Property tax
1.68%
Growing season
225 days (zone 8a)
Annual rainfall
30"
Broadband
88.2%
Nearest hospital
Stephens Memorial Hospital, 3 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.68%
Median Household Income$54,695
Poverty Rate13.5%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$106K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8a
Growing Season225 days
Annual Rainfall30 inches
Avg Summer High94.3°F
Avg Winter Low31.8°F
Top CropsHay, Wheat, Soybeans

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought5/10
Wildfire8/10
Tornado4/10
Flood2/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalStephens Memorial Hospital (3 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage88.2%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.2%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Stephens County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Stephens County?
Stephens County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 225-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.3°F, and average winter lows of 31.8°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, soybeans.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $106,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.68%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 88.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Stephens Memorial Hospital is 3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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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.