Upshur County
TX · Pop. 41,864 · Suburban County
Upshur County, Texas covers 583 square miles with a population of 41,864 and a density of 71.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, melons. The median home price is $171,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.23%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.1°F and average winter lows of 33.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Longview Regional Medical Center is 18.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 222-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $171,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A median household income of $62,794 anchors the 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.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- The nearest hospital, Longview Regional Medical Center, is 18.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Upshur County, TX is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 36/100
- Median home price
- $171k
- Property tax
- 1.23%
- Growing season
- 222 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.8"
- Broadband
- 85.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Longview Regional Medical Center, 18.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Upshur County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Upshur County?
- Upshur County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.1°F, and average winter lows of 33.3°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, melons.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $171,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.23%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Longview Regional Medical Center is 18.6 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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