Washington County
TX · Pop. 36,156 · Suburban County
Washington County, Texas covers 604 square miles with a population of 36,156 and a density of 59.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, potatoes. A median home price of $270,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.15% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 272-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.6°F and average winter lows of 40.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Brenham is 4.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 272-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Brenham, with an emergency room, is just 4.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.9% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- 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.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
At a glance
Washington County, TX is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $270k
- Property tax
- 1.15%
- Growing season
- 272 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.1"
- Broadband
- 89.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Brenham, 4.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Washington County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Washington County?
- Washington County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 272-day growing season, average summer highs of 93.6°F, and average winter lows of 40.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, potatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $270,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.15%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Brenham is 4.8 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.
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