Willacy County
TX · Pop. 20,218 · Suburban County
Willacy County, Texas covers 591 square miles with a population of 20,218 and a density of 34.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on cotton, sorghum, corn. A median home price of $61,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.91% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 10a with a 351-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F and average winter lows of 51.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 25.9 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Valley Baptist Medical Center is 21.7 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 351-day growing season in USDA zone 10a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $61,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on cotton, sorghum, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.91% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- The nearest hospital, Valley Baptist Medical Center, is 21.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 24.6% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Willacy County, TX is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 50/100
- Median home price
- $61k
- Property tax
- 1.91%
- Growing season
- 351 days (zone 10a)
- Annual rainfall
- 25.9"
- Broadband
- 99.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Valley Baptist Medical Center, 21.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Willacy County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Willacy County?
- Willacy County is in USDA hardiness zone 10a with a 351-day growing season, average summer highs of 89.6°F, and average winter lows of 51.8°F. The established crops are cotton, sorghum, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $61,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.91%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Valley Baptist Medical Center is 21.7 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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