Wise County
TX · Pop. 72,359 · Suburban County
Wise County sits in Texas across 904 square miles, home to 72,359 people at 80 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, wheat. The median home price is $277,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.19%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 217-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.2°F and average winter lows of 30.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 39.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Wise Health System is 3.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 217-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- Broadband reaches 92.8% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Wise Health System, with an emergency room, is just 3.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 9.1% signals a relatively stable 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.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
At a glance
Wise County, TX is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 54/100
- Median home price
- $277k
- Property tax
- 1.19%
- Growing season
- 217 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 39.8"
- Broadband
- 92.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Wise Health System, 3.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Wise County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Wise County?
- Wise County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 217-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.2°F, and average winter lows of 30.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $277,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.19%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 92.8% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Wise Health System is 3.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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More counties in Texas
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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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