Zavala County
TX · Pop. 9,532 · Rural County
Zavala County, Texas covers 1,297 square miles with a population of 9,532 and a density of 7.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, wheat, corn. A median home price of $88,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.42% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 299-day growing season, average summer highs of 97°F and average winter lows of 45.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 22.8 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Uvalde Memorial Hospital is 24.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 299-day growing season in USDA zone 9a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $88,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 7.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- 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.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.42% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 79.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Uvalde Memorial Hospital, is 24.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Zavala County, TX is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 48/100
- Median home price
- $88k
- Property tax
- 1.42%
- Growing season
- 299 days (zone 9a)
- Annual rainfall
- 22.8"
- Broadband
- 79.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Uvalde Memorial Hospital, 24.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Zavala County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Zavala County?
- Zavala County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a with a 299-day growing season, average summer highs of 97°F, and average winter lows of 45.4°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $88,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.42%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Uvalde Memorial Hospital is 24.2 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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