Calhoun County
IL · Pop. 4,406 · Rural County
Calhoun County, Illinois covers 254 square miles with a population of 4,406 and a density of 17.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, corn, hay. The median home price is $174,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.47%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F and average winter lows of 23.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 40.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Thomas H. Boyd Memorial Hospital is 16.4 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.1% of homes.
Pros
- A median home price of $174,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 17.3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- Annual rainfall of 40.8 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 5.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- An effective property tax rate of 1.47% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 79.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Thomas H. Boyd Memorial Hospital, is 16.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Calhoun County, IL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 60/100
- Median home price
- $174k
- Property tax
- 1.47%
- Growing season
- 181 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 40.8"
- Broadband
- 79.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Thomas H. Boyd Memorial Hospital, 16.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Calhoun County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Calhoun County?
- Calhoun County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.7°F, and average winter lows of 23.2°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $174,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.47%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Thomas H. Boyd Memorial Hospital is 16.4 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Illinois Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Illinois
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The closest counties to Calhoun County by distance, including across state lines.
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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