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Jay County

IN · Pop. 20,281 · Suburban County

100/100Homestead Score

Jay County, Indiana covers 384 square miles with a population of 20,281 and a density of 52.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, corn, wheat. The median home price is $110,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.6%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 169-day growing season, average summer highs of 82°F and average winter lows of 19.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. IU Health Jay is 1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89.7% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.6%
Growing Season: 169 days
Broadband: 89.7%
Density: 52.8/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.6% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $110,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • IU Health Jay, with an emergency room, is just 1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, corn, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
  • A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.

Cons

  • Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.6%
Median Household Income$54,114
Poverty Rate13.2%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$110K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6a
Growing Season169 days
Annual Rainfall37.7 inches
Avg Summer High82°F
Avg Winter Low19.3°F
Top CropsSoybeans, Corn, Wheat

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10
Wildfire1/10
Tornado7/10
Flood4/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalIU Health Jay (1 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage89.7%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.4%
Ag EconomyStrong

Homesteading in Jay County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Jay County?
Jay County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 169-day growing season, average summer highs of 82°F, and average winter lows of 19.3°F. The established crops are soybeans, corn, wheat.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $110,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.6%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 89.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
IU Health Jay is 1 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.