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Jefferson County

OK · Pop. 5,377 · Rural County

83/100Homestead Score

Jefferson County sits in Oklahoma across 759 square miles, home to 5,377 people at 7.1 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on wheat, haylage, hay. The median home price is $78,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.66%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 227-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.6°F and average winter lows of 32.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 32 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Jefferson County Hospital is 8.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.6% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.66%
Growing Season: 227 days
Broadband: 92.6%
Density: 7.1/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 227-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.66% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $78,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 92.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Jefferson County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 8.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
  • A poverty rate of 22.8% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.

At a glance

Jefferson County, OK is a strong overall fit for homesteading.

Homestead score
83/100
Median home price
$78k
Property tax
0.66%
Growing season
227 days (zone 8a)
Annual rainfall
32"
Broadband
92.6%
Nearest hospital
Jefferson County Hospital, 8.8 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.66%
Median Household Income$48,750
Poverty Rate22.8%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$78K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8a
Growing Season227 days
Annual Rainfall32 inches
Avg Summer High94.6°F
Avg Winter Low32.3°F
Top CropsWheat, Haylage, Hay

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought10/10
Wildfire8/10
Tornado6/10
Flood2/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalJefferson County Hospital (8.8 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage92.6%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.9%
Ag EconomyModerate

Homesteading in Jefferson County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 227-day growing season, average summer highs of 94.6°F, and average winter lows of 32.3°F. The established crops are wheat, haylage, hay.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $78,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.66%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 92.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Jefferson County Hospital is 8.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Jefferson 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.