countyscore
37.4
County Score
Property Tax 79.5Cost of Living 65.5Weather & Climate 52.3

County Report Card

About Arkansas County, Arkansas

Below National Average on Overall Livability

Arkansas County scores 37.4 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. This score reflects significant challenges across multiple dimensions of community wellbeing, from safety to education.

Middle of the Pack Within Arkansas

With a composite score of 37.4, Arkansas County ranks below the state average of 47.9, positioning it in the lower half of Arkansas counties. The state average itself lags national norms, meaning this county faces steeper headwinds than most.

Tax Burden and Housing Costs Stand Out

Arkansas County excels in affordability, with a tax score of 79.5 (effective rate of just 0.558%) and a cost score of 65.5, reflecting a median home value of $129,400 and gross rent of $799 per month. These are genuine advantages for budget-conscious households seeking to minimize their tax and housing footprint.

Safety and Education Need Urgent Attention

The county's safety score of just 5.1 and school score of 14.4 represent critical gaps, along with a health score of 24.1 that signals public health concerns. These dimensions—not just income or taxes—shape long-term quality of life for families and young professionals.

Best for Cost-Conscious Retirees Seeking Solitude

Arkansas County suits retirees or individuals prioritizing minimal housing costs and low taxes over schools and social services. This is a place to retire quietly on a fixed income, not to raise a family or build a high-income career.

Score breakdown

Tax79.5Cost65.5Safety5.1Health24.1Schools14.4Income41.5Risk36.8Water14.1Weather52.3
🏛79.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Arkansas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Arkansas County

via TaxByCounty

Arkansas County taxes run deep

At 0.558%, Arkansas County's effective tax rate sits 13% above the national median of 0.495%, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $722 annually—far below the national median of $2,690—because properties are valued much lower than the U.S. average.

Middle of the pack in Arkansas

Arkansas County ranks 30th among Arkansas's 75 counties by effective tax rate, just slightly above the state average of 0.532%. Its median tax bill of $722 nearly matches the statewide median of $705, making it a typical Arkansas property-tax experience.

Compared to neighboring counties

Arkansas County's 0.558% rate is slightly higher than Boone County (0.534%) but lower than both Ashley County (0.610%) and Bradley County (0.561%). The county sits in the middle of its regional cluster, suggesting consistent tax policy across southeast Arkansas.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On a median home valued at $129,400, an Arkansas County homeowner pays roughly $722 per year. If you have a mortgage, you're likely paying $833 annually as part of your escrow account.

You might be overassessed

Many Arkansas County property owners discover their homes are reassessed higher than market value. Filing a tax appeal with the county assessor's office can reduce your tax bill—potentially saving you hundreds over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Arkansas County

via CostByCounty

Arkansas County: Below National Rent Burden

Renters in Arkansas County spend 15.8% of their income on housing, comfortably below the national benchmark of approximately 28–30%. This county's rent-to-income ratio matches the sweet spot where housing remains genuinely affordable relative to take-home pay.

Better Than Average Across the State

Arkansas County ranks favorably within Arkansas, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio versus the state average of 18.1%, positioning it among the more affordable counties statewide. Median rent of $799 runs only $39 above the state median, keeping costs moderate while offering stability.

Competitive With Adjacent Markets

Compared to nearby Boone County ($715 rent) and Carroll County ($818 rent), Arkansas County's $799 median rent sits squarely in the middle, offering competitive pricing without sacrificing access to services. Home values here ($129,400) undercut Boone and Carroll significantly, attracting budget-conscious buyers.

Housing Costs: Rent Versus Ownership

Renters pay $799 monthly while homeowners face $707 in principal, interest, and taxes—a difference of just $92, making the rent-to-own calculus straightforward. With median household income at $60,831, housing consumes roughly 16% of annual earnings, leaving substantial resources for other necessities.

Consider Arkansas County for Balance

If you're weighing Arkansas options, Arkansas County delivers affordable rent, reasonable home values, and income-to-housing alignment that beats state averages. This county merits serious consideration for families and remote workers seeking stability without the affordability crunch elsewhere.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Arkansas County

via IncomeByCounty

Arkansas County earns below the national average

The median household income here is $60,831, trailing the national median of $74,755 by $13,924 annually. This puts Arkansas County in the lower-middle range nationally, where earnings power lags wealthier metros but outpace rural poverty belts.

A top-tier earner within Arkansas

At $60,831, Arkansas County's median household income ranks in the top third of Arkansas counties and significantly exceeds the state average of $51,156. This $9,675 advantage reflects a stronger local economy relative to most of the state.

Strongest income in the region

Arkansas County's $60,831 median household income outpaces nearby Baxter County ($48,427) and Carroll County ($55,187) by several thousand dollars. This income advantage positions Arkansas County as a relative economic anchor in the southeast Arkansas region.

Rent remains manageable here

At 15.8% of household income, Arkansas County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the danger threshold of 30%, signaling affordable housing costs. Combined with a median home value of $129,400, housing remains one of the county's economic strengths.

Build on solid income foundations

With median household income outpacing the state average, Arkansas County residents have breathing room to save and invest. Consider funneling 10-15% of household income into retirement accounts or diversified investments to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Arkansas County

via CrimeByCounty

Arkansas County’s National Safety Profile

The total crime rate of 3,483.3 per 100K sits significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.5 out of 100.

Safety Comparisons Across Arkansas

Arkansas County trails the state average safety score of 96.3. Local reporting agencies manage a crime rate that exceeds the Arkansas average of 2,326.8 per 100K.

Crime Rates vs. Nearby Ashley County

Arkansas County faces a higher total crime burden than neighboring Ashley County. While Ashley County reports 2,124.3 incidents per 100K, Arkansas County sees over 1,300 more cases per 100K residents.

A Closer Look at Local Crime Types

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 2,655.1 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate of 828.2 per 100K is more than double the national average.

Prioritizing Home Security and Awareness

Higher property crime rates suggest residents should prioritize home security systems and smart monitoring. Securing entry points provides peace of mind where property theft is the primary concern.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Arkansas County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags far behind

Arkansas County residents live an average of 68.7 years—more than 8 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health, a rate significantly higher than the national average of 17.3%. These gaps signal deeper health challenges in the county.

Among Arkansas's healthiest outcomes

Arkansas County's 68.7-year life expectancy ranks near the middle of Arkansas counties, sitting 3.6 years below the state average of 72.3 years. The county's uninsured rate of 8.2% is actually better than Arkansas's statewide rate of 9.9%, suggesting some residents do have coverage access. However, health outcomes still reflect broader challenges affecting rural Arkansas.

Competing with nearby counties

Arkansas County's 68.7-year life expectancy falls short of Boone County (74.2 years) and Baxter County (74.2 years) nearby, but exceeds Bradley County (71.5 years) and Ashley County (70.9 years). With 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county has comparable access to Ashley County but trails the 85 providers per 100,000 in better-resourced Baxter County.

Uninsured rate reflects access wins

Arkansas County's 8.2% uninsured rate is one of the lowest in the state, meaning most residents have some health coverage. However, 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means healthcare appointments may require travel, and mental health support with 141 providers per 100,000 remains limited for a county with complex health needs.

Protect your family's health today

With 8.2% of residents uninsured, Arkansas County has room to ensure every family has coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer options—most residents qualify for financial help.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Arkansas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Mix of Rural and Town Schools

Arkansas County operates 8 public schools across 3 districts, serving a total of 2,744 students. The infrastructure is evenly divided between 2 elementary, 3 middle, and 3 high schools, creating a streamlined path from primary to secondary education.

Performance Challenges in a Low-Spending Environment

The county's graduation rate of 82.5% trails both the Arkansas state average of 90.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With per-pupil expenditure at $5,939, investment is lower than the national median of $13,000, contributing to a composite school score of 47.3.

Stuttgart and DeWitt Anchor the County

The Stuttgart School District is the largest provider, educating 1,593 students across 4 schools with no charter schools in the county. DeWitt School District follow closely with 1,151 students, while the Phillips Community College Career & Technical Center serves as a specialized vocational hub.

Small-Town Feel with Mid-Sized Classrooms

Schools here average 392 students, split between 4 rural settings and 4 town locales. Park Avenue Elementary is the county's largest campus with 644 students, while DeWitt Middle School offers a more intimate setting with 267 students.

Settling Near Stuttgart or DeWitt Schools

For families looking to move to the Delta, proximity to the main campuses in Stuttgart or DeWitt is a primary consideration for home buyers. These established districts remain the heartbeat of the community's educational and social life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Arkansas County

via RiskByCounty

Arkansas County's moderate risk profile

With a composite risk score of 63.20, Arkansas County sits above the national average and faces a relatively low overall threat from natural disasters. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types across the county, though no single risk dominates the landscape.

Above-average risk in Arkansas

Arkansas County scores 63.20, notably higher than the state average of 55.51, ranking it among the more vulnerable counties in Arkansas. This elevation is driven primarily by elevated tornado and earthquake risks relative to other state counties.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Arkansas County's 63.20 score exceeds neighboring Ashley County (53.91) and Woodruff County in the region. Its tornado risk of 70.42 is particularly pronounced compared to adjacent areas, reflecting the county's position in a zone with seasonal storm exposure.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats

Earthquake risk is Arkansas County's most significant hazard, scoring 92.05—substantially higher than any other risk factor. Tornado activity ranks second at 70.42, with severe spring storms posing a recurring threat to homes and infrastructure across the county.

Earthquake and storm insurance essential

Given the extreme earthquake score of 92.05 and elevated tornado risk, ensure your homeowners policy includes earthquake coverage and verify tornado damage protection. Consider additional coverage for structural reinforcement and take shelter precautions during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Arkansas County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the National Average

Arkansas County maintains an annual average temperature of 62.9°F, placing it well above the national median for the United States. This identifies the region as a classic humid subtropical climate with long, warm seasons.

Above the Arkansas State Average

The county's average temperature of 62.9°F is nearly two degrees higher than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It remains one of the warmer agricultural hubs in the Delta region.

A Warmer Profile Than Inland Neighbors

Compared to nearby Bradley County at 62.4°F, Arkansas County experiences slightly higher average temperatures throughout the year. It also sees less annual rainfall at 51.7 inches compared to Bradley’s 57.9 inches.

Long Summers and Rare Snowfall

Residents face 66 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, particularly during July when averages hit 81.6°F. Winters are mild with a December-February average of 44.4°F and only 1.8 inches of annual snow.

Managing Humidity and Summer Heat

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 66 days of extreme heat and 51.7 inches of rain. Outdoor planning should focus on heat safety during the long summer stretch from June through August.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Arkansas County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam Foundations in Arkansas County

Arkansas County is defined by silt loam textures and Alfisols, which are naturally fertile soils often found under forest cover. The average pH of 5.83 sits below the national median of 6.5, though it remains slightly higher than the Arkansas state average of 5.56. These acidic conditions generally require lime supplements for most traditional row crops.

A Silty Mix for Steady Growth

The soil contains 54.3% silt and 23.9% clay, creating a heavy profile that holds nutrients well but can be slow to warm. With only 21.8% sand, these soils offer moderate workability but risk compaction if tilled while wet. This balance makes the region a powerhouse for rice and soybean production where moisture retention is key.

Efficient Water Storage Despite Low Carbon

Organic matter sits at 1.57%, which is notably lower than the state average of 4.15%. However, the available water capacity of 0.172 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.148, indicating the soil is exceptionally good at storing moisture for plants. This efficiency helps crops survive the hot, dry spells common in the Delta.

Managing Moderate Drainage Challenges

The land is classified as moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This means the soil has a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet, making it prone to runoff during heavy Arkansas rainstorms. Builders and farmers alike must account for this moderate drainage when planning site foundations or irrigation systems.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8b

With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 8b, this county supports a long growing season for heat-loving crops like okra and sweet potatoes. The soil score of 42.4 beats the state average of 37.7, signaling a strong environment for your backyard garden. Start your seeds early to take full advantage of this productive silt loam landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Arkansas County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Arkansas County Landscape

Arkansas County holds a lawn difficulty score of 34.9, trailing both the state average of 37.3 and the national median of 50.0. The local 8b hardiness zone allows for a wide range of warm-season grasses but requires diligent care during temperature swings.

Heat and Rain Driving Lawn Growth

With 51.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits just above the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. The 66 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F demand a consistent watering schedule to prevent turf dormancy.

Working with Silt Loam Soil

The local soil is a moderately well-drained silt loam with a pH of 5.83, slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Adding a touch of lime can help neutralize the acidity and improve nutrient uptake for your grass.

Combatting 30 Weeks of Drought

The county has faced 30 weeks of drought over the last year, and 55.4% of the area currently experiences severe conditions. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth that survives these prolonged dry spells.

Planting for Success in Zone 8b

Bermuda or Zoysia grasses are ideal for this climate and should be established after the last frost on March 11. Start your prep now to ensure a lush, green carpet before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arkansas County's county score?
Arkansas County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 37.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Arkansas County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Arkansas County ranks #68 among all counties in Arkansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Arkansas County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Arkansas County is $722, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Arkansas County a tax score of 79.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Arkansas County?
The median household income in Arkansas County, Arkansas is $60,831 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Arkansas County earns an income score of 41.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Arkansas County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Arkansas County scores 37.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Arkansas County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Arkansas County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.