CountyScore

Arkansas County

Arkansas · AR

#52 in Arkansas
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Arkansas County, Arkansas

Above average, but room to grow

Arkansas County scores 68.9 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. This 38-point advantage over the national benchmark reflects a county with genuine livability strengths, though it trails slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3.

Middle of the pack in Arkansas

Ranking fourth among the eight featured Arkansas counties, Arkansas County sits just below the state average. Its 68.9 score positions it as a solid, middle-tier option within the state, competitive with similar rural counties.

Tax and housing affordability shine

The county excels in tax efficiency with a score of 86.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.558%, paired with strong housing affordability (83.3) where homes median around $129,400. A median household income of $60,831 supports this cost-friendly environment, making it attractive for budget-conscious households.

Income growth and health lag behind

Income levels are a significant constraint, with a score of only 23.1—among the weakest in the state. Health outcomes (57.8) and environmental risk factors (36.8) also need attention, suggesting opportunities for community investment in wellness and safety infrastructure.

Best for cost-conscious rural families

Arkansas County suits families prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and a slower pace of life over higher incomes and modern urban amenities. It's an economical choice for retirees, remote workers, and households willing to trade wage potential for financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.6Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth57.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.1Risk36.8WaterComing Soon
🏛86.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Arkansas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641
Hamilton County
Florida
68.9
Median income: $47,696

Deep Dives

Arkansas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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