countyscore
46.7
County Score
Cost of Living 94.4Property Tax 73.1Disaster Risk 46.1

County Report Card

About Ashley County, Arkansas

Modestly Below National Average Livability

Ashley County's composite score of 46.7 falls slightly short of the national median of 50.0, placing it just below average on overall livability. The county ranks around the 35th percentile nationally, indicating room for improvement across multiple dimensions.

Essentially on Par With Arkansas Average

Ashley County scores 46.7, nearly matching the state average of 47.9, making it a representative Arkansas county. It neither stands out as a leader nor lags significantly behind peer counties in the state.

Exceptional Housing Affordability is the Draw

Ashley County ranks exceptionally high on the cost score of 94.4—among the best in the state—with a median home value of just $88,800 and gross rent of only $640 per month. This ultra-low housing cost is a powerful advantage for budget-conscious buyers and renters.

Income Levels and Health Outcomes Lag

The county's income score of just 6.6 reflects a median household income of only $44,481, well below state norms, and a health score of 21.6 suggests public health challenges. Safety (18.9) and water quality (22.9) also rank among the county's weaker dimensions.

Right for Retirees and Low-Income Families

Ashley County works best for retirees on fixed incomes and low-wage workers seeking the lowest possible housing costs without concern for wages or services. Strong schools (38.3) offer a modest advantage for families, but overall economic opportunity remains limited.

2040608010073.194.418.921.638.36.646.122.942.6Tax73.1Cost94.4Safety18.9Health21.6Schools38.3Income6.6Risk46.1Water22.9Weather42.646.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Ashley County DNA

Foverall

How Ashley County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ashley County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (94.4/100) but notably weak in Income (6.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73.1+21.099999999999994
Cost
94.4+46.400000000000006
Safety
18.9-36.1
Health
21.6-28.4
Schools
38.3-15.700000000000003
Income
6.6-44.4
Risk
46.1
Water
22.9-35.1
Weather
42.6-13.399999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$88,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$640/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$88,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,481/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Ashley County with Rockdale County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Rockdale County
Georgia
Median income: $72,349
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Marion County
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Median income: $60,839
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Buena Vista County
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Mills County
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Harper County
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Genesee County
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Median income: $72,055
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Tipton County
Tennessee
Median income: $71,736
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Dillingham Census Area
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Median income: $74,250
46.8

Nearby counties

Bradley County
Arkansas
53.9
Morehouse Parish
Louisiana
42.2
Drew County
Arkansas
47.2
Union Parish
Louisiana
66.8
Union County
Arkansas
40
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
68.4
Chicot County
Arkansas
50.6
Calhoun County
Arkansas
55.4

Deep Dives

Ashley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ashley County

via TaxByCounty

Ashley County taxes exceed national norms

With an effective tax rate of 0.610%, Ashley County ranks among the higher-tax counties nationally, well above the 0.495% national median. Yet residents pay just $542 annually—about 80% less than the national median of $2,690—because property values here are significantly lower.

Highest-taxed in Arkansas

Ashley County has the highest effective tax rate of all eight counties examined here at 0.610%, placing it above the Arkansas state average of 0.532%. Despite this rate advantage, the median tax bill remains below state average due to lower home valuations.

A tax outlier in southeast Arkansas

Ashley County's 0.610% rate significantly outpaces Arkansas County (0.558%), Bradley County (0.561%), and Calhoun County (0.498%) in the region. Only Benton County's higher home values temper its rate comparison—Ashley stands out for aggressive effective taxation.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On a median home valued at $88,800, an Ashley County homeowner pays approximately $542 per year. With a mortgage, you'll see about $703 in annual escrow payments.

Review your assessment today

Ashley County's highest-in-region tax rate makes assessment appeals particularly worthwhile—even a small reduction saves meaningful money. Contact your county assessor to request a reassessment if your home hasn't been formally valued in the last few years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ashley County

via CostByCounty

Ashley County: Rock-Bottom Rent Costs

With a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio on median income of $44,481, Ashley County ranks well below the national affordability threshold while offering some of Arkansas's lowest rents. At just $640 monthly, the rent burden here remains manageable despite below-average income levels.

Among Arkansas's Most Affordable

Ashley County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 18.1%, and its $640 median rent ranks among the lowest in the state. This county stands out for renters and first-time buyers with limited budgets.

Cheapest Housing in Its Region

Ashley County's $640 rent undercuts every nearby comparison, beating Bradley County ($638—nearly identical) and significantly undercutting counties like Arkansas County ($799) and Carroll County ($818). Home values of $88,800 position Ashley as the most affordable entry point for homeownership in its area.

Low Income, Lower Housing Costs

Median household income of $44,481 is the second-lowest among these eight counties, yet renters allocate just $640 monthly to housing—enabling a lean but feasible budget. Homeowners pay only $489 monthly, freeing up cash for food, transportation, and emergencies.

Ashley County: Maximum Affordability

Relocating to Ashley County means stretching a tight budget further than almost anywhere else in Arkansas—rents and home values are genuinely low. This county suits workers accepting lower wages for guaranteed low housing costs and tight-knit rural community life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ashley County

via IncomeByCounty

Ashley County faces a significant income gap

Median household income stands at $44,481, placing Ashley County nearly $30,000 below the national median of $74,755. This substantial shortfall reflects an economy dependent on lower-wage sectors with limited access to higher-earning opportunities.

Below-average earnings within Arkansas

Ashley County's $44,481 median household income ranks among the state's lowest, falling nearly $7,000 short of Arkansas's own $51,156 average. This positions the county in the bottom third of Arkansas's economic hierarchy.

One of the region's lowest earners

Ashley County's $44,481 median trails Bradley County ($39,565) by just $5,000 but significantly lags Arkansas County ($60,831) by over $16,000. The income divide within southeast Arkansas reflects stark disparities in job quality and opportunity.

Housing costs strain household budgets

At 17.3% of household income, rent-to-income ratio exceeds healthy affordability thresholds, leaving less money for savings and emergencies. With median home values at $88,800, purchasing power remains limited for families earning below the state average.

Incremental savings unlock long-term gains

Even small, consistent savings—as little as $50-100 monthly—can build toward emergency reserves and financial security in Ashley County. Explore employer 401(k) matches or community credit union accounts to start investing without large upfront commitments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ashley County

via CrimeByCounty

Ashley County Outperforms National Averages

Ashley County presents a safe profile with a total crime rate of 2,124.3 per 100K, lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 96.6.

Ashley County’s Standing in Arkansas

This score places the county slightly above the Arkansas average safety rating of 96.3. Its crime rate remains competitive, sitting below the statewide average of 2,326.8 per 100K.

Comparing Safety to Neighboring Arkansas County

Ashley County outperforms its neighbor to the north in terms of overall safety. Residents here encounter roughly 1,359 fewer crimes per 100K people than those in Arkansas County.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Crime

Property crime accounts for 1,766.7 incidents per 100K, which is lower than the national rate of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate also remains low at 357.6, just under the national average.

Maintaining Safety in Ashley County

While local numbers are lower than average, maintaining well-lit exteriors serves as a simple and effective deterrent. Consistent security habits help keep these favorable safety rankings stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ashley County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Fabric of Ashley County

Two main districts manage the county's 8 public schools, which serve a combined enrollment of 3,345 students. The system includes 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools, providing a robust primary foundation for local youth.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

Ashley County achieves a graduation rate of 92.0%, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 90.3%. Despite a per-pupil spend of $5,760, which is less than half the national average, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 51.9.

Hamburg and Crossett Districts Lead the Way

The Hamburg School District is the largest, enrolling 1,691 students, followed closely by the Crossett School District with 1,654 students. There are currently no charter schools in operation, as traditional public districts manage 100% of the county's enrollment.

Town-Centered Schools with Individual Focus

With 7 of the 8 schools located in town settings, the average school size is 418 students. Crossett Elementary is the largest school in the county with 733 students, while Noble Elementary provides a smaller start with just 405 students.

High Graduation Rates Drive Local Interest

Families are often drawn to Ashley County by its strong 92% graduation rate, which signals a high level of student success. Buyers typically focus on the Hamburg or Crossett areas to ensure easy access to these high-performing town schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ashley County

via RiskByCounty

Ashley County slightly below average

Ashley County's composite risk score of 53.91 places it just below the national average, indicating relatively low overall disaster vulnerability. While the county faces multiple hazards, none rise to extreme levels.

Lower risk than most Arkansas counties

At 53.91, Ashley County scores slightly below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This favorable positioning reflects relatively moderate exposure across most hazard categories.

Safer than Arkansas County to the north

Ashley County's 53.91 score is lower than Arkansas County's 63.20, though higher than Bradley County's 30.76 further south. The county benefits from somewhat reduced tornado and earthquake exposure compared to northern neighbors.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are top threats

Tornado risk of 72.58 represents Ashley County's highest hazard score, with severe spring storms a recurring concern. Earthquake risk ranks second at 83.27, and hurricane exposure at 65.12 adds seasonal weather volatility to the county's profile.

Cover tornado and earthquake damage

With tornado risk at 72.58, ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage and consider a safe room or shelter. Add earthquake coverage to protect against the county's 83.27 earthquake risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ashley County

via WaterByCounty

Ashley County Faces Drinking Water Compliance Challenges

The county receives an F grade based on 21 health violations over the past five years. Despite the low grade, its violation rate of 103.3 per 100,000 residents remains well below the state average of 172.5.

Mercury and Turbidity Affect Over One-Third of Waterways

The 2022 assessment shows that 36.2% of the county's 188 water bodies are impaired, doubling the state average of 17.8%. Top concerns include mercury in fish tissue, turbidity, and critical dissolved oxygen levels.

Broad Inorganic and Metal Monitoring Footprint

Thirteen monitoring sites have generated 7,304 measurements over the last five years. Testing primarily tracks inorganic compounds, metals, and nutrients throughout the county's water system.

Bayou Bartholomew Flows Drop to Near-Record Lows

The gauge near Portland reports a current discharge of 79 cfs, which is only 6% of the long-term mean of 1,410 cfs. This significant drop in flow can increase the concentration of existing contaminants in the waterway.

Prioritize Mercury Awareness and Water Conservation

High mercury levels in local fish tissue necessitate following consumption advisories strictly. Extremely low streamflow in Bayou Bartholomew suggests residents should monitor for higher concentrations of local pollutants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ashley County

via WeatherByCounty

A Hot Subtropical Climate

Ashley County averages 64.1°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. The high average confirms its status as part of the warm, humid Deep South weather belt.

One of Arkansas's Warmest Counties

The county's 64.1°F average is over three degrees higher than the state average of 61.0°F. It consistently ranks as one of the warmest locations in all of Arkansas.

Hotter Than Nearby Bradley County

Ashley County is notably warmer than neighboring Bradley County, which averages 62.4°F. It also sees 84 days of extreme heat, far outpacing the 62 days recorded in Bradley.

Intense Heat and Minimal Winter

Summer temperatures average 81.3°F, with 84 days per year climbing above 90°F. Snow is almost non-existent here, averaging less than an inch annually.

Prepare for Heavy Precipitation

With 56.5 inches of annual rain, residents must ensure proper drainage systems around homes. The extreme heat frequency requires robust cooling infrastructure and consistent hydration during the summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ashley County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of Ashley County

Ashley County features Ultisols, which are highly weathered soils common in the humid Southeast. The average pH of 5.47 is more acidic than the state average of 5.56 and significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This natural acidity reflects a landscape that has seen heavy rainfall and leaching over centuries.

Sandy Loams with Silt Dominance

A fine sandy loam texture dominates the area, comprised of 54.3% silt and 28.1% sand. This mixture provides a more porous structure than neighboring counties, allowing for easier root penetration and tillage. The 17.5% clay content is sufficient to hold onto essential fertilizers while preventing the soil from becoming too heavy.

Deep Reservoirs for Summer Growth

The county boasts an available water capacity of 0.182 in/in, far surpassing the Arkansas state average of 0.148. While the organic matter is low at 1.59%, the soil's ability to hold water provides a critical safety net for vegetation. This high water capacity makes it an excellent candidate for intensive gardening if organic amendments are added.

Optimized Drainage for Versatile Use

Classified as well drained and part of hydrologic group B, these soils offer moderate infiltration rates even when wet. This makes the land highly versatile for both agricultural production and residential construction projects. You can expect fewer issues with standing water here compared to much of the Arkansas Delta.

Lush Potential in Southern Arkansas

Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, Ashley County offers a warm climate perfect for figs, blueberries, and perennial herbs. The soil score of 39.2 is healthy, sitting above the state average of 37.7. Grab a shovel and start a garden; your well-drained soil is ready for a wide variety of southern staples.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ashley County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Growing Conditions

Ashley County presents a challenging environment with a lawn score of 22.9, making it significantly harder to maintain than the national average. Gardeners in this 8b hardiness zone must navigate extreme heat and acidic soil conditions.

High Humidity and Heavy Rains

An annual precipitation of 56.5 inches exceeds the state average and the ideal turf range, while 84 extreme heat days place high stress on grass. These conditions create a long, demanding growing season with 5,878 growing degree days.

Amending Fine Sandy Loam

The well-drained fine sandy loam in this area has a low pH of 5.47, indicating a need for soil amendments. Frequent lime applications are often necessary to bring the soil into the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range.

Managing Water During Dry Stretches

Despite high rainfall, the county endured 31 weeks of drought over the past year, and 41.8% remains in severe drought. Mulching and efficient irrigation are essential to protect your lawn's root system during these periods.

Best Grasses for Southeast Arkansas

Centipede or St. Augustine grasses perform well in these warm, moist conditions once the frost risk passes after March 18. Focus on establishing your lawn in late spring to take advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ashley County's county score?
Ashley County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 46.7 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 Ashley County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Ashley County ranks #44 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 Ashley County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Ashley County is $542, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Ashley County a tax score of 73.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ashley County?
The median household income in Ashley County, Arkansas is $44,481 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ashley County earns an income score of 6.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ashley County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Ashley County scores 46.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Ashley 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 Ashley County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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