Ashley County achieves a composite score of 70.4, placing it 40 points above the national median of 50.0 and solidly in the upper half nationally. This performance slightly edges out Arkansas's state average of 70.3, making it a standout in regional context.
2 / 5
Third-best among Arkansas counties
Ashley County ranks third among the eight featured Arkansas counties, just above the state average. Its 70.4 score demonstrates competitive livability relative to peers in the region.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Ashley County shines with the best housing affordability score (89.6) among all eight counties, with median home values of just $88,800 and rent at $640/month. The tax burden is also light (85.1 score, 0.610% effective rate), creating one of the most budget-friendly cost structures in the state.
4 / 5
Low incomes are the main hurdle
The county struggles significantly with income levels, posting the second-lowest score at 12.4 with a median household income of just $44,481. Health outcomes (57.7) are also below-average, reflecting broader economic pressures on community wellness.
5 / 5
Ideal for ultra-budget households
Ashley County is perfect for households prioritizing minimal housing and tax costs above all else—think retirees on fixed income, remote workers with modest salaries, or those recovering financially. Its extremely low cost of living compensates for limited local wage opportunities.
Ashley County achieves a composite score of 70.4, placing it 40 points above the national median of 50.0 and solidly in the upper half nationally. This performance slightly edges out Arkansas's state average of 70.3, making it a standout in regional context.
Third-best among Arkansas counties
Ashley County ranks third among the eight featured Arkansas counties, just above the state average. Its 70.4 score demonstrates competitive livability relative to peers in the region.
Exceptional housing affordability
Ashley County shines with the best housing affordability score (89.6) among all eight counties, with median home values of just $88,800 and rent at $640/month. The tax burden is also light (85.1 score, 0.610% effective rate), creating one of the most budget-friendly cost structures in the state.
Low incomes are the main hurdle
The county struggles significantly with income levels, posting the second-lowest score at 12.4 with a median household income of just $44,481. Health outcomes (57.7) are also below-average, reflecting broader economic pressures on community wellness.
Ideal for ultra-budget households
Ashley County is perfect for households prioritizing minimal housing and tax costs above all else—think retirees on fixed income, remote workers with modest salaries, or those recovering financially. Its extremely low cost of living compensates for limited local wage opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Ashley County residents live an average of 70.9 years, nearly 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. More than one in four residents report poor or fair health, compared to 17.3% nationally, indicating persistent health challenges across the population. These disparities point to systemic barriers in healthcare access and preventive care.
Below-average health outcomes statewide
Ashley County's 70.9-year life expectancy falls 1.4 years below Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years. The county's 10.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 9.9%, meaning more residents lack health coverage and may delay or forgo necessary care. This combination puts the county at higher risk for preventable health crises.
Struggling compared to healthier neighbors
Ashley County's 70.9-year life expectancy trails Boone County (74.2 years), Baxter County (74.2 years), and Benton County (78.2 years), though it exceeds Arkansas County (68.7 years). With 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county has the fewest primary care resources among its peers, creating potential gaps in routine medical care.
Provider shortage mirrors coverage gaps
Ashley County's 10.2% uninsured rate means one in ten residents likely skip or delay medical visits due to cost. With only 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 88 mental health providers per 100,000, residents often travel long distances for routine checkups and mental health support.
Close the coverage gap for your family
Ashley County's 10.2% uninsured rate is preventable—call 2-1-1 Arkansas or visit healthcare.gov to find free or low-cost coverage options. Many families qualify for Medicaid or tax credits that make plans affordable.
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.