Baxter County scores 69.4, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40 points and placing it well into the upper-middle range nationally. While it runs slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, the county remains an above-average place to live by national standards.
2 / 5
Mid-tier performance statewide
Ranking fifth among the eight featured Arkansas counties, Baxter County sits just below the state average. Its score reflects solid but unremarkable livability relative to regional peers.
3 / 5
Excellent tax rates and health metrics
Baxter County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in the dataset at 0.463% (tax score 89.3) and the second-highest health score at 63.2, indicating strong community wellness. Housing remains affordable with a 83.2 cost score and a median home value of $165,400.
4 / 5
Income levels remain modest
With an income score of just 15.0 and median household income of $48,427, the county offers limited wealth-building potential. Environmental and safety risk factors also register as lower priorities (27.7), though data gaps prevent full assessment.
5 / 5
Right for health-conscious savers
Baxter County appeals to retirees and remote workers seeking minimal taxes, good healthcare access, and stable community health—not wage growth. It's a good fit for those who've already built assets and prioritize peace of mind over income potential.
Baxter County scores 69.4, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40 points and placing it well into the upper-middle range nationally. While it runs slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, the county remains an above-average place to live by national standards.
Mid-tier performance statewide
Ranking fifth among the eight featured Arkansas counties, Baxter County sits just below the state average. Its score reflects solid but unremarkable livability relative to regional peers.
Excellent tax rates and health metrics
Baxter County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in the dataset at 0.463% (tax score 89.3) and the second-highest health score at 63.2, indicating strong community wellness. Housing remains affordable with a 83.2 cost score and a median home value of $165,400.
Income levels remain modest
With an income score of just 15.0 and median household income of $48,427, the county offers limited wealth-building potential. Environmental and safety risk factors also register as lower priorities (27.7), though data gaps prevent full assessment.
Right for health-conscious savers
Baxter County appeals to retirees and remote workers seeking minimal taxes, good healthcare access, and stable community health—not wage growth. It's a good fit for those who've already built assets and prioritize peace of mind over income potential.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛89.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.463%, Baxter County's effective tax rate falls well below the national median of 0.495%, marking it as a tax-friendly county nationwide. Homeowners pay $765 annually—less than one-third the national median of $2,690—benefiting from both a lower rate and lower property values.
The most affordable in Arkansas
Baxter County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.463%, sitting comfortably below Arkansas's state average of 0.532%. This rate efficiency means residents keep more of their wealth while property values remain moderate.
The regional tax leader
Baxter County's 0.463% rate beats all nearby counties, including Boone County (0.534%), Carroll County (0.526%), and Calhoun County (0.498%). Its combination of low rates and moderate home values ($165,400 median) makes it the most tax-efficient option in north-central Arkansas.
Your estimated annual tax bill
On a median home valued at $165,400, a Baxter County homeowner pays roughly $765 per year—among the lowest in the state. Those with mortgages typically pay $816 through annual escrow.
Even lower rates are possible
While Baxter County already offers competitive tax rates, homeowners can still benefit from periodic reassessment appeals. If your property has improved significantly or if your assessment seems out of line with comparable sales, filing an appeal may lower your bill further.
Baxter County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio stands as the highest among these eight counties and above Arkansas's 18.1% state average, signaling a genuine affordability squeeze. At $866 monthly rent on median income of just $48,427, housing claims a notably larger slice of the household budget than elsewhere.
Least Affordable County in This Group
Baxter County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% markedly exceeds the state average and represents the worst affordability profile across these eight counties. Despite mid-range income, renters here face disproportionate housing pressure that erodes purchasing power for other essentials.
Rising Rents, Strained Wallets
Baxter County's $866 rent rivals Benton County's $1,193 (though Benton earns far more income) and substantially exceeds nearby options like Boone County ($715) and Carroll County ($818). High home values ($165,400) compound affordability challenges, pricing out lower-income residents from ownership.
Housing Dominates the Budget
Renters devote 21.5% of income to housing while homeowners pay $631 monthly—an unusual gap favoring ownership that reflects the rental market's premium pricing. With median income of $48,427, nearly a quarter of annual earnings flows to housing, limiting flexibility elsewhere.
Baxter County: Weigh Carefully Before Moving
Baxter County's rising rents and income-to-housing squeeze make it a tougher sell for budget-conscious relocators compared to more affordable Arkansas alternatives. Consider this county only if employment prospects outweigh the elevated housing burden.
The median household income of $48,427 falls $26,328 short of the national median of $74,755, placing Baxter County in the bottom third nationally. This income deficit reflects limited access to higher-wage employment and regional economic constraints.
Slightly below Arkansas's state average
Baxter County's $48,427 median household income trails Arkansas's $51,156 state average by roughly $2,700. While the gap is modest, it places the county in the lower-middle tier of Arkansas's economic distribution.
Moderate earner among surrounding counties
Baxter County ($48,427) earns more than Bradley County ($39,565) but less than Arkansas County ($60,831) and Carroll County ($55,187). Regional income variation suggests job market quality differs significantly across north-central Arkansas.
Housing affordability becomes a challenge
Baxter County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% danger zone threshold narrowly but signals housing cost pressure on household budgets. The median home value of $165,400 remains high relative to median income, limiting homeownership accessibility.
Strategic spending unlocks investment capacity
By identifying discretionary expenses and redirecting even $75-150 monthly toward savings, Baxter County residents can build financial resilience. Tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs or HSAs offer tax benefits that maximize modest contributions.
Baxter County residents live an average of 74.2 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by a narrow margin. Only 22.4% report poor or fair health, significantly better than the national average of 17.3%, reflecting strong overall population health. The county stands out as one of Arkansas's healthiest communities.
Healthiest outcomes in the state
Baxter County's 74.2-year life expectancy ranks among Arkansas's best, more than 1.9 years above the state average of 72.3 years. The county's 10.8% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, yet robust healthcare infrastructure and strong health metrics suggest residents who lack insurance still access care. Baxter is a regional health leader.
Outperforming surrounding counties
Baxter County's 74.2-year life expectancy matches Boone County but exceeds Arkansas County (68.7), Ashley County (70.9), and Bradley County (71.5). With 85 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among peers—and 306 mental health providers per 100,000, Baxter offers unmatched healthcare access and support.
Best provider access in the region
Baxter County's 85 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ensure most residents have convenient access to routine care. With 306 mental health providers per 100,000—triple the regional average—the county demonstrates strong investment in behavioral health and preventive medicine.
Keep your coverage strong and current
While Baxter County leads the state in health outcomes, 10.8% of residents remain uninsured. Maintain your coverage by reviewing options annually at healthcare.gov or contacting your employer benefits coordinator.
Baxter County's composite score of 72.30 substantially exceeds the national average, placing it in a higher-risk category for natural disasters. Tornado and wildfire hazards are particularly pronounced in this county.
Among Arkansas's riskiest counties
Baxter County's 72.30 score ranks well above the state average of 55.51, making it one of Arkansas's higher-risk counties. The elevation reflects concentrated tornado and wildfire exposure in the Ozark region.
Higher risk than surrounding counties
Baxter County's 72.30 exceeds Carroll County's 64.57 and significantly surpasses Boone County's 62.34. Its geographic position in the Ozark plateau contributes to heightened wildfire and severe weather vulnerability.
Tornado and wildfire emergencies
Tornado risk of 86.80 is Baxter County's dominant threat, with severe spring and fall storms a regular occurrence. Wildfire risk of 71.95 poses a secondary but serious threat, particularly during dry periods, threatening forested areas and homes.
Storm shelter and fire prevention critical
With tornado risk at 86.80, a safe room or basement shelter is essential for family protection during storm season. Maintain defensible space around your home, clear gutters, and ensure homeowners insurance explicitly covers both wind and wildfire damage.