countyscore
44.5
County Score
Property Tax 89.5Weather & Climate 63.6Cost of Living 63.4

County Report Card

About Baxter County, Arkansas

Moderately Below U.S. Livability Standards

Baxter County scores 44.5 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The gap is significant enough to indicate structural challenges in safety, education, and health outcomes.

Below Average, but Not Among Worst in State

At 44.5, Baxter County underperforms the Arkansas state average of 47.9, placing it in the lower half of state counties. However, it avoids the deepest challenges facing the state's most distressed counties.

Lowest Tax Burden and Decent Environmental Quality

Baxter County shines with the state's lowest effective tax rate of 0.463% and a tax score of 89.5, along with strong water quality (30.8) and environmental risk mitigation (27.7). For tax-averse residents, this is a meaningful financial advantage.

Incomes and Schools Significantly Trail State Average

The income score of 11.7 and median household income of $48,427 lag well behind state norms, while the school score of 32.6 reflects education challenges. Safety (18.5) also scores poorly, suggesting residents face more risk than in peer counties.

Ideal for Tax-Conscious Retirees in a Rural Setting

Baxter County appeals to retirees and rural lifestyle seekers who prioritize minimal taxes and nature-based living over job opportunities or top-tier schools. The low tax rate and environmental quality make it attractive for those with independent income sources.

Score breakdown

Tax89.5Cost63.4Safety18.5Health35.1Schools32.6Income11.7Risk27.7Water30.8Weather63.6
🏛89.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.1
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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Nearby counties

Marion County
Arkansas
48.3
Izard County
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56.4
Stone County
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57.5
Ozark County
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Searcy County
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Fulton County
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Boone County
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Howell County
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Deep Dives

Baxter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Baxter County

via TaxByCounty

Baxter County offers tax relief

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baxter County

via CostByCounty

Baxter County: Housing Crunch Despite Low Wages

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baxter County

via IncomeByCounty

Baxter County lags well behind national earnings

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baxter County

via CrimeByCounty

Baxter County Safety vs National Trends

Baxter County is safer than the average American county with a safety score of 96.6. Its total crime rate of 2,160.2 per 100K stays well below the national average of 2,385.5.

How Baxter County Ranks Statewide

The county exceeds the state average safety score of 96.3. Seven reporting agencies contribute to a total crime rate that is lower than the Arkansas average of 2,326.8 per 100K.

Safety Consistency in Northern Arkansas

Baxter County shares a similar safety profile with other northern counties like Boone. Both maintain safety scores in the high 90s, indicating a regional trend of lower crime.

Understanding the Local Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is notably low at 215.3 per 100K, which is nearly half the national average. Property crimes represent the majority of reports at 1,944.9 per 100K residents.

Smart Security for Baxter County Homes

Because property crime is the most frequent issue, residents should consider doorbell cameras and smart locks. These tools effectively discourage opportunistic theft in quiet residential areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Baxter County

via HealthByCounty

Well above national life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baxter County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Range of Educational Options

Baxter County features 11 public schools across 4 districts, supporting a total of 5,112 students. The landscape includes 5 elementary and 5 high schools, offering a broad range of options from early childhood through secondary graduation.

Steady Results on a Lean Budget

The county maintains a 90.2% graduation rate, which is just above the Arkansas state average and ahead of the 87.0% national benchmark. Though per-pupil spending is $5,857, the county achieves a school score of 51.2, closely matching the state average of 51.9.

Mountain Home Dominates the Landscape

The Mountain Home School District is the county's heavy hitter, educating 3,914 students, which is over 75% of the county's total enrollment. The county also hosts 2 charter schools, representing 18.2% of the local educational facilities.

Mix of Major Academies and Rural Schools

Schools range from rural outposts to large town campuses, with an average enrollment of 511 students. The Mountain Home High Career Academics is the largest site with 1,518 students, while Norfork and Cotter districts offer much smaller, intimate school environments.

Quality Education in the Ozarks

Baxter County’s strong graduation rates and the presence of specialized charter academies make it a top choice for families moving to the Ozarks. Homes in the Mountain Home district are particularly popular due to the breadth of career-focused programs available.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baxter County

via RiskByCounty

Baxter County's elevated national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baxter County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Ozark Climate

Baxter County averages 58.5°F annually, staying much closer to the national median than southern Arkansas. This reflects the cooler, higher-elevation climate found in the Ozark Mountains.

Cooler Than the State Average

At 58.5°F, Baxter County is significantly cooler than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It provides a more temperate alternative to the heat found in the Delta or southern timberlands.

Cooler than Benton County

Baxter County’s 58.5°F average is slightly lower than Benton County’s 58.8°F. It also receives 45.7 inches of rain, making it drier than many other counties in the state.

Defined Seasons and Ozark Snow

The county experiences 6.9 inches of snow annually, much more than the southern half of the state. Summer heat is moderate with only 46 days reaching above 90°F.

Equip for True Winter Weather

Residents should prepare for freezing temperatures, as January averages a chilly 36.5°F. Winter gear and home insulation are higher priorities here than in the warmer southern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baxter County

via SoilByCounty

Ozark Acidity in Baxter County

Baxter County soils are quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.38 compared to the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data for the dominant order is limited, the acidity suggests a landscape shaped by forest cover and weathered rock. Most local gardeners find that adding lime is essential for balancing the soil for vegetables.

A Light and Silt-Heavy Profile

The soil composition is relatively light, featuring 33.4% silt and 29.3% sand. With only 10.9% clay, these soils are easy to work and less likely to become sticky or clumpy during the rainy season. This low clay content means the soil may require more frequent fertilization, as it has less surface area to hold onto nutrients.

Unrivaled Organic Richness

At a staggering 19.86%, the organic matter content here is nearly five times the Arkansas average of 4.15%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.097 in/in, meaning moisture drains away quickly despite the high carbon content. This unique combination suggests a soil that is incredibly nutrient-rich but prone to drying out.

Limited Drainage Data for Baxter

Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unavailable for this specific region. However, the high sand and silt percentages usually point toward rapid water movement through the profile. Local observation of runoff during heavy Ozark rains is the best way to determine your specific site's behavior.

Thriving in the Ozark Zone 7b

Baxter County sits in Hardiness Zone 7b, making it ideal for apples, pears, and hardy root vegetables. A soil score of 43.1 indicates high potential, well above the state average of 37.7. Focus on mulching to preserve moisture in this high-organic soil and you will see impressive results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baxter County

via LawnByCounty

Better Than Average Ozark Lawns

Baxter County earns a lawn difficulty score of 44.1, outperforming the Arkansas state average of 37.3. The 7b hardiness zone offers a slightly cooler climate that is more forgiving for a variety of turf types.

Ideal Rainfall and Moderate Heat

With 45.7 inches of annual rain, the county stays within the ideal range for grass growth without the flooding risks of the south. The 46 extreme heat days are significantly lower than the state average of 64, reducing summer burnout.

Navigating Acidic Soil Challenges

The soil pH here is 5.38, which is considerably more acidic than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. While specific drainage data is limited for this area, testing your soil for nutrient deficiencies is a critical first step.

Severe Drought Requires Resilience

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought, and residents have managed 30 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Prioritize water conservation by using drought-tolerant grass species to handle these fluctuations.

Timing Your North Arkansas Planting

Tall Fescue is a popular choice for Zone 7b, as it can withstand the cooler winters and moderate summers. Plan your seeding around the April 2nd last frost date for the best spring establishment results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baxter County's county score?
Baxter County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Baxter County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Baxter County ranks #49 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 Baxter County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Baxter County is $765, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Baxter County a tax score of 89.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baxter County?
The median household income in Baxter County, Arkansas is $48,427 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baxter County earns an income score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baxter County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Baxter County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Baxter 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 Baxter 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.