countyscore
44.3
County Score
Property Tax 88.4Cost of Living 64.1Weather & Climate 63.6

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.

2040608010088.464.118.535.132.6927.730.863.6Tax88.4Cost64.1Safety18.5Health35.1Schools32.6Income9Risk27.7Water30.8Weather63.644.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Baxter County DNA

Foverall

How Baxter County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Baxter County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (88.4/100) but notably weak in Income (9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88.4+36.400000000000006
Cost
64.1+16.099999999999994
Safety
18.5-36.5
Health
35.1-14.899999999999999
Schools
32.6-21.4
Income
9-42
Risk
27.7-19.3
Water
30.8-27.2
Weather
63.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Baxter County

Whether buying or refinancing in Baxter County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$174,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$846/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,452/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.1

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
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Counties with similar scores

Kent County
Delaware
Median income: $74,477
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Median income: $89,000
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Calcasieu Parish
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Union County
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Berks County
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Eastland County
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Jackson County
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Box Elder County
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44.3

Nearby counties

Marion County
Arkansas
50
Izard County
Arkansas
57
Stone County
Arkansas
59
Ozark County
Missouri
60.4
Searcy County
Arkansas
64.6
Fulton County
Arkansas
50.9
Boone County
Arkansas
53.7
Howell County
Missouri
49.9

Deep Dives

Baxter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 44.3 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 #48 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 $799, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Baxter County a tax score of 88.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baxter County?
The median household income in Baxter County, Arkansas is $48,452 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baxter County earns an income score of 9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baxter County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Baxter County scores 44.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.