countyscore
53.2
County Score
Property Tax 82.5Cost of Living 72.9Weather & Climate 62.1

County Report Card

About Boone County, Arkansas

Above National Average, Strong by Regional Standards

Boone County scores 53.2, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and landing in the top 55% of U.S. counties. This makes it one of the stronger performers in the sample, reflecting a more balanced livability profile.

Clear Leader Among These Eight Arkansas Counties

At 53.2, Boone County outpaces the Arkansas state average of 47.9 by more than 5 points, ranking it as the top performer in this cohort and among the state's better-positioned counties overall.

Well-Balanced Strengths Across Multiple Dimensions

Boone County excels with a tax score of 82.5 (effective rate 0.534%), cost score of 72.9 (median home $169,300), and notably strong school (47.4) and safety (37.4) scores. This blend of affordability and services is rare in the state.

Income Growth Remains the Primary Limitation

The income score of 23.4 and median household income of $54,195 lag national and county averages, suggesting limited high-wage job opportunities. This keeps the overall composite score from reaching national highs despite strong fundamentals elsewhere.

Best Overall County for Balanced Small-Town Living

Boone County suits families and professionals seeking affordable housing, good schools, manageable taxes, and reasonable safety with a small-town feel. It's the go-to choice in this sample for those willing to accept moderate incomes in exchange for quality of life.

2040608010082.572.937.440.747.423.437.732.862.1Tax82.5Cost72.9Safety37.4Health40.7Schools47.4Income23.4Risk37.7Water32.8Weather62.153.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Boone County DNA

Foverall

How Boone County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Boone County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (82.5/100) but notably weak in Income (23.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.5+30.5
Cost
72.9+24.900000000000006
Safety
37.4-17.6
Health
40.7-9.299999999999997
Schools
47.4
Income
23.4-27.6
Risk
37.7-9.299999999999997
Water
32.8-25.200000000000003
Weather
62.1
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Whether buying or refinancing in Boone County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$715/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,195/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

39.6

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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Nearby counties

Taney County
Missouri
42.2
Marion County
Arkansas
48.3
Carroll County
Arkansas
45.1
Newton County
Arkansas
65.3
Stone County
Missouri
52.2
Searcy County
Arkansas
64.2
Ozark County
Missouri
60.2
Madison County
Arkansas
57.2

Deep Dives

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boone County

via TaxByCounty

Boone County's balanced tax approach

With an effective rate of 0.534%, Boone County sits just 8% above the national median of 0.495%, offering moderate taxation nationwide. The median tax bill of $904 reflects higher property values ($169,300) than many Arkansas counties, yet still trails the national median of $2,690.

Solidly middle-ground in Arkansas

Boone County ranks 37th among Arkansas's 75 counties by effective rate at 0.534%, nearly identical to the state average of 0.532%. Its median tax payment of $904 runs about 28% above the state median of $705, driven by slightly higher home valuations.

A moderate choice regionally

Boone County's 0.534% rate falls between Baxter County's efficiency (0.463%) and Carroll County's 0.526%, positioning it as a middle option in north-central Arkansas. Its property values ($169,300) are the second-highest in this regional cluster after Benton County.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On a median home valued at $169,300, a Boone County homeowner pays roughly $904 per year. Those with mortgages typically pay $936 through annual escrow.

Appeal opportunities at every level

At Boone County's $904 median bill, a successful appeal reducing your assessment by just 5% saves $45 annually. With Boone's moderate tax rate, contesting your assessment is a straightforward way to protect property wealth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boone County

via CostByCounty

Boone County: Sweet Spot Affordability

Boone County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national affordability threshold, delivering genuine housing relief despite median income of $54,195. At just $715 monthly rent, this county offers renters and buyers straightforward, stress-free housing economics.

Better Than State Average on All Metrics

Boone County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio and $715 median rent both beat Arkansas's state averages of 18.1% and $760 respectively. This consistent outperformance places Boone among Arkansas's most livable counties for budget-conscious households.

Middle Ground: Rents and Values Balanced

Boone County's $715 rent undercuts most neighbors—sitting $84 below Arkansas County ($799) and $103 below Baxter County ($866)—while home values of $169,300 remain accessible to working families. This positioning makes Boone competitive for both renters and first-time buyers.

Balanced Housing Across Tenure

Renters pay $715 while owners face $747 monthly—a remarkably tight spread indicating a stable, non-speculative market. With median income of $54,195, housing claims just 16% of annual earnings, preserving purchasing power for all other household needs.

Boone County: Affordable Living Without Sacrifice

Boone County delivers genuine affordability alongside manageable home values, making it ideal for families or remote workers seeking low housing burdens. This county represents excellent value compared to both state and national benchmarks.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boone County

via IncomeByCounty

Boone County income lags U.S. median

With a median household income of $54,195, Boone County falls $20,560 below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects an economy with limited access to high-wage sectors compared to national benchmarks.

Slightly above Arkansas average earnings

Boone County's $54,195 median household income exceeds Arkansas's $51,156 state average by roughly $3,000, placing it in the state's middle tier. This modest advantage suggests a somewhat stronger local job market than many Arkansas counties.

Mixed results against regional peers

Boone County ($54,195) earns more than Baxter County ($48,427) but trails Carroll County ($55,187) and Arkansas County ($60,831) slightly. The tight clustering suggests northern Arkansas counties operate within similar economic ranges.

Housing costs remain well-balanced

At 15.8% of household income, Boone County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably within affordability guidelines, leaving room for savings. A median home value of $169,300 paired with moderate income creates reasonable homeownership opportunities.

Stable income supports consistent saving

Boone County residents with stable incomes slightly above state average can establish automatic transfers of $100-200 monthly into dedicated savings or investment accounts. Over 10 years, even modest contributions grow substantially through compound interest.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boone County

via CrimeByCounty

Boone County Ranks Among the Safest

Boone County stands out as an exceptionally safe area with a safety score of 97.7. Its total crime rate of 1,441.7 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Boone County Leads State Safety Averages

The county ranks well above the Arkansas average safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate is nearly 900 points lower than the state average of 2,326.8 per 100K.

A Safer Neighbor in Northwest Arkansas

Boone County is safer than its neighbors in Benton County, where crime rates are nearly double. It maintains a profile more similar to the quiet surroundings of Carroll County.

Analyzing Low Violent and Property Rates

Violent crime is rare at 294.7 per 100K, falling below the national average. Property crime also stays low at 1,147.0, roughly half the national property crime rate.

Simple Steps to Keep Boone Safe

Residents in this safe county should focus on basic security like motion-sensor lighting. Maintaining these habits ensures Boone remains one of the safest spots in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Boone County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Roots and Academic Excellence

Boone County supports 18 public schools across 7 different districts, educating 5,997 students in total. The system is well-distributed with 8 elementary, 3 middle, and 7 high schools, ensuring local access for rural communities.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Boone County boasts an impressive 94.2% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 90.3% and the national average of 87%. This high performance is reflected in a school score of 53.3, despite per-pupil spending of $5,890 remaining below national norms.

Harrison District Centers the Community

The Harrison School District is the county's largest, with 5 schools and 2,774 students. Traditional public schooling is the standard here, as there are zero charter schools within the county’s seven districts.

Quiet Rural Schools and Town Hubs

With 12 schools in rural settings and 6 in town, the average school size is a manageable 353 students. Harrison High School is the largest campus with 868 students, while smaller elementary schools like Forest Heights offer specialized focus.

High Performance in a Peaceful Setting

Families seeking some of the highest graduation rates in Arkansas should look toward Harrison and Bergman. The mix of high-performing town schools and small rural districts makes Boone County a premier destination for educational quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boone County

via RiskByCounty

Boone County moderately exposed to risks

Boone County's composite score of 62.34 sits above national averages, reflecting moderate exposure to natural disasters. The county's rating of "relatively low" indicates manageable but non-negligible hazard vulnerability.

Slightly above Arkansas average

Boone County's 62.34 exceeds the state average of 55.51, positioning it in the higher-risk tier within Arkansas. Tornado and wildfire exposure drive this elevation above the statewide baseline.

Riskier than Baxter but less than Benton

Boone County's 62.34 sits between Baxter County's 72.30 and Carroll County's 64.57, placing it in the moderate range for the region. Its Ozark location exposes it to similar tornado and wildfire risks as neighboring counties.

Tornado and wildfire dominate hazards

Tornado risk of 78.59 represents Boone County's most significant threat, with severe spring and fall storm systems regularly crossing the county. Wildfire risk of 65.59 ranks second, with forest coverage and seasonal drought conditions creating ignition potential.

Plan for storms and fires now

Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter location, as the 78.59 tornado risk is substantial and recurring. Clear vegetation near structures, ensure adequate homeowners coverage for wind and fire damage, and maintain emergency supplies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Boone County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade F in Boone County

Boone County has 14 health violations, resulting in an F grade for drinking water compliance. The county's violation rate of 54.6 per 100,000 is approximately one-third of the state average.

Healthy Watersheds Face Local E. coli Risks

Only 7.3% of the 314 assessed water bodies are impaired, far below the state average of 17.8%. The 2022 assessment highlights dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and E. coli as the top three local concerns.

Active Nutrient and Metal Monitoring

Nine sites have recorded 9,649 measurements in the federal Water Quality Portal over the last five years. Most data collection targets inorganics, nutrients, and physical properties.

No USGS Streamflow Monitoring in Boone County

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Boone County. Residents should look to the drinking water compliance signals and watershed assessments for water quality insights.

Maintain Vigilance Over Bacterial Contaminants

Because E. coli is a primary impairment cause, residents should be cautious during recreational water use. Ensure home drinking water is properly treated to address the recorded health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boone County

via WeatherByCounty

A Brisk Arkansas Exception

Boone County’s average temperature of 57.7°F is cool relative to the state but moderate for the U.S. overall. It represents the high-elevation climate typical of the northern Ozarks.

One of the State's Coolest

Boone County is significantly cooler than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It ranks among the coldest counties in the state due to its northern latitude.

Cooler Than Neighboring Baxter

Boone County averages 57.7°F, making it cooler than Baxter County’s 58.5°F. It is also slightly drier, receiving 46.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Mild Summers and Snowy Peaks

Boone experiences only 42 days of extreme heat above 90°F, one of the lowest counts in the state. Winter brings 8.8 inches of snow and a January average of 36.1°F.

Dress for Frequent Freezes

With winter averages dipping to 38.2°F, residents need reliable heating and heavy winter clothing. Outdoor activities are best planned for the mild summer months when averages stay around 76.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boone County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Highlands of Boone

Boone County soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.29, which is lower than both the state average and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical of the weathered upland soils found across the Ozark Plateau. Adding agricultural lime is standard practice here to unlock nutrients for most garden crops.

Silt and Sand Dominance

The soil composition is a mix of 35.8% silt and 31.7% sand, creating a relatively coarse texture. With only 12.0% clay, the soil lacks the heavy, sticky feel of the delta regions but may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients like nitrogen. This texture allows for excellent aeration, which is vital for healthy plant roots.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

Boone County features an organic matter content of 16.00%, nearly four times the Arkansas average of 4.15%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.107 in/in, indicating that the soil does not store moisture effectively for long periods. You will need to supplement with irrigation during the dry summer months to keep plants thriving.

Unique Subaqueous Drainage Patterns

Interestingly, the dominant drainage class is listed as subaqueous, which usually refers to soils that are permanently underwater or in very wet depressions. This suggests that much of the county's measured soil data may come from low-lying areas or near water bodies. Proper site selection is critical here to avoid waterlogged roots.

Mountain Growing in Zone 7b

The county's Hardiness Zone 7b supports a wide range of temperate fruits and vegetables, from peaches to kale. With a soil score of 40.9, the land is more productive than the average Arkansas county. Your high organic matter is a huge asset; just be sure to manage the drainage and acidity for the best harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boone County

via LawnByCounty

Competitive Conditions in Boone County

Boone County's lawn difficulty score of 43.7 is better than the state average but slightly behind the national median. This Zone 7b region offers a balanced climate that supports a variety of grass species with moderate effort.

Moderate Heat and Healthy Rainfall

The annual precipitation of 46.5 inches is nearly ideal for maintaining a green lawn through the growing season. With just 42 days of extreme heat, Boone County is significantly cooler than the Arkansas average of 64 days.

Overcoming Acidic Subaqueous Soils

The soil pH of 5.29 is quite low, meaning regular lime applications are necessary to keep grass healthy. The 31.7% sand content helps with drainage, but the lack of organic matter may require consistent fertilizing.

Surviving 32 Weeks of Drought

Boone County has faced 32 weeks of drought this past year, and 99.1% of the county is in severe drought today. Smart irrigation systems and rain barrels can help you bridge the gap during these long dry periods.

A Spring Start for Ozark Turf

Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue blends are great choices for this zone, provided they have enough shade and water. Aim to begin your planting after the final spring frost, typically occurring around April 3rd.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boone County's county score?
Boone County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 53.2 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 Boone County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Boone County ranks #19 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 Boone County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Boone County is $904, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Boone County a tax score of 82.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boone County?
The median household income in Boone County, Arkansas is $54,195 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boone County earns an income score of 23.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boone County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Boone County scores 53.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Boone 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 Boone 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.