countyscore
53.9
County Score
Cost of Living 93Water Quality 86Property Tax 79.2

County Report Card

About Bradley County, Arkansas

Slightly Above National Average Livability

Bradley County scores 53.9, edging just above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the top 55% of U.S. counties. This respectable standing masks internal unevenness: extreme strengths in some areas offset by significant gaps in others.

Top Tier Within Arkansas, Strong Regional Performer

At 53.9, Bradley County significantly exceeds the Arkansas state average of 47.9, making it a standout county by state standards and one of the two strongest performers in this eight-county sample.

Exceptional Housing Affordability and Water Quality

Bradley County boasts a cost score of 93.0 with a median home value of just $97,000 and gross rent of $638—among the state's lowest—plus a near-perfect water score of 86.0. Safety (39.8) and environmental risk management (69.3) add further appeal.

Severe Income and Health Deficits Undermine Overall Appeal

The income score of 2.6 and median household income of $39,565 represent severe economic challenges, while a health score of 16.8 signals public health crises. These gaps prevent the county from reaching higher composite scores despite exceptional housing affordability.

Ideal for Low-Income Retirees Seeking Maximum Affordability

Bradley County is perfect for retirees and fixed-income households prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and clean water above all else. It's not a place to earn a living or access advanced healthcare, but for those who can live on $40,000 annually, it's unbeatable on affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax79.2Cost93Safety39.8Health16.8Schools38.8Income2.6Risk69.3Water86Weather54.6
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.9
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Bradley County?

Many homeowners in Bradley County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Bradley County with Jackson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
Florida
Median income: $47,327
53.9
Fulton County
Illinois
Median income: $58,617
53.9
Rooks County
Kansas
Median income: $61,596
53.9
Waldo County
Maine
Median income: $68,441
53.9
Jasper County
Mississippi
Median income: $47,157
53.9
Colfax County
Nebraska
Median income: $79,720
53.9
Storey County
Nevada
Median income: $96,000
53.9
Watauga County
North Carolina
Median income: $51,367
53.9

Nearby counties

Ashley County
Arkansas
46.7
Calhoun County
Arkansas
55.4
Union County
Arkansas
40
Drew County
Arkansas
47.2
Ouachita County
Arkansas
47
Cleveland County
Arkansas
53.3
Union Parish
Louisiana
66.8
Morehouse Parish
Louisiana
42.2

Deep Dives

Bradley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bradley County

via TaxByCounty

Bradley County taxes are high

At 0.561%, Bradley County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.495% by 13%, placing it among higher-tax counties nationwide. Yet the median bill of just $544 remains low—less than 20% of the national median—because property values here average just $97,000.

Above average in Arkansas

Bradley County's 0.561% effective rate ranks above the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, making it one of the pricier counties for property taxes relative to value. The median tax bill of $544 falls just 23% below the state median of $705.

A regional high-rate outlier

Bradley County's 0.561% rate exceeds Boone County (0.534%), Baxter County (0.463%), and Calhoun County (0.498%), though it trails Ashley County (0.610%) and Benton County (0.607%). Among lower-income counties, Bradley stands out for aggressive taxation.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On a median home valued at $97,000, a Bradley County homeowner pays approximately $544 per year. With a mortgage, you'll see about $588 in annual escrow payments.

Challenge your assessment

Bradley County's above-average tax rate makes reassessment appeals particularly valuable for stretched family budgets. Contact your county assessor to request a review—even modest reductions make a real difference in counties with lower median incomes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bradley County

via CostByCounty

Bradley County: Tight Budgets on Tight Incomes

Bradley County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18.1% and approaches the national affordability ceiling, creating real strain on households earning just $39,565 annually. Monthly rent of $638 consumes a notably larger share of income here than in most nearby counties.

Below-Average Affordability in Arkansas

Bradley County ranks among the state's least affordable counties, with a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio and the lowest median household income ($39,565) in this eight-county comparison. Combined, these factors create genuine economic pressure for residents.

Lowest Income, High Housing Burden Ratio

Bradley County's $638 rent matches Ashley County's price point, yet Bradley's income of $39,565 is $4,916 lower, pushing the affordability ratio to 19.4%—the worst in this group. Home values of $97,000 remain accessible, but income constraints limit purchasing power.

Limited Flexibility in Household Budgets

Renters allocate $638 monthly while owners pay just $522, yet with annual income of only $39,565, housing still claims roughly 19% of earnings. This leaves minimal cushion for unexpected expenses, health care, or savings.

Bradley County: Proceed With Caution

Bradley County offers rock-bottom rents and home values, but the mismatch between low income and high affordability ratios demands careful financial planning. Consider this county only if employment prospects significantly outweigh current income levels.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bradley County

via IncomeByCounty

Bradley County faces steep national income gap

Median household income of $39,565 trails the national median of $74,755 by $35,190, placing Bradley County among the nation's lowest earners. This substantial shortfall indicates an economy with significant structural economic challenges.

Arkansas's second-lowest earner

Bradley County's $39,565 median household income ranks near the bottom of Arkansas counties, falling $11,591 below the state average of $51,156. Only a handful of Arkansas counties earn less, signaling economic distress.

Lowest earner in the surrounding region

Bradley County's $39,565 is the lowest income among southeast Arkansas counties, trailing Ashley County ($44,481) by over $4,900. This positions Bradley as economically disadvantaged relative to all neighboring counties.

Housing costs consume excessive income share

At 19.4% of household income, Bradley County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 30% danger threshold, squeezing household budgets significantly. With a median home value of $97,000, homeownership remains the most achievable path to housing stability.

Small steps build financial foundations

Bradley County residents can start wealth-building with micro-savings strategies: round purchases up to nearest dollar, redirect small refunds to savings, or join low-cost credit union savings clubs. Every $25-50 monthly builds emergency reserves critical for financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bradley County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety in Bradley County

With a safety score of 97.8, Bradley County is one of the safest regions in the country. The total crime rate of 1,367.0 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average.

How Bradley County Compares to Arkansas

Bradley County exceeds the Arkansas average safety score of 96.3. Its overall crime rate is almost 1,000 points lower than the state average of 2,326.8 per 100K.

A Safety Leader Among Southern Neighbors

Bradley County shows much lower crime rates than neighboring Ashley County, which sits at 2,124.3 per 100K. It is a top-performing county for safety in the southern Arkansas region.

Low Rates of Violent and Property Crime

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 181.6 per 100K, less than half the national average. Property crime is also minimal, recorded at just 1,185.4 per 100K.

Best Security Practices for Bradley County

Even in high-safety areas, securing windows and doors remains a best practice. Community-based watch programs help maintain these impressively low crime numbers year-round.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bradley County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy falls short nationally

Bradley County residents live an average of 71.5 years, over 4.5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly 28% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among comparison counties—indicating widespread chronic disease and health challenges. These disparities signal the need for targeted health interventions.

Among the state's most challenged

Bradley County's 71.5-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years below Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, and its 12.2% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 9.9%. With one in eight residents lacking health insurance, many delay care or rely on emergency services, creating cycles of poor health outcomes.

Struggling relative to all peers

Bradley County's 71.5-year life expectancy and 28.3% poor/fair health rate exceed every comparison county except Arkansas County, reflecting cumulative health challenges. With 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and only 89 mental health providers per 100,000, the county faces both coverage and access barriers.

Coverage gap limits healthcare access

Bradley County's 12.2% uninsured rate—the highest among peers—means one in eight residents skips or delays doctor visits due to cost. With only 58 primary care providers and 89 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, uninsured and underinsured residents face dual barriers: they lack coverage and have limited providers to access.

Expand coverage to improve health

Bradley County's 12.2% uninsured rate is the highest among peers and preventable. Contact 2-1-1 Arkansas or visit healthcare.gov to find Medicaid, Marketplace plans, or community health programs—most qualifying families can afford coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bradley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Community-Focused Schools

Bradley County manages 7 public schools across 2 districts, serving a total of 1,866 students. The infrastructure includes 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 3 high schools, creating a tight-knit educational network.

Strong Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

The county's 91.6% graduation rate exceeds both the Arkansas state average of 90.3% and the national rate of 87%. Bradley County maintains a school score of 52.3, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $6,063 which is nearly identical to the state average.

Warren District Leads Local Education

The Warren School District is the primary educator with 1,424 students, including Warren Middle School, which operates as a charter school. This charter represents 14.3% of the county's total schools, while the Hermitage School District serves the remaining 442 students.

A Small-Town Learning Experience

Five of the county's 7 schools are in town locales, contributing to an average school size of 311 students. Warren High School is the largest campus with 468 students, ensuring that even the biggest schools feel personal and accessible.

Community Values and Educational Success

For those relocating to Southeast Arkansas, Bradley County offers a high graduation rate and small school sizes. Homes within the Warren School District are popular for families wanting a town lifestyle with reliable school performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bradley County

via RiskByCounty

Bradley County's low national risk

Bradley County's composite risk score of 30.76 ranks among the lowest in the nation, with a "very low" disaster vulnerability rating. The county's geographical position and hazard exposure create one of the safest profiles in the United States.

One of Arkansas's safest counties

Bradley County's 30.76 is less than half the state average of 55.51, making it one of Arkansas's lowest-risk counties. This favorable standing reflects relative protection from most major hazard types.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Bradley County's 30.76 is dramatically lower than Ashley County's 53.91 and Calhoun County's 2.26 (the state's safest), though it ranks well in the regional context. The county's southern position distances it from the highest-risk areas of north Arkansas.

Earthquake risk remains a secondary concern

While Bradley County's overall risk is very low, earthquake risk of 81.17 represents its highest hazard score. All other risks—flood (24.49), wildfire (27.45), and tornado (53.31)—remain relatively modest.

Basic coverage adequate for Bradley

Standard homeowners insurance should suffice for most Bradley County residents, though earthquake coverage is worth considering given the 81.17 score. Regular home maintenance and modest storm preparedness remain sensible precautions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bradley County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Subtropical Climate

Bradley County's 62.4°F average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. This indicates a climate dominated by long summers and very short, mild winters.

Above the Arkansas Median

The county's average temperature of 62.4°F sits above the state average of 61.0°F. It reflects the warmer trends found in the southern Arkansas timberlands.

Cooler Than Neighboring Ashley

Bradley County is notably cooler than neighboring Ashley County, which averages 64.1°F. However, Bradley is wetter, receiving 57.9 inches of rain annually.

Wet Years and Hot Summers

Summer averages reach 79.8°F with 62 days per year topping 90°F. Snow is rare at 1.1 inches, while rain is heavy at nearly 58 inches per year.

Focus on Rain and Heat

The high annual precipitation of 57.9 inches makes flood preparedness and gutter maintenance vital for residents. High-efficiency cooling is necessary to handle the two months' worth of 90°F days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bradley County

via SoilByCounty

Bradley County's Silty Clay Loams

The dominant soil identity in Bradley County is silty clay loam, a heavy-bodied soil classified as Alfisols. At a pH of 5.27, these soils are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and sit below the state average of 5.56. This acidity must be managed carefully for optimal plant health.

High Sand and Clay Mix

This county has a unique profile of 55.4% sand and 13.9% clay, which is a surprisingly sandy mix for a silty clay loam classification. This suggests a varied soil landscape that can be difficult to work when it is too dry or too wet. The high sand content helps with initial water entry, but the clay can lead to surface crusting.

Standard Water Storage, Low Carbon

The available water capacity of 0.146 in/in is almost exactly in line with the Arkansas state average of 0.148. However, organic matter is quite low at 1.57%, which can limit the natural fertility and soil structure. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve the soil's ability to support life.

Slow Drainage and High Runoff

Classified as somewhat poorly drained and belonging to hydrologic group D, these soils have very slow infiltration rates. This means that during heavy rain, water is more likely to run off the surface than soak in, which can cause erosion issues. Building foundations in this county require careful planning to manage moisture and potential soil shifting.

Patience Pays in Zone 8a

Bradley County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, a region famous for its 'Bradley Pink' tomatoes which thrive in this climate. The overall soil score of 24.4 is lower than the state average, meaning you may need to put in extra work with amendments. With the right care, this warm-zone soil can produce legendary harvests.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bradley County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Grounds in Bradley County

With a lawn difficulty score of 25.9, maintaining a yard here is much tougher than the state average of 37.3. The 8a hardiness zone means warm winters but requires specific strategies to handle high heat and humidity.

Abundant Rain and Significant Heat

Bradley County receives 57.9 inches of rain per year, which is well above the ideal range and can lead to drainage issues. The 62 extreme heat days match the state average, requiring heat-tolerant turf varieties.

Managing Sandy Clay Loam Soil

The soil features a high sand content of 55.4%, but is somewhat poorly drained, which can lead to soggy roots. With a pH of 5.27, you will need to amend the soil to avoid nutrient deficiencies and moss growth.

Resisting Severe Drought Conditions

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought, following 29 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Focus on water-saving techniques like raising mower blades to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Selecting Hardy Warm-Season Grasses

Bermuda grass is well-suited for the 5,406 growing degree days found in Bradley County. Ensure your seeds or sod are in place shortly after the last frost on March 20 for a successful season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bradley County's county score?
Bradley County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 53.9 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 Bradley County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Bradley County ranks #16 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 Bradley County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Bradley County is $544, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Bradley County a tax score of 79.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bradley County?
The median household income in Bradley County, Arkansas is $39,565 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bradley County earns an income score of 2.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bradley County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Bradley County scores 53.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Bradley 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 Bradley 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.