CountyScore

Calhoun County

Arkansas · AR

#3 in Arkansas
75.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Arkansas

Top performer nationally and statewide

Calhoun County scores 75.6, the highest among all eight counties and 25.6 points above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional national ranking places it solidly in the top quartile and well above Arkansas's state average of 70.3.

Best overall livability in the group

Calhoun County ranks first among the eight featured Arkansas counties with a clear margin. Its 75.6 score demonstrates superior livability across multiple dimensions.

Low taxes, affordable housing, solid income

Calhoun County leads with excellent tax efficiency (88.2 score, 0.498% rate), strong housing affordability (86.0 score, $97,300 median home value), and respectable income at $63,654. These three pillars create a rare combination of financial stability and opportunity.

Significant environmental risks present

The county's standout weakness is an exceptionally high risk score of 97.8—the highest in the dataset—suggesting major environmental, hazard, or safety concerns. Health outcomes (58.6) are also modest, indicating room for community wellness improvements.

Best for risk-tolerant savers

Calhoun County suits families who prioritize tax savings, housing affordability, and decent incomes and can tolerate or manage environmental risks. It's the top choice for financially savvy households willing to accept known challenges in exchange for strong overall value.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.2Cost86SafetyComing SoonHealth58.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.9Risk97.8WaterComing Soon
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡97.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Calhoun County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Baca County
Colorado
75.6
Median income: $40,380
Conejos County
Colorado
75.6
Median income: $47,209
East Feliciana Parish
Louisiana
75.6
Median income: $72,899
Winn Parish
Louisiana
75.6
Median income: $46,368
Mineral County
Montana
75.6
Median income: $61,117

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun County keeps rates low

At 0.498%, Calhoun County's effective tax rate sits just 0.6% above the national median of 0.495%, making it virtually in line with national norms. The median tax bill of $485 runs just 18% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting properties valued 65% below the U.S. average.

Below average in Arkansas

Calhoun County's 0.498% effective rate falls below the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, ranking it among the more affordable counties statewide. The median tax bill of $485 is the second-lowest of these eight counties, behind only Ashley County's $542.

The low-tax southern option

Calhoun County's 0.498% rate ranks fourth among these eight counties, besting Boone County (0.534%), Bradley County (0.561%), and Arkansas County (0.558%). Only Baxter County (0.463%) offers lower rates in the broader regional comparison.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On a median home valued at $97,300, a Calhoun County homeowner pays roughly $485 per year. Mortgage holders typically see approximately $382 in annual escrow payments (note: lower than annual bill due to data reporting variance).

Verify your property's true value

Calhoun County's already-modest tax burden makes each dollar count, making assessment appeals worthwhile for careful homeowners. Request a reassessment to ensure your home isn't valued above current market rates in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun County: Excellent Rent-to-Income Ratio

Calhoun County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in this group and well below both the state average of 18.1% and the national affordability threshold. With median income of $63,654, residents enjoy real financial breathing room despite $822 monthly rent.

Strong Affordability Across Arkansas

Calhoun County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average, positioning it among Arkansas's most livable counties for renters and buyers alike. This consistent outperformance reflects a healthy balance between local wages and housing costs.

Mid-Range Pricing, Above-Average Income

Calhoun County's $822 rent sits between Boone County ($715) and Arkansas County ($799), while median income of $63,654 ranks among the higher earners in this comparison. Home values of $97,300 offer exceptional value given the income level.

Income Protects Against Housing Strain

Renters devote $822 monthly while owners pay just $499—an unusually favorable gap for homeowners reflecting strong equity or older mortgages. With annual income of $63,654, housing consumes roughly 15.5% of earnings, preserving substantial resources for other priorities.

Calhoun County: Strong Value Proposition

Calhoun County balances solid income levels with genuinely affordable housing, making it an excellent choice for workers seeking stability and financial security. This county deserves serious consideration alongside Boone and Arkansas Counties as a top relocation destination.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun County moderately below national average

At $63,654, Calhoun County's median household income falls $11,101 short of the national median of $74,755, yet ranks above many U.S. counties. This positions Calhoun in the lower-middle range nationally, with earnings power constrained but not critically.

Top earner in Arkansas

Calhoun County's $63,654 median household income ranks among Arkansas's highest and exceeds the state average of $51,156 by $12,498. This $12,500 advantage places Calhoun firmly in the state's upper-income tier.

Strong earner outpacing most regional peers

Calhoun County's $63,654 exceeds Ashley County ($44,481), Bradley County ($39,565), and Baxter County ($48,427) by significant margins. Only Arkansas County ($60,831) comes close, making Calhoun a relative economic powerhouse in south-central Arkansas.

Excellent housing affordability for the county

At just 15.5% of household income, Calhoun County's rent-to-income ratio is among the state's most favorable, indicating strong housing cost balance. With a median home value of $97,300, homeownership remains highly accessible.

Build wealth with income advantages

Calhoun County residents earning above state average can direct $200-300 monthly into employer retirement plans or individual investment accounts. With affordable housing and solid incomes, wealth accumulation becomes realistic through disciplined, long-term investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Calhoun County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below nation

Calhoun County residents live an average of 69.9 years, over 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health, approaching the rates seen in the most challenged Arkansas counties. These gaps reflect serious, systemic health challenges in the community.

Below average across multiple measures

Calhoun County's 69.9-year life expectancy falls 2.4 years below Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years. The county's 10.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 9.9%, and data on mental health providers is unavailable, suggesting limited behavioral health infrastructure or documentation. These gaps compound access challenges.

Facing the steepest health challenges

Calhoun County's 69.9-year life expectancy ranks second-lowest among peers, exceeding only Arkansas County (68.7), and its 24.2% poor/fair health rate signals serious population health challenges. With only 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest of any comparison county—and no mental health provider data available, Calhoun faces critical healthcare access gaps.

Severe provider shortage compounds crisis

Calhoun County's 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is less than half the density of neighboring counties, forcing residents to travel for routine care. Mental health provider data is unavailable, but this gap in reporting may itself signal limited behavioral health services and institutional capacity.

Take action to protect your family

Calhoun County residents deserve accessible healthcare. Contact your county health department or call 2-1-1 Arkansas to explore Medicaid, community health centers, and coverage options that can connect you and your family to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun County's remarkably low risk

Calhoun County's composite risk score of 2.26 is among the lowest in the entire nation, reflecting exceptional safety from natural disasters. This "very low" rating indicates minimal exposure across virtually all hazard categories.

Arkansas's safest county by far

Calhoun County's 2.26 is less than one-twentieth of the state average of 55.51, making it dramatically safer than any other Arkansas county. The county's central location and low-risk profile create an exceptionally protected environment.

Dramatically safer than all neighbors

Calhoun County's 2.26 is far below Bradley County's 30.76 and every surrounding county in Arkansas. Its extreme safety makes it an outlier even within the state's lower-risk communities.

No single dominant hazard exists

Calhoun County's highest risk is earthquake at 53.15, which remains moderate even by national standards. Tornado (22.81), flood (6.87), and wildfire (7.57) risks are minimal, creating a uniquely protected county.

Standard insurance coverage sufficient

Calhoun County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance without specialized disaster coverage; the county's risk profile is exceptionally low. Standard maintenance and common-sense preparedness are sufficient for this safe community.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.