countyscore
55.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.8Property Tax 86.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Arkansas

Above National Average, Strong Composite Performance

Calhoun County scores 55.4, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by more than 5 points and ranking in the top 50% of U.S. counties. This solid standing reflects a well-rounded livability profile with few severe weak spots.

Top Performer in This Arkansas Sample

At 55.4, Calhoun County leads all eight counties in this cohort and outpaces the Arkansas state average of 47.9 by more than 7 points. It represents the best livability outcome among these peers.

Balanced Strength Across Affordability, Taxes, and Schools

Calhoun County excels with a tax score of 86.1 (effective rate 0.498%), cost score of 75.8 (median home $97,300), outstanding risk mitigation (97.8—highest in the sample), and strong schools (56.5). A moderate income score of 50.0 adds equilibrium.

Health Outcomes and Safety Present Growth Opportunities

The health score of 22.4 and safety score of 24.9 are the county's relative weaknesses, suggesting investment in public health and crime prevention could unlock even higher composite scores. These are manageable gaps, not structural crises.

Perfect for Families Seeking Balanced Small-Town Living

Calhoun County is the strongest overall choice for families and retirees seeking a complete package: low taxes, affordable housing, decent schools, and excellent environmental safety. It offers the best risk-adjusted livability in this Arkansas sample.

Score breakdown

Tax86.1Cost75.8Safety24.9Health22.4Schools56.5Income50Risk97.8Water86Weather49.1
🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.8
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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Explore this county

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Compare Calhoun County with Boone County →Share on X

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Cherry County
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Columbia County
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Brewster County
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Donley County
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Nearby counties

Ouachita County
Arkansas
47
Bradley County
Arkansas
53.9
Union County
Arkansas
40
Dallas County
Arkansas
57.6
Cleveland County
Arkansas
53.3
Columbia County
Arkansas
49
Ashley County
Arkansas
46.7
Nevada County
Arkansas
52.1

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County’s Strong National Safety Standing

Calhoun County reports a safety score of 97.1 and a total crime rate of 1,864.7 per 100K. This rate is substantially better than the national average of 2,385.5.

How Calhoun County Ranks in Arkansas

The county’s safety score beats the Arkansas average of 96.3. Two reporting agencies manage a crime rate that is nearly 500 points lower than the state average.

Calhoun County vs Nearby Ashley and Bradley

Calhoun County sits in a safe cluster, reporting lower crime than Ashley but slightly more than Bradley. It remains a very safe choice for residents in southern Arkansas.

Breaking Down the Local Crime Data

Property crimes occur at a rate of 1,508.5 per 100K, well below the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crimes are also lower than the national average, standing at 356.2 per 100K.

Preventing Opportunity Crimes Locally

Keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles is a smart way to prevent opportunistic property crime. Small adjustments to daily routines help keep these low crime rates stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Education in a Rural Setting

Calhoun County operates just 3 public schools across 2 districts, serving a total enrollment of 543 students. The footprint is exclusively rural, consisting of 1 elementary school and 2 high schools.

Top-Tier Performance and Higher Spending

Calhoun County achieves a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and far above the 87% national average. The county invests $6,501 per pupil—higher than the state average—resulting in an impressive school score of 55.1.

Hampton District at the Heart

The Hampton School District provides the bulk of the county's education, serving all 543 active students across its 2 campuses. The SAU-Tech Career Center provides additional regional vocational support, though it currently has no primary enrollment of its own.

Personalized Learning on Rural Campuses

With an average school size of only 272 students, every child gets significant individual attention. Hampton Elementary is the largest school with 285 students, while the local high schools are even smaller, fostering a close-knit community feel.

Quiet Living with Premier Graduation Rates

Families who prioritize high graduation rates and small class sizes find Calhoun County exceptionally attractive. Real estate near Hampton offers the chance to benefit from a district that significantly outpaces state averages in student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Soils of Calhoun

Comprehensive soil testing data for pH and taxonomic order is currently unavailable for Calhoun County. While the national median pH is 6.5, many surrounding South Arkansas counties trend much more acidic. Local residents should conduct individual soil tests to determine their specific baseline before planting.

Awaiting Local Texture Analysis

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently documented in our dataset for this region. Without these numbers, it is difficult to generalize about the drainage or workability of the soil. Knowing the texture is the first step toward understanding how your garden will handle water and nutrients.

Fertility Potential Remains Untested

Data regarding organic matter and water capacity is currently missing for Calhoun County. In the absence of benchmarks, looking at neighboring counties suggests a likely organic matter level below the state average of 4.15%. Local testing can reveal if your specific plot has the water capacity to withstand Arkansas summers.

Hydraulic Characteristics Unknown

The drainage class and hydrologic group for this county are not yet recorded. In this part of the state, soils often range from sandy and well-drained to clay-heavy and prone to ponding. Observing how water moves on your land after a storm is the most reliable way to assess drainage.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 8a

Despite the limited soil data, the climate in Hardiness Zone 8a is excellent for long-season crops like peppers and melons. Calhoun County offers the warmth needed for a productive garden from early spring through late fall. Don't let the lack of data stop you; start small, test your soil, and watch your garden grow.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Heat-Driven Lawn Care Challenges

Calhoun County scores 34.8 for lawn difficulty, placing it near the state average but below the national norm. In hardiness zone 8a, heat management is the primary factor for maintaining a healthy green space.

Navigating 82 Extreme Heat Days

Lawns here must survive 82 days above 90°F, significantly higher than the Arkansas average of 64 days. While 53.1 inches of rain falls annually, the intense heat can evaporate moisture quickly, stressing the turf.

Preparing Your Local Soil Base

While detailed soil data for this county is currently limited, regional neighbors often deal with acidic conditions and varying drainage. Conduct a local soil test to determine your specific pH and nutrient needs before planting.

Drought Persistence in Calhoun

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, with 22 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. Efficient watering before sunrise is essential to ensure your lawn absorbs moisture before the heat hits.

Kickstarting Your Southern Lawn

Heat-loving varieties like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass are the most resilient choices for this climate. Although specific local frost dates are unavailable, aim to plant once spring temperatures remain consistently warm.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Calhoun County ranks #15 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 Calhoun County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $485, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 86.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Arkansas is $63,654 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 50/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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.