countyscore
45.1
County Score
Property Tax 83.4Weather & Climate 70Cost of Living 66.2

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Arkansas

Moderately Below National Livability Median

Carroll County scores 45.1, trailing the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. While not critically low, the score signals meaningful gaps across several livability dimensions.

Slightly Below Arkansas Average, Middle Performer

At 45.1, Carroll County underperforms the state average of 47.9 by nearly 3 points, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of Arkansas counties. It avoids being among the worst but doesn't lead either.

Low Taxes and Moderate Housing Costs Are Primary Assets

Carroll County shines with a tax score of 83.4 (effective rate 0.526%) and a cost score of 66.2, supporting a median home value of $186,300 and gross rent of $818. These tax and housing fundamentals make it appealing to budget-conscious households.

Income, Education, and Water Quality Need Attention

The income score of 25.4 and median household income of $55,187 lag state norms, while school (24.6) and water quality (12.9) scores rank among the county's poorest. Health (31.4) and safety (28.7) also present growth areas.

Suits Tax-Conscious Households in a Rural Mountain Setting

Carroll County appeals to retirees and rural lifestyle seekers who value low taxes and scenic living over job prospects or top-tier schools. It's a quiet, affordable retreat, not an economic opportunity center.

Score breakdown

Tax83.4Cost66.2Safety28.7Health31.4Schools24.6Income25.4Risk35.4Water12.9Weather70
🏛83.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.1
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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Nearby counties

Madison County
Arkansas
57.2
Barry County
Missouri
45.9
Boone County
Arkansas
53.2
Stone County
Missouri
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Newton County
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Taney County
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Benton County
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Washington County
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37.2

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County stays competitive

At 0.526%, Carroll County's effective tax rate sits 6% above the national median of 0.495%, reflecting moderate national positioning. With a median tax bill of $980 on properties valued at $186,300, residents pay just 36% of the national median bill of $2,690.

Slightly above Arkansas average

Carroll County's 0.526% effective rate runs just 1% above the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, placing it squarely in the middle of statewide tax policy. The median bill of $980 exceeds the state median of $705 by 39%, driven by higher property valuations.

A middle-ground regional choice

Carroll County's 0.526% rate falls between Baxter County's 0.463% and Boone County's 0.534%, positioning it as a balanced option in north-central Arkansas. Its median home value of $186,300 ranks second only to Benton County in this regional comparison.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On a median home valued at $186,300, a Carroll County homeowner pays approximately $980 per year. Those with mortgages typically pay $1,115 through annual escrow.

Protect your property investment

At Carroll County's $980 median bill, even a 5% reduction saves $49 annually—meaningful money in a moderately valued market. File an assessment appeal if your home's appraised value exceeds recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll County: Slightly Above State Norm

Carroll County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 18.1%, indicating modestly above-average affordability challenges despite moderate income of $55,187. Monthly rent of $818 claims a meaningful but manageable portion of household budgets.

Mid-Range Affordability in Arkansas

Carroll County ranks in the middle tier of Arkansas counties for housing affordability, with a 17.8% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $818 slightly above state average. This positioning reflects a steady, non-speculative local housing market.

Higher Rents Offset by Better Home Values

Carroll County's $818 rent runs above Boone County ($715) and Arkansas County ($799), yet home values of $186,300 rank among the strongest in this group. This configuration favors renters considering homeownership over those already seeking rental accommodations.

Ownership More Attractive Than Renting

Renters pay $818 monthly while owners face just $668—a $150 monthly savings that tilts the rent-to-own equation firmly toward purchasing. With median income of $55,187, housing claims approximately 18% of earnings, requiring careful household budgeting but remaining sustainable.

Carroll County: Consider Homeownership Path

Carroll County's rent premium combined with accessible home values makes this county particularly attractive for buyers ready to transition from renting. Strong median home values and moderate income create a favorable calculus for building equity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll County income trails national average

The median household income of $55,187 falls $19,568 below the national median of $74,755, indicating an economy that underperforms national benchmarks. This gap reflects limited access to high-wage professional and technical sectors.

Above-average earner within Arkansas

Carroll County's $55,187 median household income exceeds Arkansas's $51,156 state average by $4,031, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. This advantage suggests a somewhat more robust local economy than most of Arkansas.

Competitive earner in north-central region

Carroll County's $55,187 ranks ahead of Baxter County ($48,427) but trails Arkansas County ($60,831) by roughly $5,600. Regional clustering suggests similar economic fundamentals across northern Arkansas despite varying job market strength.

Housing costs moderately manageable

At 17.8% of household income, Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio falls within healthy affordability bounds, though trending toward caution. The median home value of $186,300 requires stable income for homeownership but remains achievable for many households.

Income stability supports investment planning

Carroll County residents earning above state average should establish automatic monthly transfers of $125-250 into tax-advantaged investment vehicles. Patient, disciplined investing over 15-20 years compounds into meaningful wealth despite moderate absolute income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County’s National Safety Rankings

Carroll County is highly safe, boasting a safety score of 97.3 and a crime rate of 1,713.5 per 100K. This puts the county well ahead of the national crime average of 2,385.5.

Carroll County Ranks Above State Averages

Carroll County ranks above the Arkansas state average safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate is over 600 points lower than the state average of 2,326.8 per 100K.

Safety Corridors in Northern Arkansas

Carroll County shares a high-safety corridor with Boone County, though it has slightly more property crime than its neighbor. Both counties are significantly safer than the more populated Benton County.

Analyzing Violent and Property Incident Rates

The violent crime rate is low at 278.5 per 100K, beating the national average. Property crimes are also relatively low, totaling 1,435.0 per 100K residents.

Leveraging Community Safety in Carroll County

Neighborhood watch efforts are effective in communities with low violent crime rates. Strengthening community ties can further discourage property-related incidents in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Approaches national life expectancy

Carroll County residents live an average of 75.3 years, approximately 0.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 22.5% report poor or fair health, better than the national average of 17.3%, indicating generally strong population health despite modest life expectancy. The county combines longevity with good day-to-day wellness.

Above average despite coverage gap

Carroll County's 75.3-year life expectancy exceeds Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years by nearly 3 years. However, its 14.3% uninsured rate is the highest among comparison counties and significantly exceeds the state average of 9.9%, meaning strong health outcomes coexist with a substantial coverage gap.

Healthy outcomes, coverage vulnerability

Carroll County's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks third among peers, trailing only Benton County (78.2) and just behind Baxter and Boone (both 74.2). Yet its 14.3% uninsured rate far exceeds all peers, creating a paradox: residents enjoy good health despite lacking insurance, likely due to strong community health resources.

Uninsured rate creates hidden risks

Carroll County's 14.3% uninsured rate—one in seven residents—is the highest among all comparison counties, yet strong health outcomes persist. With 67 primary care providers and 90 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, uninsured residents may delay preventive care, risking future health crises.

Safeguard your family's future

Carroll County's 14.3% uninsured rate is the highest among peers and unnecessary. Visit healthcare.gov or call 2-1-1 Arkansas to find affordable Medicaid or Marketplace coverage—protecting your family before a health crisis strikes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Connecting Three Diverse School Districts

Carroll County is home to 10 public schools managed by 3 districts, educating a total of 3,991 students. The system is well-balanced across levels, featuring 4 elementary, 3 middle, and 3 high schools.

Higher Investment with Room for Growth

The county spends $6,362 per pupil, which is above the Arkansas state average of $6,160. However, the graduation rate of 85.7% currently sits below both the state and the national benchmark of 87%, leading to a composite score of 49.9.

Berryville and Green Forest Drive Enrollment

Berryville is the largest district with 1,863 students, followed closely by Green Forest with 1,467 students. These traditional districts account for all schooling in the county, as there are currently no charter schools in operation.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Schools

Schools average 399 students, with 6 located in town settings and 4 in rural areas. Green Forest Intermediate is the largest campus with 547 students, providing a vibrant, town-based environment for the county’s middle-grade students.

Discovering a Home in Carroll County

Whether you prefer the artistic vibe of Eureka Springs or the community hubs of Berryville and Green Forest, Carroll County offers varied educational settings. Higher-than-average per-pupil spending demonstrates a local commitment to funding the next generation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County's moderate national position

Carroll County's composite risk score of 64.57 exceeds national averages, placing it in a relatively low but above-average risk category. The county faces meaningful exposure to several disaster types.

Above average across Arkansas

Carroll County's 64.57 exceeds the state average of 55.51, ranking it among Arkansas's higher-risk counties. This elevation reflects the county's Ozark geography and associated hazards.

Riskier than Boone, safer than Baxter

Carroll County's 64.57 sits between Boone County's 62.34 and Baxter County's 72.30, representing the mid-range of northern Arkansas risk levels. Its northern Ozark location creates exposure similar to neighboring counties.

Tornado and flood lead threats

Tornado risk of 80.09 is Carroll County's most significant hazard, with severe spring storms a recurring threat. Flood risk of 65.11 ranks nearly equal, with river systems and seasonal precipitation creating water-related dangers.

Storm and flood preparedness critical

Develop a tornado shelter plan and ensure homeowners insurance covers wind damage, as tornado risk of 80.09 demands serious preparation. Assess flood risk on your specific property and consider flood insurance if you're in a vulnerable area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

Limited Data for Carroll County

Specific annual temperature averages are currently unavailable for Carroll County. However, its 45.5 inches of annual precipitation aligns with the humid climate of the region.

Drier Than State Averages

Carroll County receives 45.5 inches of rain, which is less than the Arkansas state average of 52.4 inches. This suggests a slightly drier environment than the Delta regions to the east.

Drier Than Western Neighbors

Neighboring Benton County receives 47.1 inches of rain, making Carroll County slightly drier by comparison. Both counties share the rugged terrain of the Northwest Arkansas Ozarks.

Incomplete Seasonal Temperature Records

Specific records for summer heat days and winter snowfall are currently missing from the local dataset. General regional trends suggest a four-season climate typical of the Ozark Plateau.

Plan for Moderate Rainfall

With 45.5 inches of precipitation, residents should maintain standard drainage and roofing. Since temperature data is limited, following regional Ozark weather patterns for heating and cooling is recommended.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Highlands of Carroll County

Carroll County's soil is notably acidic, with an average pH of 5.24 compared to the national median of 6.5. This level is also lower than the Arkansas state average of 5.56, which can impact the availability of nutrients like phosphorus. Most local growers will need to apply lime regularly to maintain a healthy garden.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The soil composition is nearly even between silt (33.8%) and sand (33.1%), providing a texture that is generally easy to work. With only 12.3% clay, the soil won't be overly heavy or sticky, allowing for good aeration for plant roots. This balance makes it a versatile medium for many different types of vegetation.

Rich in Carbon, Low in Storage

Carroll County features an impressive 16.20% organic matter, which is nearly four times the state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.108 in/in, meaning the soil doesn't hold onto moisture well. Frequent watering or heavy mulching is necessary to keep your plants hydrated during the summer.

Unique Drainage in the Ozarks

The dominant drainage is classified as subaqueous, which is unusual for upland areas and suggests data collection near water bodies or saturated depressions. This classification means you should carefully check your specific site for signs of seasonal flooding or poor drainage. In the Ozarks, soil depth can also vary greatly, impacting how water moves through the landscape.

Four-Season Potential in Zone 7a

Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, Carroll County supports a diverse range of crops from berries to hardy winter greens. The county's soil score of 39.8 is better than the state average, indicating strong natural potential. With its high organic matter, this soil is a fantastic starting point for any organic gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing in Carroll County

Carroll County meets the national average with a lawn difficulty score of 50.1, making it one of the easiest places in Arkansas to grow grass. The 7a hardiness zone offers a climate that supports robust turf growth.

Favorable Rain for Turf Health

The county receives 45.5 inches of annual precipitation, which falls right in the middle of the ideal range for grass. This steady moisture helps maintain lawn health even when temperature data varies throughout the Ozarks.

Addressing Soil Acidity

The soil pH of 5.24 is among the lowest in the region, requiring proactive liming to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. With 33.1% sand, the soil offers decent structure, but acidic levels must be corrected for success.

Current Severe Drought Trends

Despite 21 weeks of drought in the past year, 99.3% of the county is currently facing severe drought levels. Using compost as a top-dressing can help improve your soil's water-holding capacity during these times.

Planning Your Northwest Arkansas Lawn

Tall Fescue and Zoysia are top performers in this temperate Zone 7a environment. Without specific local frost dates, gardeners should wait for stable spring weather to begin seeding for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 45.1 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Carroll County ranks #46 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 Carroll County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $980, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 83.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Arkansas is $55,187 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 25.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll 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.