Carroll County scores 69.5, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 19.5 points and placing it comfortably in the upper half nationally. Its score matches closely to Arkansas's state average of 70.3, making it a representative example of regional livability.
2 / 5
Mid-tier performance among peers
Carroll County ranks sixth among the eight featured Arkansas counties, reflecting solid but unremarkable livability relative to neighbors. Its 69.5 score sits near the state average.
3 / 5
Balanced tax, housing, and health profile
Carroll County offers low taxes (87.5 score, 0.526% rate), solid housing affordability (83.5 score, $186,300 median home value), and respectable health outcomes (60.8). This balanced approach creates a stable, predictable living environment.
4 / 5
Limited income growth and risk mitigation
Income levels are modest at $55,187 (19.4 score), limiting wealth-building potential for those dependent on local wages. Risk factors (35.4) are also below average, suggesting environmental or safety concerns warrant investigation.
5 / 5
Good fit for balanced, modest-income households
Carroll County appeals to families prioritizing stable, predictable living over high incomes or cutting-edge amenities. It's well-suited to remote workers, retirees, and those seeking small-town charm with reasonable taxes and housing costs.
Carroll County scores 69.5, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 19.5 points and placing it comfortably in the upper half nationally. Its score matches closely to Arkansas's state average of 70.3, making it a representative example of regional livability.
Mid-tier performance among peers
Carroll County ranks sixth among the eight featured Arkansas counties, reflecting solid but unremarkable livability relative to neighbors. Its 69.5 score sits near the state average.
Balanced tax, housing, and health profile
Carroll County offers low taxes (87.5 score, 0.526% rate), solid housing affordability (83.5 score, $186,300 median home value), and respectable health outcomes (60.8). This balanced approach creates a stable, predictable living environment.
Limited income growth and risk mitigation
Income levels are modest at $55,187 (19.4 score), limiting wealth-building potential for those dependent on local wages. Risk factors (35.4) are also below average, suggesting environmental or safety concerns warrant investigation.
Good fit for balanced, modest-income households
Carroll County appeals to families prioritizing stable, predictable living over high incomes or cutting-edge amenities. It's well-suited to remote workers, retirees, and those seeking small-town charm with reasonable taxes and housing costs.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.