countyscore
50.6
County Score
Cost of Living 90.8Property Tax 81Disaster Risk 56.3

County Report Card

About Chicot County, Arkansas

Chicot scores right at the national median

Chicot County's composite score of 50.6 sits just above the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the middle of American counties. This means residents experience livability comparable to the typical county across the United States.

Above average for Arkansas overall

Chicot ranks above Arkansas's state average of 47.9, outperforming many of its neighbors statewide. The county positions itself in the stronger half of Arkansas counties when it comes to composite livability.

Affordability and taxes shine brightest

Chicot excels in cost of living, with a 90.8 score and median home values of just $90,500—among the lowest in the state. The effective tax rate of 0.546% keeps the tax burden lean, earning a strong 81.0 score.

Income and health lag considerably

The county struggles with income levels, scoring just 2.7 with a median household income of $39,683—well below state and national averages. Health outcomes are also a concern, with a 16.5 score indicating limited access to preventive care and higher disease burden.

Best for budget-conscious retirees

Chicot suits individuals and fixed-income families seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax obligations. However, prospective residents should prioritize access to quality healthcare and be realistic about limited income-growth opportunities in the local economy.

Score breakdown

Tax81Cost90.8Safety28.6Health16.5Schools54.7Income2.7Risk56.3Water8.4Weather41.3
🏛81
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.3
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 Chicot County?

Many homeowners in Chicot 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 Chicot County with Bonner County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Bonner County
Idaho
Median income: $65,168
50.6
Evangeline Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $42,273
50.6
Saratoga County
New York
Median income: $99,653
50.6
Lebanon County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $76,350
50.6
Walworth County
South Dakota
Median income: $62,722
50.6
Warren County
Tennessee
Median income: $54,088
50.6
Greene County
Virginia
Median income: $85,268
50.6
Tallapoosa County
Alabama
Median income: $57,185
50.7

Nearby counties

Washington County
Mississippi
48.4
Drew County
Arkansas
47.2
Bolivar County
Mississippi
33.3
East Carroll Parish
Louisiana
63.3
Sunflower County
Mississippi
46.4
Sharkey County
Mississippi
57
West Carroll Parish
Louisiana
68.4
Desha County
Arkansas
47.4

Deep Dives

Chicot County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chicot County

via TaxByCounty

Chicot's taxes rank far below national average

Chicot County's effective tax rate of 0.546% is roughly one-fifth the national median property tax burden, placing it in the lowest 10% nationally. The median home here costs $90,500—just 32% of the U.S. median—making property taxes unusually affordable for homeowners.

Slightly above Arkansas average

At 0.546%, Chicot's effective rate edges above the state average of 0.532%, ranking it mid-pack among Arkansas counties. The median tax bill of $494 sits well below the state median of $705, reflecting lower home values across the region.

Comparable to nearby Clay and Columbia counties

Chicot's rate of 0.546% closely mirrors Clay County's 0.521% and Columbia County's 0.482%, all clustered in the lower tier of Arkansas taxation. Home values in this region are consistently modest, averaging $88,000 to $142,000 across the three counties.

Own a typical home? Budget $494 annually

A median-priced home valued at $90,500 generates an estimated annual property tax of $494 in Chicot County. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $507, while those owning free-and-clear properties pay $487.

Check if you're overassessed—appeal if needed

Many Arkansas homeowners discover their properties are assessed above actual market value, resulting in inflated tax bills. If your home's assessed value seems high, filing a simple appeal with the county assessor's office could lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chicot County

via CostByCounty

Chicot renters spend more than most Americans

At 20.0%, Chicot County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm—renters here dedicate a fifth of their earnings to housing. This is notably higher than Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, putting affordability pressure on local renters.

Among Arkansas's least affordable counties

Chicot County ranks among the state's most challenging housing markets for renters, with a 20.0% rent-to-income ratio well above the state average. The median home value of $90,500 offers some relief for buyers, but renters face steeper affordability hurdles.

Pricier rent than surrounding areas

Chicot's median rent of $661 sits below the state average of $760, yet the county's lower median income of $39,683 makes housing consume a larger share of household budgets. Neighboring counties with higher incomes experience better affordability despite comparable rents.

Housing takes 20% of Chicot incomes

The typical Chicot household earning $39,683 annually allocates about $661 monthly to rent—leaving limited income for other essentials. Owner costs are lower at $549 monthly, but the median home value of $90,500 still requires substantial down payments for first-time buyers.

Consider Chicot if you value affordability

Chicot County offers lower home prices than Arkansas averages, making homeownership viable for patient savers. However, renters should compare this market with neighboring counties like Clay or Cleveland, which offer better rent-to-income ratios despite similar housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chicot County

via IncomeByCounty

Chicot's income gap widens nationally

Chicot County's median household income of $39,683 falls nearly 47% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap ranks Chicot among the lowest-earning counties nationwide, reflecting persistent economic challenges in the Delta region.

Bottom tier in Arkansas

At $39,683, Chicot's median household income ranks in the lowest quartile statewide—22% below Arkansas's state average of $51,156. The county lags most peer communities across the state, indicating localized economic strain.

Trailing neighboring counties

Chicot earns $39,683 compared to nearby Clay County's $48,500 and Cleveland County's $50,509—a gap of $8,800 to $10,800 per household. Even small improvements in local job quality could narrow this disparity significantly.

Rents remain manageable but tight

The 20% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing costs consume one-fifth of household earnings—near the affordability threshold of 25%. With limited income flexibility, unexpected expenses create real financial strain for Chicot families.

Building financial stability matters most

Starting an emergency fund, even with modest deposits, shields Chicot households from wage shocks. Explore low-cost investment options through employer retirement plans or community credit unions to grow wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chicot County

via CrimeByCounty

Chicot County outperforms national safety benchmarks

Chicot County maintains a high safety score of 97.3, indicating a more secure environment than many areas across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,719.7 per 100K residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Arkansas safety standards

The county's safety score of 97.3 sits well above the Arkansas state average of 96.3. With a total crime rate of 1,719.7, Chicot County presents a safer alternative to the state average of 2,326.8 per 100K.

Strong safety standing in the region

Compared to nearby Cleveland County's rate of 2,159.5, Chicot County maintains a lower crime footprint at 1,719.7 per 100K. This regional advantage highlights the county's relatively quiet public safety landscape.

Low violent crime characterizes the local profile

Property crime accounts for 1,455.9 incidents per 100K, while the violent crime rate remains low at 263.8. Both figures are below national averages, suggesting that most incidents involve non-violent property issues.

Securing your Chicot County property

While rates are low, property crimes still make up the majority of local reports. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart doorbells can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chicot County

via HealthByCounty

Chicot falls short on U.S. life expectancy

At 69.8 years, Chicot County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 31% poor/fair health rate—the share reporting their health as poor or fair—far exceeds the national average of 17%, signaling serious underlying health challenges.

Among Arkansas's most health-challenged counties

Chicot's 69.8-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom statewide, trailing Arkansas's own 72.3-year average by 2.5 years. With 31% of residents in poor or fair health, the county faces one of the state's steepest health burdens.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Chicot's life expectancy significantly lags similar rural Arkansas counties—it's 2.3 years below Cleveland County (71.5) and 5.5 years below Cleburne County (75.3). The county also reports higher uninsured rates than most neighbors, with 10.6% lacking coverage versus the state average of 9.9%.

Primary care available, mental health services abundant

Chicot offers 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 577 mental health providers per 100,000—well above typical rural access levels. However, the 10.6% uninsured rate means many residents may delay or skip care due to cost, despite providers being available.

Insurance options exist for uninsured residents

With one in ten Chicot residents uninsured, checking coverage options through Arkansas's health exchange or Medicaid programs can unlock access to the county's available providers. Residents earning below 200% of poverty may qualify for subsidized plans or emergency Medicaid coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chicot County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but High-Performing School Network

Chicot County maintains an intimate education infrastructure consisting of seven public schools organized into two districts. The system serves 1,234 total students across three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county boasts an impressive 93.6% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,688—which is lower than the national average but above the state average of $6,160—the county maintains a solid composite school score of 54.7.

Lakeside and Dermott Lead the Way

Lakeside School District is the county's largest provider, serving 889 students across four different campuses. The Dermott School District manages the remaining two schools with an enrollment of 337 students, and there are currently no charter schools in the county.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

With an average school size of just 176 students, Chicot County offers a highly personalized learning environment across its five rural and two town-based locales. Lakeside Elementary is the largest campus with 321 students, while Dermott High School provides a small-school feel with only 147 students.

Find a Home in Top-Performing Lakeside

Families seeking high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore housing options near the Lakeside School District. High school outcomes here exceed state benchmarks, making the area an attractive choice for education-focused homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chicot County

via RiskByCounty

Chicot's Risk: Below the National Curve

Chicot County scores 43.77 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and making it one of Arkansas's safer counties for natural disasters. Your county faces relatively low overall hazard exposure compared to most American communities. This foundation puts you ahead of the curve, though specific risks still deserve attention.

Lower Risk Than Most Arkansas Counties

With a score of 43.77 versus Arkansas's state average of 55.51, Chicot ranks among the state's counties with the least composite risk. You're roughly 21% better protected than the typical Arkansas county. This advantage reflects both geography and lower exposure to some of the state's most dangerous hazards.

Safest County in Your Region

Chicot's 43.77 score beats nearby Clark County (41.09) and Columbia County (42.08), making it one of the most secure areas in south Arkansas. Clark and Columbia offer marginally lower scores, but all three counties rank well below the state average. You're in good company when it comes to disaster preparedness.

Watch for Tornadoes and Earthquakes

Tornadoes pose your highest localized risk at 50.03, while earthquakes reach 77.86—a significant score despite overall low county risk. Floods also merit attention at 49.40, especially during heavy spring rains. These three hazards account for most of your exposure and warrant specific preparation.

Secure Coverage for Your Priorities

Given your tornado and earthquake exposure, verify that your homeowner's policy includes these riders; standard policies often exclude them. Flood insurance is critical even in low-risk areas—99% of property losses in Arkansas come from water damage. Bundle these protections to sleep soundly in Chicot County.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chicot County

via WeatherByCounty

Persistent Deep South Heat

Chicot County averages 63.8°F annually, far exceeding the national median temperature. It experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by extreme summer heat and high moisture.

One of the Warmest in AR

Chicot County's 63.8°F average is nearly three degrees higher than the state average of 61.0°F. It represents the extreme southern end of Arkansas's temperature spectrum.

Hotter and Wetter than Bradley

Chicot is warmer than Bradley County (62.4°F) and significantly wetter with 58.3 inches of annual rain. It also faces 95 days of extreme heat compared to Bradley's 62.

Intense Summers and 95 Heat Days

The county endures 95 days per year above 90°F, one of the highest counts in the region. Winter is very mild, averaging 45.5°F with less than an inch of snow.

Prepare for Floods and Heatwaves

With 58.3 inches of rain and 95 extreme heat days, residents must prioritize both drainage and powerful cooling systems. Outdoor activity during the 80.8°F summer average requires significant heat mitigation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chicot County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Delta Soils in Chicot County

The soil here maintains a pH of 5.87, which is more acidic than the national 6.5 median but slightly more alkaline than the Arkansas average of 5.56. While specific taxonomic data for this area is limited, the chemical profile provides a stable foundation for the region's diverse ecosystem. This acidity level generally favors acid-loving plants and requires regular monitoring for commercial farming.

Silt-Heavy Texture Defines the Land

The soil contains a heavy 56.3% silt and 25.3% clay, creating a dense texture that requires careful management to avoid compaction. Sand makes up only 18.4% of the mix, meaning the soil feels smooth rather than gritty. This composition helps the land hold onto nutrients, though it can become heavy and difficult to work when wet.

High Water Capacity Boosts Fertility

Organic matter sits at 1.68%, which falls below the state average of 4.15% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.148 in/in. This high capacity helps local crops survive dry spells by storing moisture deep in the silty profile.

Managing Water in the Delta

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unlisted for this specific county. Gardeners should manually monitor how quickly water disappears after heavy rain to identify potential drainage issues. Understanding local runoff patterns is essential before starting any major building or landscaping projects.

Lush Growth in Zone 8b

Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, Chicot County offers a long growing season that benefits from its high soil moisture capacity. You can successfully grow pecans or summer vegetables like okra in this productive region. Start your garden today to take advantage of the county's superior soil score of 51.7.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chicot County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Chicot County's Challenging Lawns

Chicot County presents a tough environment for turf with a lawn difficulty score of 25.3, significantly lower than the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, homeowners must manage conditions that are considerably more demanding than the Arkansas state average of 37.3.

Sultry Summers and Heavy Rains

The county faces 95 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 64 days and stressing cool-season grasses. While the 58.3 inches of annual precipitation provides plenty of water, it exceeds the ideal range of 30-50 inches and may lead to drainage issues.

Navigating Acidic Delta Soils

Soil pH here averages 5.87, which falls just below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most standard lawn grasses. With a clay content of 25.3%, these soils often require aeration to prevent compaction and lime applications to balance the acidity.

Battling Prolonged Dry Spells

Despite high annual rainfall, the county endured 31 weeks in drought over the past year with 13.3% of the area in severe conditions. To maintain health, residents should water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root systems during these long dry periods.

Start Your Chicot Lawn Early

Warm-season varieties like Bermuda or St. Augustine thrive in Zone 8b and should be established after the last frost on March 13. With 5,788 growing degree days, your lawn has a long window to flourish before the first frost arrives in mid-November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicot County's county score?
Chicot County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Chicot County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Chicot County ranks #32 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 Chicot County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Chicot County is $494, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Chicot County a tax score of 81/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chicot County?
The median household income in Chicot County, Arkansas is $39,683 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chicot County earns an income score of 2.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chicot County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Chicot County scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Chicot 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 Chicot 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.