Chicot County's composite score of 69.7 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of American counties. This 39-point advantage reflects a county that delivers solid livability across the board, though it lags slightly behind Arkansas's state average of 70.3.
2 / 5
Middle of the pack in Arkansas
Among Arkansas counties, Chicot ranks near the state median with a score just 0.6 points below the state average. The county holds its own in a competitive state landscape, though several Arkansas peers score higher.
3 / 5
Rock-solid affordability and low taxes
Chicot shines in cost (88.3) and tax burden (86.9), with median home values of just $90,500 and an effective tax rate of 0.546%. Renters benefit equally, with median gross rent sitting at only $661 per month—making this county exceptionally accessible for budget-conscious households.
4 / 5
Income and health gaps need attention
The county's major challenge is a median household income of just $39,683, producing the lowest income score (9.3) among these eight counties. Health outcomes (52.2) and risk resilience (56.3) also trail the state average, signaling room for improvement in workforce development and public health.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and cost-conscious families
Chicot County suits families prioritizing affordability over high earning potential, and retirees seeking low housing costs and minimal tax burden. The low income scores suggest limited career advancement, but the combination of cheap housing and low taxes makes it attractive for those with fixed incomes or remote work.
Chicot County's composite score of 69.7 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of American counties. This 39-point advantage reflects a county that delivers solid livability across the board, though it lags slightly behind Arkansas's state average of 70.3.
Middle of the pack in Arkansas
Among Arkansas counties, Chicot ranks near the state median with a score just 0.6 points below the state average. The county holds its own in a competitive state landscape, though several Arkansas peers score higher.
Rock-solid affordability and low taxes
Chicot shines in cost (88.3) and tax burden (86.9), with median home values of just $90,500 and an effective tax rate of 0.546%. Renters benefit equally, with median gross rent sitting at only $661 per month—making this county exceptionally accessible for budget-conscious households.
Income and health gaps need attention
The county's major challenge is a median household income of just $39,683, producing the lowest income score (9.3) among these eight counties. Health outcomes (52.2) and risk resilience (56.3) also trail the state average, signaling room for improvement in workforce development and public health.
Ideal for retirees and cost-conscious families
Chicot County suits families prioritizing affordability over high earning potential, and retirees seeking low housing costs and minimal tax burden. The low income scores suggest limited career advancement, but the combination of cheap housing and low taxes makes it attractive for those with fixed incomes or remote work.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.