countyscore
43.8
County Score
Property Tax 77.9Cost of Living 77.3Disaster Risk 58.9

County Report Card

About Clark County, Arkansas

Clark trails the national livability median

Clark County's composite score of 43.8 falls below the national median of 50.0, ranking in the lower third of American counties. This suggests residents face greater livability challenges than the typical county nationwide.

Below Arkansas average, significant gap

Clark ranks below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it among the weaker performers statewide. The 4.1-point gap indicates the county faces more pronounced livability headwinds than most Arkansas neighbors.

Tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs

Clark maintains a competitive effective tax rate of 0.570%, earning a 77.9 score, and offers moderate housing affordability with a 77.3 cost score. Median rents of $734 and home values around $147,100 remain accessible to working families.

Schools and safety need attention

The county's school score of 10.1 is among the state's lowest, signaling weak educational infrastructure and achievement gaps. Safety concerns also loom, with a 24.0 score reflecting elevated crime and limited public security resources.

For investors seeking value, not families

Clark County appeals to cost-conscious investors or working adults without school-age children. Families should carefully weigh the weak school system and safety profile against the affordable housing market before relocating.

Score breakdown

Tax77.9Cost77.3Safety24Health27.5Schools10.1Income16.7Risk58.9Water51.8Weather47.6
🏛77.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓10.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30
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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark's taxes remain well below U.S. median

Clark County's effective tax rate of 0.570% sits far below the national median effective rate, placing it in the bottom 15% nationally. The median property tax of $839 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690, offering homeowners significant savings.

Above-average rate for Arkansas

At 0.570%, Clark County's effective rate ranks among the higher end of Arkansas counties, edging above the state average of 0.532%. However, the median tax bill of $839 still exceeds the state median of $705, reflecting higher home values in this county.

Higher tax burden than western neighbors

Clark County's 0.570% rate exceeds neighboring Clay County (0.521%) and Chicot County (0.546%), though its median home value of $147,100 justifies some of the difference. The county sits in a transition zone between rural and slightly more developed areas of southern Arkansas.

Expect about $839 in annual property taxes

A median-priced home valued at $147,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of $839 in Clark County. With a mortgage, taxes climb to $1,075; without one, they drop to $691.

Appeal your assessment if values seem inflated

Many Arkansas property owners find their assessments exceed fair market value, especially in counties with rising home values like Clark. Requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal is free and could reduce your yearly tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County rents are manageable nationally

Clark County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, signaling better affordability than most county markets. Compared to the national median household income of $74,755, Clark's $50,985 reflects regional economic conditions, but housing costs remain reasonable.

Middle-tier affordability in Arkansas

Clark County ranks in the mid-range of Arkansas counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio below the state average. The $147,100 median home value indicates a balanced market suitable for both renters and buyers seeking stability.

Competitive rent compared to peers

Clark's median rent of $734 nearly matches Arkansas's state average of $760, yet the county's moderate income level keeps affordability reasonable. Nearby counties show similar pricing, making Clark a representative option in south-central Arkansas.

Clark households allocate 17% to rent

A typical Clark County household earning $50,985 spends $734 monthly on rent—about 17% of income, leaving funds for savings and expenses. Homeowners pay $661 monthly, with homes valued at $147,100, making purchase a viable path for established households.

Clark County suits balanced relocation

If you're relocating to rural Arkansas and seeking reasonable housing costs without sacrificing opportunity, Clark County's mid-tier affordability and stable market make it worth considering. Compare rent levels here with Cleveland County ($635/month) or Conway County ($721/month) to optimize your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark's income mirrors state struggles

Clark County's median household income of $50,985 sits 32% below the U.S. median of $74,755. While the county earns slightly above state average, it remains firmly in the lower-income tier nationally.

Near-average performer statewide

At $50,985, Clark County edges just below Arkansas's state median of $51,156, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's 75 counties. The county maintains stability but shows limited income growth momentum.

Competitive with peer counties

Clark's $50,985 income slightly exceeds Clay County ($48,500) and Columbia County ($47,363), positioning it as a moderately stronger performer in the region. However, Cleburne County ($55,979) and Craighead County ($57,615) demonstrate higher earning potential.

Housing costs remain reasonable

At 17.3%, Clark's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 25% affordability threshold, leaving households breathing room for other expenses. The median home value of $147,100 reflects modest but stable property markets.

Leverage stability for long-term growth

Clark households with stable housing costs should prioritize saving 10-15% of income into retirement accounts and diversified investments. Regular contributions compound significantly over 20-30 years, even at modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Clark County safety score beats national average

Clark County earns a 97.0 safety score, placing it ahead of national norms for public security. Its total crime rate of 1,909.7 per 100K is comfortably below the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

A reliable performer in Arkansas

The county's total crime rate of 1,909.7 is notably better than the state average of 2,326.8 per 100K. It maintains a safety score of 97.0, exceeding the broader Arkansas average of 96.3.

Consistent safety levels across borders

Clark County’s crime rate of 1,909.7 is slightly higher than Chicot County's 1,719.7 but remains much safer than Columbia County. It serves as a middle-ground for safety in the southern Arkansas region.

Breaking down violent and property incidents

Violent crime in Clark County sits at 354.0 per 100K, which is slightly below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent at 1,555.7 incidents, though it still beats the national rate of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing home security for peace of mind

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should audit their home security routinely. Visible deterrents like security cameras help keep local neighborhood rates consistently low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Clark's health metrics near U.S. averages

At 72.1 years, Clark County's life expectancy sits just below the national average of 76.4 years—a gap of 4.3 years that reflects broader rural health disparities. The county's 25.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, though it outperforms several neighboring counties.

Slightly ahead of Arkansas's health average

Clark County's 72.1-year life expectancy essentially matches Arkansas's 72.3-year average, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. The 25.9% poor/fair health rate is better than the state overall, suggesting relatively stable health outcomes.

Mixed performance against similar counties

Clark trails Cleburne County (75.3 years) and Craighead County (74.4 years) on life expectancy, but outpaces Chicot County (69.8 years) and Cleveland County (71.5 years). The county's 9.0% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 9.9%, indicating better insurance coverage.

Adequate primary care, moderate mental health access

Clark County has 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 329 mental health providers per 100,000—moderate capacity for a rural area. The relatively low 9.0% uninsured rate means most residents can access these services without delay.

Nine in ten Clark residents have coverage

While Clark has better-than-average insurance coverage, the remaining 9% of uninsured residents should explore Arkansas's marketplace plans or Medicaid options. Even temporary coverage gaps can expose families to major medical bills.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure in Clark County

Clark County operates seven public schools across two primary districts, supporting a total enrollment of 2,558 students. The landscape features a balanced mix of three elementary, two middle, and two high school facilities.

Growth Opportunities for Student Success

The county reports an 82.5% graduation rate and a composite school score of 46.2, both of which fall below the state averages. Local districts spend approximately $5,412 per pupil, which is lower than the Arkansas state average of $6,160.

Arkadelphia Schools Drive Local Enrollment

The Arkadelphia School District is the dominant provider, enrolling 1,913 students across four schools, including the county's largest high school. The Gurdon School District serves the southern portion of the county with 645 students, and no charter schools currently operate in the area.

A Mix of Rural and Town Campuses

Schools here range from the 586-student Arkadelphia High School to the 266-student Gurdon Primary. Five schools are situated in rural settings while two are located in town locales, creating an average school size of 365 students.

Establish Roots Near Arkadelphia Schools

Prospective residents often focus their home search within the Arkadelphia School District to access the county's largest secondary education resources. With a mix of town and rural properties, the area offers diverse living options near local campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County: Very Low Risk Nationally

Clark County's composite risk score of 41.09 places it in the "very low" category—significantly safer than the average American county. You're nearly 26% below the national baseline, making Clark one of the most protected counties in the natural disaster landscape. This standing reflects genuine geographic advantages across most hazard types.

Among Arkansas's Safest Counties

Clark's 41.09 score sits well below the state average of 55.51, positioning it in the lower third of Arkansas's 75 counties by risk. You enjoy roughly 26% lower risk than your state peers. This advantage is consistent across multiple hazard categories, from floods to tornadoes.

Competitive Safety With Regional Peers

Clark County (41.09) ranks slightly higher in risk than Chicot (43.77) and Columbia (42.08), though all three form a cluster of safe south Arkansas communities. Your neighbors in this region consistently outperform the state average. The margin between you is modest, reflecting stable geography across the area.

Tornado Risk Leads Your Hazards

Tornadoes present your highest risk at 68.38—well above your other hazards and notably above the county's overall low score. Earthquakes follow at 73.06, a concerning secondary risk despite low county-level composite risk. These two merit the bulk of your disaster planning focus.

Prioritize Tornado and Earthquake Coverage

Your tornado exposure at 68.38 demands a serious look at wind and hail riders on your homeowner's policy. Earthquake coverage, while less common, protects against your second-highest hazard at 73.06. Don't let "very low" overall risk fool you—these specific perils still require tailored insurance attention.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clark County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Humid Southern Climate

Clark County averages 63.2°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. It sits in a humid subtropical zone and receives 56.5 inches of rain per year.

Among the State's Warmer Counties

The county's average temperature is over two degrees higher than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. This positioning makes Clark one of the warmer regions in the state.

Wetter and Warmer than Neighbors

Clark's 56.5 inches of rain exceeds the state average of 52.4 inches. It also experiences 77 days of extreme heat, more than the 71 days found in nearby Cleveland County.

Long Summers and Mild Winters

Summer averages hit 81.1°F with 77 days reaching at least 90 degrees. Winters remain mild with a 44.8°F average and only 1.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Preparing for Heat and Rain

Residents should budget for high cooling costs to manage the 77 days of extreme heat. Ensure storm drainage is clear to handle the heavy 56.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

Matching the State's Acidic Average

With a pH of 5.57, Clark County soil matches the Arkansas average almost perfectly. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime to balance the soil for traditional vegetable gardens. While the specific taxonomic order remains unspecified, the chemical profile is typical for the southern Arkansas timberlands.

A Workable Sandy Mix

A balanced mix of 46.1% sand and 36.0% silt provides a workable structure that allows for decent aeration. The remaining 17.9% clay helps hold onto essential minerals without making the ground too heavy. This composition is generally easy to till and offers a good environment for root development.

Modest Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter level of 1.62% is lower than the 4.15% state average and the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity is 0.141 in/in, which sits slightly below the state average of 0.148 in/in. Gardeners should consider adding compost to improve nutrient retention and moisture levels.

High Runoff Potential in Group D

The land falls into Hydrologic Group D, which indicates very low infiltration rates when the ground is thoroughly wet. This suggests a high potential for surface runoff, meaning water moves across the surface rather than soaking in quickly. You should plan for drainage solutions around foundations and in low-lying garden beds.

Southern Favorites in Zone 8a

The mild winters of Zone 8a allow for a wide variety of southern-friendly crops and perennials. Azaleas and heat-tolerant tomatoes thrive here when the soil is properly amended. Despite a modest soil score of 30.0, the workable texture makes it a rewarding place to start a backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

Striving for Green in Clark County

Clark County earns a lawn difficulty score of 30.0, placing it below both the Arkansas state average of 37.3 and the national median. Situated in Zone 8a, the local environment requires more intensive maintenance than many neighboring regions to achieve a lush landscape.

High Heat and Ample Moisture

Residents manage 77 extreme heat days per year, which is higher than the state average of 64. The 56.5 inches of annual rainfall is robust, though it slightly exceeds the 50-inch upper limit of the ideal lawn precipitation range.

Amending Sandy, Acidic Ground

The soil is notably sandy at 46.1%, which helps with drainage but may cause nutrients to leach away quickly. A low pH of 5.57 means you will likely need to add lime to move the soil toward the 6.0-7.0 ideal range.

Severe Drought Challenges Turf

Drought is a major concern here, with 87.5% of the county currently experiencing severe levels. Your lawn has faced 26 weeks of drought in the last year, making efficient irrigation and mulching essential for survival.

Timing Your Clark County Planting

Wait until after the typical last spring frost on March 26 to seed heat-tolerant grasses like Zoysia or Centipede. With 5,618 growing degree days, there is ample energy for these grasses to establish before the November 4 frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 43.8 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 Clark County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Clark County ranks #51 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 Clark County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $839, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 77.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, Arkansas is $50,985 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 16.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Clark County scores 43.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark 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.