Clark County well above national livability median
Clark County's composite score of 71.3 towers 21 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper quarter of U.S. counties. This strong positioning reflects balanced strengths across affordability, tax efficiency, and health outcomes.
2 / 5
Above-average livability in Arkansas
Clark County ranks slightly above Arkansas's state average, scoring 71.3 against the statewide 70.3. The county stands among the better performers in a competitive state field.
3 / 5
Affordable living with better income potential
Clark County excels in cost (85.2) and tax burden (86.2), with affordable housing (median home value $147,100) and low taxes at 0.570% effective rate. The median household income of $50,985 leads this group, paired with solid health outcomes (60.1) that suggest good quality-of-life conditions.
4 / 5
Income growth remains limited
Despite being the strongest income performer here, Clark's score of 16.7 still reflects median household earnings well below national norms. Risk resilience (58.9) and health metrics offer room for improvement to match top-tier counties.
5 / 5
Sweet spot for value-seeking middle-income families
Clark County appeals to families earning $50,000–$60,000 seeking a balance of low housing costs, favorable taxes, and decent health services. It's an underrated option for those wanting Southern living without sacrificing economic foundation or community health.
Clark County well above national livability median
Clark County's composite score of 71.3 towers 21 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper quarter of U.S. counties. This strong positioning reflects balanced strengths across affordability, tax efficiency, and health outcomes.
Above-average livability in Arkansas
Clark County ranks slightly above Arkansas's state average, scoring 71.3 against the statewide 70.3. The county stands among the better performers in a competitive state field.
Affordable living with better income potential
Clark County excels in cost (85.2) and tax burden (86.2), with affordable housing (median home value $147,100) and low taxes at 0.570% effective rate. The median household income of $50,985 leads this group, paired with solid health outcomes (60.1) that suggest good quality-of-life conditions.
Income growth remains limited
Despite being the strongest income performer here, Clark's score of 16.7 still reflects median household earnings well below national norms. Risk resilience (58.9) and health metrics offer room for improvement to match top-tier counties.
Sweet spot for value-seeking middle-income families
Clark County appeals to families earning $50,000–$60,000 seeking a balance of low housing costs, favorable taxes, and decent health services. It's an underrated option for those wanting Southern living without sacrificing economic foundation or community health.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.