countyscore
49.7
County Score
Property Tax 86.9Cost of Living 85.2Disaster Risk 57.9

County Report Card

About Columbia County, Arkansas

Columbia slightly above the national center

Columbia County's composite score of 49.0 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the middle range of American counties. Residents experience livability broadly comparable to the national average.

Modest edge over Arkansas average

Columbia ranks just above Arkansas's state average of 47.9, giving it a minor positioning advantage within the state. The county remains firmly in the middle tier of Arkansas's county rankings.

Low taxes and reasonable housing

Columbia excels in tax efficiency with an 87.6 score and effective tax rate of 0.482%, the second-lowest in this group. An 84.0 cost score and median rent of just $631 make the county highly affordable for low-income households.

Water quality and safety concerns

Columbia's water score of just 11.3 signals potential water quality, contamination, or infrastructure issues that merit investigation. Safety scores only 12.0, indicating notable crime challenges or inadequate community security resources.

For thrifty homesteaders, not families

Columbia County suits independent individuals and retirees with minimal safety concerns who prioritize ultra-low taxes and housing costs. Prospective residents must prioritize water quality testing and carefully evaluate neighborhood crime patterns beforehand.

2040608010086.985.21229.650.52257.911.350Tax86.9Cost85.2Safety12Health29.6Schools50.5Income22Risk57.9Water11.3Weather5049.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Columbia County DNA

Foverall

How Columbia County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Columbia County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (85.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.9+34.900000000000006
Cost
85.2+37.2
Safety
12-43
Health
29.6-20.4
Schools
50.5
Income
22-29
Risk
57.9+10.899999999999999
Water
11.3-46.7
Weather
50
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Compare mortgage rates in Columbia County

Whether buying or refinancing in Columbia County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$649/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,334/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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 Columbia County with Cullman County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Carroll County
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Nearby counties

Lafayette County
Arkansas
44.9
Claiborne Parish
Louisiana
67.7
Nevada County
Arkansas
52.8
Webster Parish
Louisiana
58.2
Miller County
Arkansas
34.7
Ouachita County
Arkansas
45.5
Union County
Arkansas
39.6
Bossier Parish
Louisiana
36.1

Deep Dives

Columbia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Columbia County

via TaxByCounty

Columbia's taxes rank among nation's lowest

Columbia County's effective tax rate of 0.482% places it in the bottom 12% nationally, with a median tax burden of just $683. This is less than one-quarter the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional affordability for homeowners.

Below-average Arkansas rate

At 0.482%, Columbia County's effective rate falls noticeably below the state average of 0.532%, ranking among Arkansas's lowest-tax counties. The median tax of $683 sits just below the state median of $705 despite reasonable home values.

Competitive with Clay and Chicot counties

Columbia County's 0.482% rate is the second-lowest in its region, below Chicot (0.546%) but comparable to Clay (0.521%). Median home values of $141,700 sit slightly higher than immediate neighbors, but the low rate keeps tax bills in line.

Median annual tax: $683

A Columbia County home valued at the median $141,700 incurs an estimated annual property tax of $683. Homeowners with mortgages face $893 annually; those without mortgages pay $518.

Review your assessment—overvaluation is common

Low tax rates don't protect against individual property overassessments, which can inflate bills year after year. A free appeal through the county assessor's office is the fastest way to verify your home's fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Columbia County

via IncomeByCounty

Columbia below national and state marks

Columbia County's median household income of $47,363 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 37% and falls 7% below Arkansas's state average. The county represents the economic challenges facing rural agricultural regions nationwide.

Lower-middle tier in Arkansas

At $47,363, Columbia ranks in the lower quartile statewide, well below the state median of $51,156. The per capita income of $25,947 trails the state average by 8%, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Trailing most peer communities

Columbia's $47,363 ranks second-lowest among these eight counties, exceeding only Chicot's $39,683. Neighboring Cleburne ($55,979) and Craighead ($57,615) earn $8,600-$10,600 more per household, highlighting relative economic disadvantage.

Rents align with limited incomes

At 16%, Columbia's rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, but the low base income leaves little margin for error. Unexpected expenses quickly strain household budgets with limited cushioning capacity.

Build resilience through micro-saving

Columbia households should prioritize building small emergency reserves—even $25-50 monthly—to absorb shocks. Community savings circles and employer-matched retirement plans offer low-cost entry points to wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Columbia County

via CrimeByCounty

Columbia County crime above national average

Columbia County reports a total crime rate of 2,598.3 per 100K, which exceeds the national rate of 2,385.5. Its safety score stands at 95.9, reflecting a more challenging public safety environment.

Comparing Columbia County to state norms

The county's safety score of 95.9 is below the state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2,598.3 is higher than the Arkansas average of 2,326.8 per 100K residents.

Challenging safety figures for the region

Columbia County sees higher crime rates than Cleveland County's 2,159.5 per 100K. However, it remains safer than Cleburne or Craighead counties, placing it in the mid-range for state crime figures.

High property and violent crime rates

Violent crime sits at 466.8 per 100K, which is higher than the national 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2,131.5, suggesting residents face higher risks for theft and burglary.

Enhanced vigilance for Columbia residents

With rates exceeding national averages, installing a monitored security system is a wise investment. Residents should also ensure all entry points are properly lit and secured at all times.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Columbia County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Heavy Rain

Columbia County maintains a warm 62.6°F average, placing it significantly higher than the national median. It also sees high humidity with 56.3 inches of annual rain.

Warmer and Wetter than Average

The county is roughly 1.6 degrees warmer than the Arkansas average of 61.0°F. It is also wetter than the state average precipitation of 52.4 inches.

High Regional Heat Consistency

Columbia sees 76 days of extreme heat, nearly identical to Clark County's 77 days. It averages 1.7 inches of snow, slightly more than Clark's 1.4 inches.

A Long Summer Season

July brings an average of 81.0°F, contributing to a total of 76 days over 90 degrees. Winters are mild with a 44.9°F average from December through February.

Gear for Rain and Heat

Outdoor enthusiasts should plan for high precipitation throughout the year. Homeowners must prepare for over two months of extreme heat every summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Columbia County

via SoilByCounty

Fine Sandy Loam Ultisols

These Ultisols feature a pH of 5.29, ranking among the more acidic soils in the region compared to the 6.5 national median. The dominant texture is fine sandy loam, which provides a manageable structure for local growers. Most gardeners will need to add lime to raise the pH for vegetable production.

Excellent Aeration for Plant Roots

Sand accounts for 50.3% of the mix, paired with 36.5% silt and 13.2% clay. This composition ensures excellent aeration for plant roots, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged. However, it may struggle to retain nutrients without regular additions of organic material like compost or manure.

Moisture Management in Columbia

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.53% compared to the Arkansas state average of 4.15%. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in sits just below the state average of 0.148 in/in. Consistent watering and mulching are key to keeping your garden productive throughout the summer.

Moderate Drainage for Gritty Soils

The soil is moderately well drained and falls into Hydrologic Group C. This means water moves through the profile at a somewhat slow rate, which helps prevent the sandy soil from drying out instantly. It provides a stable environment for most landscaping as long as heavy rains can flow away.

Heat-Tolerant Crops for Zone 8b

Zone 8b provides a warm environment where heat-tolerant legumes and fruits like peaches can flourish. Your fine sandy loam is a great candidate for raised bed gardening to optimize nutrient management. Start planting today to take advantage of the long southern growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Columbia County

via LawnByCounty

Precision Care in Columbia County

Columbia County’s lawn difficulty score of 28.8 is below the Arkansas average, making lawn care a significant commitment. In Zone 8b, the combination of high heat and acidic soil presents a unique set of challenges for local gardeners.

High Humidity and Heavy Rains

The county receives 56.3 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the state average of 52.4. Combined with 76 extreme heat days, this creates a humid environment where fungal diseases can occasionally threaten turf health.

Sandy Loam Needs Nutrient Boosts

The soil is a fine sandy loam with a very low pH of 5.29, requiring significant lime treatment to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Because it is 50.3% sand, you should expect fast drainage and a need for frequent, light fertilization.

Thriving Through Severe Drought

Nearly 95% of the county is currently in severe drought, following 23 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Implementing a smart irrigation system can help manage water use while keeping your lawn alive during these stretches.

A Spring Start for Columbia Turf

Wait until the frost clears around March 31 to begin your spring lawn projects. Heat-loving grasses are your best bet to handle the 5,427 growing degree days available before the November 2 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Columbia County's county score?
Columbia County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 49.7 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 Columbia County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Columbia County ranks #34 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 Columbia County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Columbia County is $718, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Columbia County a tax score of 86.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Columbia County?
The median household income in Columbia County, Arkansas is $55,334 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Columbia County earns an income score of 22/100 on CountyScore.
Is Columbia County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Columbia County scores 49.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Columbia 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 Columbia County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.