countyscore
49
County Score
Property Tax 87.6Cost of Living 84Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax87.6Cost84Safety12Health29.6Schools50.5Income10Risk57.9Water11.3Weather50
🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.8
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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46.5
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Deep Dives

Columbia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Columbia County

via CostByCounty

Columbia rents align with national norms

Columbia County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, indicating solid affordability. The median household income of $47,363 reflects local economic conditions, but housing costs remain accessible relative to earnings.

Columbia ranks above-average statewide

Columbia County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio places it well above the state average for affordability, making it an attractive market in Arkansas. The $141,700 median home value suggests a balanced housing market with stable appreciation potential.

Columbia rents remain region's lowest

At $631 monthly, Columbia's median rent is among the lowest in its area—undercutting the state average of $760 and nearby Chicot ($661). This affordability advantage stems partly from Columbia's rural character and lower demand relative to more developed regions.

Columbia allocates 16% to rent

Columbia households earning $47,363 spend $631 monthly on rent—about 16% of income, well-balanced and sustainable. Owner costs average $671 monthly, slightly higher than regional peers, but the $141,700 home value offers reasonable purchase options for long-term residents.

Columbia offers balanced rural living

Columbia County combines low rents, affordable homes, and reasonable affordability ratios for relocators seeking quiet, rural Arkansas life. If you're weighing options between Columbia, Cleveland, and Clay counties, all three offer strong affordability—Columbia edges ahead on home values and owner-cost balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Columbia County

via HealthByCounty

Columbia's life expectancy trails U.S. norms

Columbia County's 71.5-year life expectancy falls 4.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, consistent with rural Arkansas disparities. The county's 23.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, though it ranks better than several neighboring counties.

Slightly below Arkansas average overall

At 71.5 years, Columbia's life expectancy lags Arkansas's 72.3-year average by 0.8 years, placing it in the state's lower-middle tier. The 23.8% poor/fair health rate is better than state and county averages, suggesting pockets of health resilience.

Mixed results against regional peers

Columbia matches Cleveland County at 71.5 years but trails Cleburne (75.3), Craighead (74.4), and Conway (73.1) counties. The 8.8% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 9.9%, indicating solid coverage relative to peers.

Moderate primary and mental health capacity

Columbia offers 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—solid for a rural county—and 203 mental health providers per 100,000. The 8.8% uninsured rate means most residents can access these services without major cost barriers.

Coverage supports access to local care

Columbia's good insurance rate (91.2%) enables use of the county's primary care infrastructure. The 8.8% without coverage should check marketplace plans or Medicaid to ensure continuous access to the providers available locally.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Columbia County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated High-Enrollment System

Columbia County supports 3,535 students across nine public schools. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, three high schools, and one specialized school facility.

Strong Scores and Consistent Spending

The county maintains a 93.4% graduation rate, well above the 90.3% state average. With a composite score of 53.9 and per-pupil spending of $6,363, the county demonstrates a strong commitment to academic quality.

Magnolia School District Dominance

The Magnolia School District is the primary educational provider, serving 2,662 students across five specialized campuses. The county has no charter schools, keeping the student body within the traditional public district framework.

A Blend of Town and Rural Campuses

School life is split between five rural and four town-based locales, with an average school size of 393 students. Magnolia High School is the largest campus with 780 students, offering a broader range of peer groups than the 322-student Taylor Elementary.

Find Your Home in the Magnolia District

The Magnolia School District offers the county's most diverse educational settings and largest campuses. Homebuyers often prioritize this area for its consistent graduation success and centralized school services.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Columbia County

via RiskByCounty

Columbia County: Well Below National Average

Columbia County's composite risk score of 42.08 places it solidly in the "very low" category—approximately 24% safer than the average American county. Your hazard exposure distributes evenly across categories, with no single catastrophic threat dominating. This balanced, manageable risk profile reflects Columbia's fortunate geographic position.

Safer Than Most Arkansas Peers

At 42.08, Columbia ranks well below the Arkansas state average of 55.51—a 24% safety advantage over your state peers. You rank in the lower third of Arkansas counties by risk, reflecting consistent protection across multiple hazard types. This standing positions Columbia as one of the state's genuinely safer communities.

Competitive With South Arkansas Peers

Columbia's 42.08 sits between Chicot County (43.77) and Clark County (41.09), forming a trio of south Arkansas's safest communities. All three counties cluster well below the state average, suggesting regional geographic advantages. Your neighbors face similar manageable risk levels, making the area collectively secure.

Tornado and Hurricane Concerns

Tornadoes present your highest localized risk at 62.50, while hurricanes reach 61.03—your twin most concerning hazards despite overall low county risk. Earthquakes at 71.44 add a secondary consideration, though floods and wildfires remain minimal at 24.59 and 31.81 respectively. Focus your preparedness on tornado sheltering and hurricane planning.

Tornado and Hurricane Coverage Essential

Your 62.50 tornado risk and 61.03 hurricane exposure demand strong wind and hail riders on your homeowner's policy. Earthquake coverage at 71.44 warrants consideration as an affordable add-on to cover your third-highest hazard. Standard flood insurance remains optional given your low 24.59 flood score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 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 #37 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 $683, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Columbia County a tax score of 87.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Columbia County?
The median household income in Columbia County, Arkansas is $47,363 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Columbia County earns an income score of 10/100 on CountyScore.
Is Columbia County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Columbia County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 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.

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.