countyscore
49.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.6Cost of Living 83.1

County Report Card

About Conway County, Arkansas

Conway moderately above national livability

Conway County's composite score of 49.5 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the solid middle of American counties. Residents experience livability consistent with the typical county nationwide.

Above average for Arkansas overall

Conway scores 49.5, exceeding Arkansas's state average of 47.9, positioning it in the stronger half of the state's counties. The county maintains a modest livability edge within Arkansas.

Excellent water quality and low taxes

Conway earns a strong 86.0 water score, ensuring clean, reliable drinking water for residents. An 83.6 tax score and 0.524% effective tax rate keep the overall tax burden competitive and affordable.

Safety is a critical vulnerability

Conway's safety score of just 6.6 is dangerously low, indicating elevated crime rates or insufficient public security infrastructure. Health outcomes also lag at 29.9, suggesting limited healthcare access or disease burden concerns.

Risky choice despite affordability

Conway appeals to cost-conscious individuals attracted to low taxes and excellent water quality, but prospective residents must carefully investigate crime statistics and neighborhood safety. Families should explore other options with stronger safety profiles.

Score breakdown

Tax83.6Cost83.1Safety6.6Health29.9Schools50.6Income17.1Risk43.5Water86Weather57.5
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.9
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

Conway County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Conway County

via TaxByCounty

Conway's taxes remain far below national norm

Conway County's effective tax rate of 0.524% ranks in the bottom 15% nationally, with a median tax of just $718. This is less than one-quarter the national median property tax of $2,690, reflecting both low rates and modest home values.

Near-average rate for Arkansas

At 0.524%, Conway County's effective rate sits just below the state average of 0.532%, placing it squarely in the middle of Arkansas counties. The median tax bill of $718 slightly exceeds the state median of $705 due to slightly above-average home values.

Mid-range taxes in central Arkansas

Conway County's 0.524% rate falls between the lower end (Clay at 0.521%, Columbia at 0.482%) and higher end (Cleveland at 0.580%, Clark at 0.570%) of regional peers. Median home values of $137,000 reflect a county in transition between rural and developing areas.

Budget approximately $718 annually

A median-priced Conway County home valued at $137,000 generates an estimated annual property tax of $718. Homeowners with mortgages pay $821; those without mortgages pay $662.

Appeal your assessment if it seems high

Many Arkansas property owners in developing counties like Conway find their assessments lag behind fair market value—or exceed it. A free appeal ensures your home is taxed at its true market worth, potentially lowering your yearly bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Conway County

via CostByCounty

Conway County rents remain accessible

Conway County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits below Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it among the state's more affordable markets. The median household income of $51,212, though below the national median of $74,755, combines with moderate rents to support stable housing costs.

Conway ranks well for state affordability

Conway County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average, positioning it in Arkansas's upper tier for affordability. The $137,000 median home value reflects a reasonable market accessible to working families.

Conway rents balance with state norms

Conway's $721 median rent sits slightly below the state average of $760 and falls between regional peers like Clay ($696) and Cleburne ($853). This middle-ground pricing, combined with solid household income, maintains Conway's competitive position.

Conway renters spend 17% of income

Conway households earning $51,212 annually allocate $721 monthly to rent—approximately 17% of income, maintaining healthy financial flexibility. Homeowners pay $594 monthly, and homes valued at $137,000 provide attainable pathways to ownership for established workers.

Conway suits balanced Arkansas relocators

Conway County offers middle-ground affordability, stable housing values, and accessible market conditions for renters and buyers considering rural Arkansas. If you're comparing Conway to Clay, Cleveland, or Columbia, all rank similarly—Conway edges Clay on home values and balances affordability with development.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Conway County

via IncomeByCounty

Conway edges above state average

Conway County's median household income of $51,212 sits 32% below the national median of $74,755 but marginally exceeds Arkansas's state average. The county shows moderate economic stability within a lower-income state.

Slight edge above state midpoint

At $51,212, Conway ranks just 0.1% above Arkansas's state median of $51,156, placing it in the stable middle of the state's 75 counties. The per capita income of $28,521 exceeds state average by 1.5%, indicating relatively balanced earning distribution.

Competitive with peer group

Conway's $51,212 slightly exceeds Cleveland ($50,509) and nearly matches Clark ($50,985), positioning it as upper-middle in the regional income tier. Cleburne ($55,979) and Craighead ($57,615) remain ahead, showing room for improvement.

Rent costs remain below threshold

The 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 25% affordability ceiling, with median home values of $137,000 providing accessible property markets. Households retain meaningful income flexibility for other priorities.

Steady growth through consistency

Conway households with stable housing costs should commit to regular investment contributions—even 10-15% of household income. Compound growth over decades transforms modest, consistent savings into substantial retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Conway County

via CrimeByCounty

Conway County safety score trails national average

Conway County's safety score is 95.0, reflecting a higher volume of reported incidents. Its total crime rate of 3,166.2 per 100K is significantly above the national average of 2,385.5.

Public safety trends in Conway County

Conway County reports a crime rate of 3,166.2, which is much higher than the Arkansas state average of 2,326.8. Its safety score of 95.0 also misses the state benchmark of 96.3.

Comparing rates with regional neighbors

The crime rate here is nearly identical to Cleburne County's 3,194.7 per 100K. Both counties face higher per-capita crime figures than many of their more rural Arkansas counterparts.

Property crime drives local incident numbers

Property crime is particularly high at 2,665.8 per 100K, well above the national 2,015.7. Violent crime also sits above national averages, reaching 500.4 incidents per 100K residents.

Protecting property in high-activity areas

Given the high property crime rate, homeowners should prioritize theft prevention. Security cameras and community watch efforts can help reduce the frequency of property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Conway County

via HealthByCounty

Conway approaches but misses U.S. average

At 73.1 years, Conway County's life expectancy comes closer to the U.S. average of 76.4 than most Arkansas peers, though it still falls 3.3 years short. The 26.7% poor/fair health rate—the highest in this county group—suggests underlying health challenges despite reasonable life expectancy.

Slightly above Arkansas's health average

Conway's 73.1-year life expectancy edges out Arkansas's 72.3-year average by 0.8 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. However, the 26.7% poor/fair health rate is concerning and the highest among peers, signaling ongoing wellness gaps.

Life expectancy solid, health perception lags

Conway's 73.1 years ranks above Chicot (69.8), Cleveland (71.5), and Columbia (71.5), but trails Cleburne (75.3) and Craighead (74.4). The 26.7% poor/fair health rate—higher than all peers—suggests residents perceive significant health challenges despite relatively decent life expectancy.

Primary care available, mental health moderate

Conway provides 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 237 mental health providers per 100,000—adequate access for a rural county. The 8.9% uninsured rate is close to state average, though gaps in mental health capacity may limit treatment options.

Insurance opens doors to available providers

With 91.1% of Conway residents covered, most can access the county's primary and mental health services. The 8.9% uninsured should explore marketplace or Medicaid options—especially valuable given the high poor/fair health rate indicating need for ongoing care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Conway County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Options in Conway County

Conway County features 11 public schools that serve a total of 3,479 students. These schools are distributed across four districts and include four elementary, three middle, and four high school campuses.

Top-Tier Graduation Performance

The county's 95.8% graduation rate is a major highlight, exceeding both state and national averages by a wide margin. A composite school score of 53.9 confirms high performance, even with a modest per-pupil expenditure of $5,769.

South Conway County District Leads

The South Conway County School District is the largest, enrolling 2,459 students across five schools. Other options include the Nemo Vista and Wonderview districts, which together serve over 1,000 additional students with no charter schools present.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Reach

The county offers a balanced mix of six town-based and five rural schools, with an average enrollment of 348 students. Morrilton Senior High School is the largest facility with 751 students, acting as a central hub for the county's teens.

Join a High-Achieving Community in Morrilton

Families looking for high school success will find exceptional value in the South Conway County School District. Real estate near Morrilton offers the convenience of town-based schools with the academic results of a top-tier Arkansas county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Conway County

via RiskByCounty

Conway County: Slightly Above National Average

Conway County's composite risk score of 56.55 marginally exceeds the national average, placing it just above the threshold for most American counties despite still rating "relatively low." Your risk concentrates in tornado and earthquake hazards, while floods and wildfires contribute substantially to your exposure. This mid-range positioning reflects Conway's geographic complexity.

Near the Arkansas State Average

At 56.55, Conway nearly matches Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 75 counties. You face roughly average disaster exposure compared to other Arkansas communities. This median standing reflects typical state hazard patterns rather than exceptional vulnerability or protection.

Riskier Than South Arkansas Counties

Conway's 56.55 exceeds neighboring Chicot (43.77), Clark (41.09), and Columbia (42.08) significantly—all south Arkansas communities with 25-35% lower risk. Only Cleburne County at 72.71 and Craighead at 91.79 carry greater risk among nearby counties. Conway occupies the upper-middle range of your region.

Tornado, Earthquake, and Wildfire Exposure

Tornadoes dominate at 82.44, with earthquakes closely behind at 86.93 and wildfires at 74.90—your three principal hazard concerns. Floods at 45.36 add a fourth consideration, though hurricanes remain minimal at 52.73. Your disaster strategy must prioritize these three dominant threats.

Triple Threat Requires Layered Coverage

Your 82.44 tornado score demands excellent wind and hail protection; your 86.93 earthquake exposure requires standalone earthquake coverage as a priority. Wildfire risk at 74.90 necessitates verification that your policy covers structure damage from nearby fires. These three protections directly address Conway's primary hazard portfolio.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Conway County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Arkansas Climate Profile

Conway County averages 61.1°F, aligning closely with the Arkansas state average but well above the national median. It receives 51.8 inches of rain annually.

Matching the State Baseline

At 61.1°F, Conway is almost exactly on par with the state average of 61.0°F. It represents the quintessential central Arkansas climate profile.

Hotter than Hill Country

Conway experiences 70 days of extreme heat, significantly more than Cleburne's 54 days. However, it receives slightly less rain than the state average.

A Balanced Seasonal Mix

The county faces a hot summer average of 80.1°F and a January low of 39.5°F. Winter brings a modest 3.3 inches of snow on average.

Prepared for Summer Spikes

Residents should prepare for 70 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Winter gear should be kept ready for the 3.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Conway County

via SoilByCounty

Stable Sandy Loam Ultisols

Conway County's fine sandy loam has a pH of 5.77, which is less acidic than the state average but lower than the 6.5 national median. These Ultisols provide a chemically stable environment for many native Arkansas plant species. It is a common soil type for the Arkansas River Valley region.

A Balanced and Tilled Texture

The soil is almost perfectly split between 42.0% sand and 41.0% silt, with a 17.0% clay component. This balance creates a soil that is easy to till while still maintaining enough body to support tall plant structures. It offers a great mix of drainage from the sand and nutrient holding from the silt.

Reliable Water Capacity for Crops

With 1.73% organic matter, the soil is below the state average of 4.15% but close to national levels. Its water capacity of 0.149 in/in aligns almost perfectly with the Arkansas state average. This reliability makes it a solid choice for both home gardens and small-scale agriculture.

Moderate Water Movement for Building

This land is moderately well drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group C. It offers a moderate rate of water transmission, which prevents quick drying but requires attention during heavy storms. This makes it suitable for most construction and farming projects with standard site preparation.

Productive Gardening in Zone 8a

The Zone 8a climate is ideal for growing sweet potatoes, okra, and southern peas. With a soil score of 37.3, this land is ready for you to start a productive backyard vegetable patch. Your sandy loam provides a versatile foundation for a wide variety of heat-loving plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Conway County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Growing Potential in Conway

Conway County outperforms the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 41.9. While still more difficult than the national average, Zone 8a residents here enjoy better-than-average Arkansas conditions for maintaining a yard.

Favorable Rainfall and Warm Summers

The county's 51.8 inches of annual rain is very close to the state average and the ideal turf range. You will face 70 extreme heat days, so selecting a grass that can handle consistent summer sun is vital.

Optimizing Fine Sandy Loam

With a pH of 5.77 and a fine sandy loam texture, your soil is close to the ideal conditions for many grass varieties. A light application of lime can bridge the small gap to reach the preferred 6.0 pH level.

Navigating Critical Water Shortages

Despite 19 weeks of drought over the year, 100% of the county is currently under severe drought conditions. Focus on building organic matter in your soil to improve its water-holding capacity during these peaks.

Early November Frost Planning

With 5,141 growing degree days, your lawn has plenty of time to establish after the March 30 frost. Aim to have all sod or seed down well before the first fall frost on November 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conway County's county score?
Conway County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 49.5 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 Conway County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Conway 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 Conway County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Conway County is $718, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Conway County a tax score of 83.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Conway County?
The median household income in Conway County, Arkansas is $51,212 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Conway County earns an income score of 17.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Conway County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Conway County scores 49.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Conway 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 Conway 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.