CountyScore

Craighead County

Arkansas · AR

#68 in Arkansas
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Craighead County, Arkansas

Craighead County meets national livability standards

Craighead County's composite score of 66.0 sits 16 points above the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid livability fundamentals. However, it falls below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, positioning it among the weaker performers in this peer group.

Below average for Arkansas counties

Craighead County scores 66.0, placing it 4.3 points below Arkansas's state average of 70.3. This is the lowest score among the eight counties examined, despite some notable strengths.

Highest incomes and strong health outcomes

Craighead County boasts the highest median household income ($57,615) and income score (21.0) among all eight counties, paired with excellent health outcomes (63.7). These figures reflect a stronger economic base and community wellness than most peers.

Housing costs and risk vulnerability are significant

Craighead County's median home value ($198,700) is by far the highest in this group, and median rent ($930/month) is also the priciest, producing a below-average cost score (77.7). The extremely low risk score (8.2) signals acute vulnerability to economic or natural hazards that demand serious consideration.

Best for higher-income professionals with stability

Craighead County appeals to professionals earning $55,000+ seeking higher income potential and better health services, despite elevated housing costs. However, the very low risk score suggests this county may face significant environmental or economic vulnerabilities that require further investigation before relocating.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.9Cost77.7SafetyComing SoonHealth63.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome21Risk8.2WaterComing Soon
🏛86.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡8.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Craighead County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Putnam County
Georgia
66
Median income: $64,163
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323
Warren County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $64,801

Deep Dives

Craighead County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Craighead County

via TaxByCounty

Craighead's taxes among lowest in nation

Craighead County's effective tax rate of 0.545% ranks in the bottom 12% nationally, with a median property tax of $1,084. Though higher than other Arkansas counties in absolute dollars, this is still less than 40% of the national median tax burden of $2,690.

Above-average rate in Arkansas

At 0.545%, Craighead County's effective rate edges above the state average of 0.532%, placing it in the upper half of Arkansas counties. The median tax of $1,084 is the highest in this survey, driven by the county's median home value of $198,700—the strongest in the region.

Higher values and rates than surrounding counties

Craighead County's 0.545% rate and $1,084 median tax exceed all neighboring counties surveyed, reflecting its more developed economy and higher home values. Jonesboro's presence as a regional hub drives both property values and tax collections higher than rural peers.

Estimate $1,084 in annual property taxes

A Craighead County home valued at the median $198,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,084. With a mortgage, homeowners pay $1,223; without one, they pay $874.

Even higher-value homes warrant assessment review

Craighead's higher home values make assessment accuracy especially important—an overvaluation compounds to hundreds of dollars in extra taxes. Filing a free appeal with the assessor is a smart step for any homeowner questioning their property's appraised worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Craighead County

via CostByCounty

Craighead renters exceed state norms

Craighead County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, indicating tighter affordability pressures for renters. The median household income of $57,615, the highest among the surveyed counties, reflects Craighead's role as a regional economic center, yet housing demand pushes rental costs higher.

Craighead ranks among state's priciest

Craighead County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio places it among Arkansas's least affordable counties, despite the highest median income surveyed. The $198,700 median home value—also the highest in this region—reflects Craighead's position as the state's most developed area outside major metros.

Craighead rents dominate the region

Craighead's median rent of $930 significantly exceeds all regional peers—more than $100 above the state average of $760 and roughly $280 above Cleveland County. This premium reflects Craighead's status as a regional job center and most desirable county in the surveyed area.

Craighead renters spend 19% of income

Craighead households earning $57,615 spend $930 monthly on rent—approximately 19% of income, the highest burden among surveyed counties. Homeowners pay $914 monthly on homes valued at $198,700, requiring substantial household resources for homeownership.

Craighead suits higher-income relocators

If you're relocating to Arkansas with above-average income seeking employment opportunities and regional development, Craighead offers jobs and amenities—but at premium costs. Compare Craighead's $930 rent against more affordable nearby options like Clay ($696) or Cleveland ($635) to determine if the premium aligns with your career gains.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Craighead County

via IncomeByCounty

Craighead leads Arkansas income rankings

Craighead County's median household income of $57,615 ranks highest among the eight surveyed counties and tops most of Arkansas, yet remains 23% below the national median of $74,755. The county's stronger economy reflects its larger metropolitan hub anchored by Jonesboro.

Top performer in state economy

At $57,615, Craighead ranks in the upper 15% statewide, 12.6% above Arkansas's state average of $51,156. The per capita income of $32,319 exceeds state average by 15%, indicating strong earning capacity across the county.

Regional economic leader

Craighead's $57,615 outpaces all seven peer counties, with the next-highest earner (Cleburne at $55,979) trailing by $1,636. The county's metropolitan anchoring drives higher wages and more diverse employment opportunities.

Higher costs reflect stronger economy

Craighead's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio is elevated among this group, with median home values of $198,700—the highest surveyed. However, stronger incomes support these higher housing costs while maintaining adequate financial margins.

Accelerate wealth through diversification

Craighead's above-average income and metro-area access enable households to maximize investment options—stocks, bonds, real estate, and business ownership. Prioritize working with financial advisors to develop multi-pronged wealth strategies suited to longer earning horizons.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Craighead County

via HealthByCounty

Craighead approaches U.S. health standards

Craighead County's 74.4-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by only 2 years—among the best performance in rural Arkansas. The county's 23.1% poor/fair health rate is well below national (17%) and state averages, reflecting relatively strong population wellness.

Top health outcomes in Arkansas

At 74.4 years, Craighead's life expectancy exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year average by 2.1 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The 23.1% poor/fair health rate is below state average, indicating sustained community health resilience.

Second-best health leader in the region

Craighead trails only Cleburne County (75.3) on life expectancy and matches it closely on poor/fair health rates, making both standouts in the region. The 9.9% uninsured rate is at state average, and the county's robust provider base supports excellent access.

Abundant primary and mental health providers

Craighead offers 123 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest in this county group—and 413 mental health providers per 100,000, nearly double most peers. This provider abundance, paired with 90.1% insurance coverage, creates strong conditions for preventive and ongoing care.

Coverage unlocks Craighead's healthcare strength

With Arkansas's most robust primary care and mental health capacity, Craighead residents benefit enormously from insurance coverage. The 9.9% uninsured should check marketplace or Medicaid options to access this exceptional provider infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Craighead County

via RiskByCounty

Craighead County: Highest Risk in Region

Craighead County's composite risk score of 91.79 places it in the "relatively moderate" category—substantially above the national average and among the highest-risk counties nationwide. Your exposure spans tornadoes at 97.74, earthquakes at 97.81, and floods at 78.75, creating an exceptionally complex hazard environment. This elevated profile demands comprehensive, serious disaster preparedness.

Arkansas's Most Dangerous County

Craighead's 91.79 vastly exceeds the Arkansas state average of 55.51—a 65% elevation—making it the state's riskiest county by a substantial margin. You face nearly double the disaster exposure of the average Arkansas community. This distinction underscores Craighead's uniquely challenging natural hazard geography.

Dramatically Riskier Than All Neighbors

Craighead's 91.79 catastrophically exceeds every nearby county: Cleburne (72.71), Conway (56.55), Clay (71.63), and Columbia (42.08) all score significantly lower. You face roughly 25% greater risk than Cleburne, your second-riskiest neighbor, and more than double Columbia County's exposure. Craighead stands isolated as northeast Arkansas's hazard hotspot.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Define Danger

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate your risk at nearly identical, exceptional levels: 97.74 and 97.81 respectively—among the highest scores in the nation. Floods add critical third pressure at 78.75, creating a three-fold emergency preparedness requirement. These three hazards account for the vast majority of your exposure.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Critical

Your 97.74 tornado score and 97.81 earthquake score demand world-class wind/hail and earthquake coverage—these are non-negotiable investments, not optional add-ons. Flood insurance at your 78.75 risk level protects against your third major threat and should be mandatory in your planning. Bundle these three protections to genuinely safeguard your home in Craighead County.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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