countyscore
38.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 81.1Weather & Climate 62.4

County Report Card

About Craighead County, Arkansas

Craighead lags behind the national median

Craighead County's composite score of 38.9 falls well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom third of American counties. Residents face livability headwinds compared to the typical county nationwide.

Among Arkansas's weaker performers

Craighead ranks notably below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, making it one of the state's least livable counties. The 9-point gap underscores significant livability challenges relative to the broader state.

Incomes and water quality stand out

Craighead boasts the highest median household income in this sample at $57,615, with an income score of 32.0 reflecting relative earning strength. An excellent 86.0 water score ensures clean drinking water and strong environmental infrastructure.

Housing costs and safety are severe headwinds

Craighead's median home value of $198,700 and rent of $930 are the highest in this group, making housing severely unaffordable despite decent incomes—earning just a 38.0 cost score. Safety scores an alarmingly low 5.3, and risk scores only 8.2, indicating major environmental or economic hazards.

For career-focused professionals only

Craighead County suits well-paid professionals working in major employers who can absorb high housing costs, but the combination of poor safety and high environmental risk makes it unsuitable for families. Comprehensive due diligence on neighborhood conditions and long-term local economic stability is essential.

Score breakdown

Tax81.1Cost38Safety5.3Health36.7Schools40.9Income32Risk8.2Water86Weather62.4
🏛81.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39
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

Greene County
Arkansas
41.3
Poinsett County
Arkansas
43.7
Lawrence County
Arkansas
51.8
Clay County
Arkansas
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Randolph County
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Jackson County
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Cross County
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Dunklin County
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Deep Dives

Craighead County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Craighead County

via CrimeByCounty

Craighead County sees elevated crime volume

Craighead County reports a total crime rate of 3,421.4 per 100K, significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a local safety score of 94.6, indicating higher risk levels.

Well above state crime averages

Craighead’s crime rate of 3,421.4 is much higher than the Arkansas state average of 2,326.8. Its safety score of 94.6 is one of the lower figures in the region, compared to the state average of 96.3.

Local safety comparison shows regional peak

Craighead County has more than double the crime rate of nearby Clay County's 1,313.9. It currently stands as the county with the highest incident rate among its immediate peer group.

Property and violent crime both elevated

The county faces 576.4 violent crimes per 100K, which is 56% higher than the national average. Property crime is even more prevalent, totaling 2,845.0 incidents per 100K residents.

Maximizing home security in Craighead

With elevated property and violent crime, comprehensive home security is essential. Investing in alarm monitoring and reinforced doors can help protect your household against local trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Craighead County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Dynamic Urban School System

Craighead County manages a robust network of 35 public schools serving nearly 20,000 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 19 elementary schools, six middle schools, and nine high schools across seven districts.

Consistent Performance in a Growing Hub

The county maintains a 92.1% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. While the $5,845 per-pupil spending is slightly below the Arkansas average, the composite school score remains competitive at 52.1.

Jonesboro and Nettleton Anchor the Region

The Jonesboro School District is the largest, managing 11 schools and 6,709 students. Nettleton and Brookland also play major roles, serving 3,633 and 3,060 students respectively, within a system that includes no charter schools.

Big City Schools and Rural Alternatives

The county features 18 city-based schools and 14 rural campuses, creating a varied educational feel. The Academies at Jonesboro High is the largest school with 1,386 students, contrasting with smaller rural elementary schools across the county.

Discover Jonesboro's Diverse School Districts

With seven districts to choose from, families can find homes near large city academies or quiet rural elementary schools. The Jonesboro and Brookland areas are particularly popular for their modern facilities and strong enrollment growth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Craighead County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Heat in the Delta

Craighead County averages 59.9°F, placing it in a temperate zone warmer than the U.S. median. The region is moderately wet with 50.3 inches of rainfall.

One of the State's Cooler Spots

The county stays roughly one degree cooler than the Arkansas average of 61.0°F. It is one of the more snowfall-prone areas in the state.

Warmer than Clay County

Craighead is slightly warmer than Clay County but cooler than Conway. It sees 63 days of extreme heat, compared to 54 in neighboring Clay.

Snow and Sun in Tandem

Summer averages 79.2°F, while winters drop to a 39.8°F average. The county sees 3.9 inches of snow, among the highest totals in the region.

Planning for Seasonal Peaks

Budget for 63 days of high-intensity cooling during the summer months. Winter preparedness is key for handling the nearly 4 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Craighead County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Leaning Soils in Craighead

The soil in Craighead County has a pH of 5.77, making it slightly more alkaline than the Arkansas state average of 5.56. While specific taxonomic and texture classifications are currently unavailable, this chemical profile is favorable for many regional crops. It remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Silt-Rich Foundation for Growth

Silt is the primary component here at 54.6%, followed by 27.7% sand and 17.6% clay. This silty profile provides a smooth, floury texture that retains moisture and nutrients effectively. Such a high silt percentage makes the soil very productive but susceptible to compaction if worked while wet.

Excellent Water Retention for Farming

Organic matter stands at 1.51%, which is lower than the 4.15% state average. However, the soil compensates with a high available water capacity of 0.185 in/in, significantly better than the state average of 0.148 in/in. This characteristic is a major asset for local farmers during the dry summer months.

Monitoring Local Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for the county. Local residents should look for signs of standing water after storms to determine the best placement for gardens or home structures. Understanding how your specific plot handles water is the first step toward successful land use.

Thirsty Crops Thrive in Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, you can enjoy a long season of productive gardening. Use the high water-retention capabilities to grow thirsty crops like melons, cucumbers, or squash and watch them thrive. With a soil score of 44.7, Craighead County offers a strong foundation for your next garden project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Craighead County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining Excellence in Craighead

Craighead County's lawn difficulty score of 39.0 is better than the Arkansas average of 37.3. While it remains more challenging than the national median, the local climate in Zone 8a is relatively supportive of healthy turf.

Ideal Precipitation for Green Lawns

The county receives 50.3 inches of annual rain, hitting the upper limit of the ideal 30-50 inch range perfectly. With 63 extreme heat days, the summer stress is almost exactly in line with the Arkansas state average.

Managing Soil for Peak Health

The soil pH of 5.77 is slightly acidic but manageable with standard amendments. With 17.6% clay and 27.7% sand, the soil offers a balanced structure that supports root growth without excessive drainage problems.

Battling Nearly Total Severe Drought

Currently, 97.9% of Craighead County faces severe drought, following 30 weeks of dry conditions this year. Residents should practice water conservation, such as using mulch in landscape beds and keeping mower blades high.

A Solid Season for Craighead Lawns

Plan to start your lawn after the last spring frost on April 1 to ensure young grass isn't damaged. You have a productive season of 4,938 growing degree days before the first frost arrives on November 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Craighead County's county score?
Craighead County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 38.8 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 Craighead County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Craighead County ranks #63 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 Craighead County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Craighead County is $1,084, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Craighead County a tax score of 81.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Craighead County?
The median household income in Craighead County, Arkansas is $57,615 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Craighead County earns an income score of 32/100 on CountyScore.
Is Craighead County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Craighead County scores 38.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Craighead 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 Craighead County with other counties side by side.

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