countyscore
32.3
County Score
Property Tax 74.2Weather & Climate 55Soil Quality 53.9

County Report Card

About Crittenden County, Arkansas

Crittenden ranks among the nation's lowest

Crittenden County's composite score of 32.3 falls far below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 14th percentile nationally. This represents one of the lowest livability scores in the country.

Among Arkansas's weakest performers

Crittenden County's 32.3 score ranks it well below the Arkansas state average of 47.9, placing it in the lower quartile of the state's counties. The county faces serious livability challenges relative to its peers.

Tax burden remains manageable

Crittenden County's tax score of 74.2 and effective tax rate of 0.602% represent a relative bright spot. The county also maintains modest housing costs with a median home value of $155,100.

Safety crisis overshadows other concerns

With a catastrophically low safety score of 1.4, Crittenden County faces severe public safety challenges that dominate livability concerns. Combined with weak health (19.9), income (23.6), and school (27.6) scores, the county struggles across multiple dimensions.

High-risk choice for all but most resilient

Crittenden County is best suited only for those with very flexible circumstances and exceptional tolerance for safety risks. The county's median household income of $54,271 and systemic challenges in schools and health services make it a difficult choice for families prioritizing stability.

Score breakdown

Tax74.2Cost45Safety1.4Health19.9Schools27.6Income23.6Risk17.1Water40.2Weather55
🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.4
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

Shelby County
Tennessee
22.3
DeSoto County
Mississippi
36.7
Cross County
Arkansas
41.4
Tunica County
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Tate County
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Lee County
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Tipton County
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St. Francis County
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Deep Dives

Crittenden County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Crittenden County

via TaxByCounty

Crittenden taxes still far below national norms

Crittenden County's effective tax rate of 0.602% remains well below the national median burden, with annual median taxes of just $934 against the national median of $2,690. This county ranks among the most tax-affordable in the nation when measured as a share of home value.

Crittenden ranks slightly above state average

At 0.602%, Crittenden County's effective tax rate runs about 13% higher than the Arkansas state average of 0.532%. The county's median tax of $934 exceeds the state median of $705, positioning Crittenden in the upper-middle tier for state property tax burden.

Highest rate among nearby counties

Crittenden's 0.602% rate outpaces all adjacent counties, including Crawford (0.532%) and Cross County (0.552%), making it the most tax-intensive option in the immediate region. Despite higher rates, median home values in Crittenden ($155,100) remain lower than in nearby growth areas, suggesting assessment practices differ noticeably.

Median Crittenden home costs $934 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $155,100 pays approximately $934 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation can rise to $1,181; without one, it falls to $598.

Consider an assessment appeal if overvalued

Property overassessment is common across Arkansas counties, and Crittenden homeowners should verify their assessed value matches recent market comparables. Filing a formal appeal with the county assessor's office can often result in lower tax liability if your property is indeed overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crittenden County

via CostByCounty

Crittenden's affordability squeeze

At 19.5%, Crittenden County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national standard and Arkansas' state average of 18.1%, signaling tighter housing affordability. The median household income of $54,271 falls well below the national median of $74,755, while median rent of $883 monthly is the highest among our comparison counties.

Below-average affordability for Arkansas

Crittenden County ranks among the less affordable Arkansas counties, with a 19.5% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 1.4 percentage points. This reflects both lower local incomes and higher rents relative to neighboring counties in the same region.

Higher rents, tighter budgets

Crittenden County's median rent of $883 is notably higher than Cross County ($797) and Dallas County ($626), despite lower median household income than Crawford County ($60,362). Homeownership costs similarly run high at $863 monthly, making both renting and buying more expensive here than in surrounding areas.

Rent and mortgage burden

With median household income of $54,271, renting at $883 monthly consumes 19.5% of income, while homeownership at $863 monthly takes 19.1%—both above comfort thresholds. The median home value of $155,100 is among the highest in the region, further straining household budgets.

Crittenden demands careful planning

Before relocating to Crittenden County, ensure your household income exceeds $54,000 or negotiate remote work with a higher-wage employer. The housing-to-income strain here leaves less flexibility for unexpected expenses compared to nearby alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crittenden County

via IncomeByCounty

Crittenden faces a significant income gap

Crittenden County's median household income of $54,271 runs $20,484 below the national median of $74,755—nearly 27% lower. While 6% above Arkansas's state average of $51,156, the county still lags significantly behind prosperity benchmarks.

Below-average income within Arkansas

Crittenden ranks in the lower third of Arkansas counties for household income, reflecting decades of economic transition. The county's economy has faced headwinds that many neighboring areas share.

Crittenden trails Crawford and Franklin

Crittenden's $54,271 income lags Crawford County by $6,091 and Franklin County by nearly $3,000. This gap suggests fewer job opportunities or lower wages in Crittenden compared to adjacent regions.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

At 19.5%, Crittenden's rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold, meaning renters dedicate a substantial share of income to housing. While not yet unaffordable, the margin for emergencies and savings is tighter than state and national norms.

Every dollar counts—prioritize emergency funds

Crittenden families should focus on building a 3-6 month emergency fund before aggressive investing, given tighter income margins. Even small automated transfers to savings can compound over time and build resilience against income shocks.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crittenden County

via CrimeByCounty

Significant Safety Challenges in Crittenden

Crittenden County faces a total crime rate of 5,685.7 per 100,000, which is more than double the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 91.0 reflects these ongoing challenges in the local environment. Local authorities manage a volume of reports far exceeding typical national figures.

Trailing Arkansas Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 91.0 falls well below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. This gap indicates that Crittenden is one of the more active areas for law enforcement in the state. Recent data highlights the need for focused community safety initiatives.

Higher Crime Rates than Nearby Cross

Crittenden's crime rate of 5,685.7 is significantly higher than neighboring Cross County, which reports 3,232.9 incidents per 100,000. This disparity makes Crittenden a outlier in the immediate region. Reducing these numbers remains a primary goal for the six local reporting agencies.

Violent and Property Crime Breakdown

The county experiences a high violent crime rate of 1,858.4, which is nearly five times the national average. Property crime is also elevated at 3,827.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. These numbers translate to a much higher frequency of police calls than in neighboring districts.

Prioritizing Safety in Your Neighborhood

Given the elevated rates of both violent and property crime, enhanced home security is essential. Consider reinforced locks and professionally monitored alarm systems to provide an extra layer of protection. Community watch programs also play a vital role in improving local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crittenden County

via HealthByCounty

Crittenden falls short on life expectancy

Crittenden County residents live to an average of 69.2 years—nearly 3.5 years below the U.S. average of 72.5 years, making it one of America's shorter life expectancy areas. More than 1 in 4 residents (28.1%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%, signaling substantial health challenges.

Crittenden ranks among Arkansas's lowest

At 69.2 years, Crittenden County's life expectancy falls 3.1 years below Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, placing it among the state's most health-challenged counties. The 28.1% poor/fair health rate is also among the worst statewide.

Struggling compared to adjacent counties

Crittenden's 69.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in its region, trailing Cross County (70.9 years) and Crawford County (73.2 years) by significant margins. Its 28.1% poor/fair health rate also exceeds most neighboring counties, though mental health provider density (242 per 100K) is strong.

Uninsured rate masks provider gaps

While Crittenden's 9.3% uninsured rate matches the state average, access to primary care is a real problem: just 27 providers per 100,000 residents, less than half the availability in some peer counties. Mental health support is a bright spot with 242 providers per 100,000, but physical healthcare access remains constrained.

Get covered and find a provider

With limited primary care options and 1 in 11 residents uninsured, health coverage is critical in Crittenden County. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or assistance programs that connect you to the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crittenden County

via SchoolsByCounty

Sizable School Networks Across Crittenden

Crittenden County operates 18 public schools across four districts, serving a large student population of 9,291. The infrastructure consists of 10 elementary schools and an equal split of four middle and four high schools.

Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county maintains an 88.8% graduation rate, which beats the national benchmark of 87.0% despite being slightly lower than the Arkansas average. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $5,909, trailing both state and national spending levels.

West Memphis and Marion Dominate Enrollment

West Memphis School District is the county's largest, educating 4,954 students, while Marion School District follows closely with 3,902 students. The Academies of West Memphis Charter School represents the county's only charter institution, enrolling 952 high school students.

Suburban Living with Large Campus Sizes

Education here is predominantly suburban, with 16 of the 18 schools located in suburban locales and an average school size of 547 students. Marion Junior High School is the largest campus in the county, currently serving 970 students in grades seven through nine.

Secure Your Family's Future in Crittenden

With large suburban campuses and graduation rates that exceed national norms, Crittenden County is an attractive destination for families. Consider proximity to top-performing districts like West Memphis or Marion when choosing your next residence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crittenden County

via RiskByCounty

Crittenden faces moderate national risk

Crittenden County's composite risk of 82.95 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, above the national average and among the riskier U.S. counties. The county's earthquake risk of 96.41 is exceptionally high, while flood and tornado threats also exceed typical levels.

Second-riskiest county in Arkansas

At 82.95, Crittenden ranks as one of Arkansas's highest-risk counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 55.51. Only a handful of state counties approach Crittenden's composite risk, driven largely by extreme earthquake exposure.

Cross County is notably safer

Crittenden's 82.95 score far exceeds neighboring Cross County's 64.92—a 18-point gap largely attributable to Crittenden's much higher earthquake risk (96.41 vs. 94.69). Both counties share moderate flood concerns, but Crittenden's seismic hazard is significantly more pronounced.

Earthquake threat dominates region

Crittenden's earthquake risk of 96.41 is nearly the highest in the state and reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a major fault system capable of producing severe tremors. Flood risk of 72.36 and tornado risk of 73.28 compound the hazard picture.

Earthquake insurance is essential

Crittenden residents must obtain standalone earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies do not cover seismic damage. Also ensure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and verify your home's structural anchoring and bolting to withstand ground shaking.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crittenden County

via WeatherByCounty

Crittenden County Exceeds National Temperature Medians

Crittenden County maintains an annual average temperature of 62.2°F, notably higher than the national median of approximately 54°F. This puts the region firmly within the humid subtropical climate zone typical of the Mississippi Delta.

Warmer Than the Arkansas State Average

With an average temperature of 62.2°F, the county sits more than a degree above the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. This makes it one of the warmer entries among the state's 75 counties.

Consistent Warmth Across the Delta Region

The county shares an identical 62.2°F average with neighboring Cross County to the west. However, Crittenden receives more annual rainfall at 53.1 inches compared to Cross's 50.6 inches.

Hot Delta Summers and Mild Winters

The area endures 63 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Winter remains relatively mild with only 1.7 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 40.5°F.

Managing Delta Humidity and High Rainfall

High annual precipitation of 53.1 inches requires robust drainage systems and gutter maintenance. Residents should plan for heavy air conditioning use during the long summer months, which average 80.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crittenden County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH near the national average

Crittenden County boasts an average pH of 6.35, placing it much closer to the national median of 6.5 than most Arkansas counties. This near-neutral acidity makes it one of the most versatile counties in the state for diverse agriculture. Most plants find this chemical environment ideal for nutrient uptake.

Heavier silts and clays dominate

The composition is dominated by 46.9% silt and 32.1% clay, with only 21.0% sand. This heavy mix results in excellent nutrient retention but can be difficult to work when wet. The high clay content provides a stable foundation for crops but requires careful management of compaction.

Strong water retention for crops

Available water capacity is 0.166 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.148 in/in. Organic matter levels are 1.81%, lower than the state's 4.15% average but sufficient for large-scale row cropping. These soils act as a reliable reservoir for moisture during dry spells.

Data limitations for local drainage

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high clay content suggests a naturally slower drainage process. Producers generally manage these fields with precision leveling to prevent standing water. Careful monitoring remains essential for preventing root rot in sensitive species.

Hardy growth in zone 8a

Crittenden County sits in hardiness zone 8a, allowing for a long and productive growing season. The silt-heavy soil is perfect for cotton, soybeans, and rice, which are regional staples. Local gardeners can expect great success with heat-tolerant vegetables and ornamental shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crittenden County

via LawnByCounty

Crittenden County's Competitive Lawn Climate

A lawn difficulty score of 45.4 indicates that Crittenden County is more favorable for grass than the Arkansas average of 37.3. Residents in this Zone 8a region face challenges slightly tougher than the national median of 50.0, requiring consistent maintenance.

Abundant Rain and Long Growing Cycles

The county receives 53.1 inches of annual precipitation, slightly above the state average of 52.4 inches. With 5,471 growing degree days and 63 days of extreme heat, the grass enters a high-metabolism state that requires frequent mowing and careful hydration.

Navigating High-Clay Foundations

Soil here is heavy with 32.1% clay content, which holds nutrients well but can lead to compaction and drainage issues. The pH level of 6.35 is excellent, falling right within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf species.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

The county spent 21 weeks in drought over the last year, and 13.6% of the area currently faces severe drought. To protect the lawn, residents should avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers during dry spells to prevent burning the grass while it struggles for moisture.

Capitalizing on a Long Season

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Centipede thrive in Zone 8a, with a long window for growth between the March 19 last frost and November 11 first frost. Starting your lawn in late spring allows roots to establish before the 63 days of intense summer heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crittenden County's county score?
Crittenden County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 32.3 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 Crittenden County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Crittenden County ranks #74 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 Crittenden County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Crittenden County is $934, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Crittenden County a tax score of 74.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crittenden County?
The median household income in Crittenden County, Arkansas is $54,271 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crittenden County earns an income score of 23.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crittenden County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Crittenden County scores 32.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Crittenden 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 Crittenden 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.