Crittenden County's composite score of 64.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, putting it in the top 33rd percentile nationally. This demonstrates solid livability fundamentals despite economic headwinds facing the broader region.
2 / 5
Below-average standing within Arkansas
Crittenden's score of 64.6 falls below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The gap suggests the county faces steeper challenges than many neighboring jurisdictions.
3 / 5
Low taxes and affordable homes anchor the county
Crittenden shines with a tax score of 85.3 (0.602% effective rate) and cost score of 79.4, keeping median rents at $883 and homes around $155,100. These affordability metrics are Crittenden's clearest competitive advantage.
4 / 5
Income and health outcomes need attention
The county's income score of 18.8 reflects a median household income of just $54,271—among Arkansas's lowest—while health outcomes (55.4) and risk management (17.1) both rank among the weakest in the state. These gaps suggest limited economic dynamism and wellness infrastructure.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and cost-minimizers
Crittenden County appeals most to retirees and ultra-budget-conscious households seeking minimal taxes and rock-bottom housing costs. New job-seekers and young families may find limited income opportunities and health resources.
Crittenden County's composite score of 64.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, putting it in the top 33rd percentile nationally. This demonstrates solid livability fundamentals despite economic headwinds facing the broader region.
Below-average standing within Arkansas
Crittenden's score of 64.6 falls below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The gap suggests the county faces steeper challenges than many neighboring jurisdictions.
Low taxes and affordable homes anchor the county
Crittenden shines with a tax score of 85.3 (0.602% effective rate) and cost score of 79.4, keeping median rents at $883 and homes around $155,100. These affordability metrics are Crittenden's clearest competitive advantage.
Income and health outcomes need attention
The county's income score of 18.8 reflects a median household income of just $54,271—among Arkansas's lowest—while health outcomes (55.4) and risk management (17.1) both rank among the weakest in the state. These gaps suggest limited economic dynamism and wellness infrastructure.
Ideal for retirees and cost-minimizers
Crittenden County appeals most to retirees and ultra-budget-conscious households seeking minimal taxes and rock-bottom housing costs. New job-seekers and young families may find limited income opportunities and health resources.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.