countyscore
41.4
County Score
Property Tax 80.4Cost of Living 68.3Weather & Climate 54.7

County Report Card

About Cross County, Arkansas

Cross County lags the national average

Cross County's composite score of 41.4 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 30th percentile. The county ranks below average on livability measures compared to U.S. counties generally.

Below average within Arkansas

At 41.4, Cross County scores below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The county faces livability challenges relative to state benchmarks.

Affordability and tax efficiency stand out

Cross County offers exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 68.3, median home value of just $104,000, and rent at $797/month. The tax score of 80.4 with a 0.552% effective rate adds to its cost advantage.

Income inequality and safety dominate weaknesses

Cross County's income score of 9.5 reflects a severe economic disadvantage, with median household income of only $47,012—among the lowest regionally. Safety (6.1) and health (21.6) scores also lag significantly behind state averages.

Best for retirees and remote workers seeking low cost

Cross County suits retirees with fixed incomes or remote workers unbothered by limited local job markets and modest services. The ultra-affordable housing and low tax burden appeal to those prioritizing financial security over economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax80.4Cost68.3Safety6.1Health21.6Schools43.9Income9.5Risk35.1Water38Weather54.7
🏛80.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.8
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

Poinsett County
Arkansas
43.7
St. Francis County
Arkansas
36.9
Woodruff County
Arkansas
57.6
Crittenden County
Arkansas
32.3
Jackson County
Arkansas
42.3
Lee County
Arkansas
42.1
Craighead County
Arkansas
38.8
Shelby County
Tennessee
22.3

Deep Dives

Cross County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cross County

via TaxByCounty

Cross County taxes rank among America's lowest

Cross County's effective tax rate of 0.552% places it in the bottom tier of tax burdens nationally, with median annual taxes of just $574 versus the national median of $2,690. Property owners here benefit from one of the most affordable tax environments in the United States.

Slightly above Arkansas average

Cross County's 0.552% effective rate runs about 3.8% higher than the state average of 0.532%, placing it near the state median. The median tax of $574 sits below the state median of $705, reflecting the county's modest home values.

Competitive rates across the region

Cross County's 0.552% rate sits between Crawford County (0.532%) and Crittenden County (0.602%), offering a middle-ground tax burden for northeast Arkansas. With median home values of $104,000, Cross homes are among the most affordable in the region.

Median Cross County home costs $574 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $104,000 pays approximately $574 in annual property taxes, among the lowest absolute amounts in the state. With a mortgage, taxes may reach $636; without one, they drop to $501.

Appeal if you believe you're overassessed

Even in low-tax counties like Cross, assessment errors occur, and homeowners should verify their property value aligns with recent market sales. A formal appeal to the county assessor could yield meaningful savings if your assessed value exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cross County

via CostByCounty

Cross County's affordability crisis

Cross County faces the most severe housing affordability challenge among our comparison counties, with a 20.3% rent-to-income ratio well above the national standard. The median household income of just $47,012—more than 37% below the national median—makes housing costs genuinely burdensome here.

Arkansas' most strained county

At 20.3%, Cross County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in Arkansas, exceeding the state average of 18.1% by a significant margin. Only Desha County surpasses it in housing cost burden among our comparison group.

Low rents, even lower incomes

Although Cross County's median rent of $797 is moderate compared to Crittenden ($883) and Crawford ($828), the extremely low median household income of $47,012 makes the burden proportionally severe. This income disadvantage—nearly $13,000 below Crawford County—drives the affordability crisis.

Housing dominates the budget

Renters in Cross County allocate 20.3% of their $47,012 median household income to rent, while homeowners pay $679 monthly (17.3% of income) with homes valued at just $104,000. For a household earning $47,000 annually, this leaves only $38,000 for all other expenses.

Cross County requires higher income

Relocate to Cross County only if your household income exceeds $50,000 or if you're pursuing a job opportunity that raises your earning potential significantly. The county's low housing costs won't offset the income constraints unless your personal circumstances improve.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cross County

via IncomeByCounty

Cross County income lags nation by half

Cross County's median household income of $47,012 falls $27,743 short of the national median of $74,755—a 37% deficit. The county earns nearly 8% below Arkansas's state average, placing it among the state's lower-income communities.

Significant challenges in state rankings

Cross County ranks in the bottom quartile of Arkansas counties for household income. Limited local employment diversification and rural economic pressures contribute to this position.

Cross County struggles against stronger neighbors

Cross's $47,012 median trails Crawford County by $13,350 and Franklin County by nearly $5,000. Only Desha and Dallas counties have notably lower median incomes in this region.

Rent burden rises for Cross County renters

At 20.3%, Cross County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the healthy 30% threshold when paired with other expenses, leaving households vulnerable. Median home values of just $104,000 reflect the area's economic reality, but still require careful budgeting.

Focus on income growth and skills training

Cross County families should prioritize workforce development and credential programs that boost earning potential. Even modest income increases of $5,000-$10,000 per year significantly improve financial stability and wealth-building capacity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cross County

via CrimeByCounty

Cross County Safety Context

Cross County reports a total crime rate of 3,232.9 per 100,000, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 94.9. This score suggests that while crime is present, it is often concentrated or manageable.

Below the State Safety Average

The county safety score of 94.9 is slightly lower than the Arkansas average of 96.3. Local agencies work to address a total crime rate that is nearly 1,000 points higher than the state average. This places Cross County in a mid-tier position for safety within Arkansas.

A Safer Alternative to Crittenden

While Cross County has higher crime than the state average, it is significantly safer than neighboring Crittenden County. Crittenden's crime rate is nearly 75% higher than the 3,232.9 reported here. This makes Cross County a relatively more secure option in the eastern Arkansas region.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Property crime is the most common issue, with 2,466.3 incidents per 100,000 people recorded in 2022. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 766.6, which is more than double the national average of 369.8. Residents should be aware that both categories require attention from local law enforcement.

Enhancing Security for Cross Residents

Protecting your home against the 2,466.3 property crimes per 100,000 is a smart move. Installing motion-activated lighting and ensuring all entry points are secure can reduce your risk. Staying informed through local reporting helps keep the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cross County

via HealthByCounty

Cross County life expectancy lags nation

At 70.9 years, Cross County residents live more than 1.5 years below the U.S. average of 72.5 years, indicating persistent health challenges. About 1 in 4 residents (25.5%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 18%.

Cross ranks below state average

Cross County's 70.9-year life expectancy trails Arkansas's 72.3-year state average by 1.4 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 25.5% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state median.

Outperforms some neighbors, lags others

Cross County's 70.9-year life expectancy beats Crittenden County (69.2 years) and Dallas County (70.5 years), but trails Crawford County (73.2 years) and Faulkner County (75.7 years). Primary care availability at 42 per 100,000 is moderate, with 104 mental health providers per 100,000.

Uninsured rate slightly above state

Cross County's 10.5% uninsured rate edges above the state average of 9.9%, meaning more than 1 in 10 residents lack coverage. With 42 primary care providers per 100,000 and 104 mental health providers per 100,000, healthcare access is moderate but below the strongest counties in the region.

Explore coverage options today

More than 1 in 10 Cross County residents are uninsured—often unknowingly. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to learn about Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health resources that fit your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cross County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Education in Cross County

Cross County features a streamlined education system of six public schools across two districts, supporting 3,181 total students. The landscape includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

High Graduation Success and Competitive Scores

A graduation rate of 92.5% places the county well ahead of both state and national averages. The local school score of 52.8 also exceeds the state average of 51.9, achieved with a per-pupil investment of $6,064.

Wynne School District Leads the Way

The Wynne School District manages the majority of the county's students, with 2,484 pupils enrolled across four schools. Charter options are significant here, as two of the six schools—including the Cross County Elementary Tech Academy—are charters.

A Town-Centered Educational Experience

Four schools are located in town settings while two remain rural, creating a close-knit average school size of 530 students. Wynne High School is the largest institution with 784 students, providing a central hub for the community's teenagers.

Join a High-Achieving Rural Community

Cross County offers exceptional graduation rates and innovative charter options for families seeking a focused learning environment. Start your home search today in a county where academic performance consistently beats state benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cross County

via RiskByCounty

Cross County below national average

Cross County's 64.92 composite risk score places it in the Relatively Low category, performing better than the national average. However, an earthquake risk of 94.69 stands as a notable local concern despite the county's overall moderate profile.

Near-average risk for Arkansas

Cross County's 64.92 score slightly exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it in the middle tier of state risk rankings. The county's earthquake exposure is the primary driver of above-average composite risk.

Less risky than Crittenden County

Cross County's 64.92 score is substantially lower than neighboring Crittenden County's 82.95, though both face similar high earthquake risks (94.69 vs. 96.41). Cross County benefits from lower tornado and flood threats, making it measurably safer overall.

Earthquakes and tornadoes loom large

Earthquake risk at 94.69 represents Cross County's primary hazard, reflecting proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, while tornado risk at 61.48 poses a secondary seasonal threat. Flood risk remains moderate at 39.34 compared to many Arkansas counties.

Prioritize earthquake and wind coverage

Cross County residents should purchase earthquake insurance immediately, as it is not included in standard policies and seismic risk here is very high. Add comprehensive wind and hail coverage to your homeowners policy to address tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cross County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Climate Compared to National Medians

Cross County averages 62.2°F annually, staying well above the United States median temperature of 54°F. Its climate is defined by long, warm periods and short, manageable winters.

Ranking High Among Arkansas Temperature Tiers

At 62.2°F, the county is warmer than the state average of 61.0°F. It occupies a mid-to-high rank for temperature among Arkansas counties, typical for the eastern plains.

Mirroring Neighbors with Slightly Drier Conditions

The county's 62.2°F average temperature matches Crittenden County exactly. However, Cross is slightly drier than its neighbor, receiving 50.6 inches of precipitation annually compared to 53.1 inches.

Intense July Heat and Rare Snowfall

July averages a sweltering 82.2°F, contributing to 64 extreme heat days annually. Snow is infrequent, with only 2.0 inches falling in a typical year while January stays above freezing at 40.3°F.

Summer Readiness for the Eastern Plains

With 64 days above 90°F, efficient HVAC systems are a primary requirement for local homes. While snow is rare, the 50.6 inches of rain suggests residents should keep reliable wet-weather gear on hand.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cross County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic silt loams define the region

Cross County features an average pH of 5.67, which is typical for Arkansas but below the national median of 6.5. This acidity level generally supports forest growth and specific agricultural crops like rice. Producers often apply lime to balance the soil for more sensitive garden plants.

Silt-rich profile for smooth workability

Silt dominates the soil at 58.3%, the highest fraction in the mix, followed by 21.8% clay and 19.9% sand. This high silt concentration provides a smooth, flour-like texture that is very easy to work for tillage. However, this composition can be prone to erosion if left uncovered by vegetation.

Exceptional water storage capacity

The available water capacity is a robust 0.191 in/in, significantly higher than the Arkansas average of 0.148 in/in. While organic matter is low at 1.47%, the soil’s ability to hold water makes it highly productive. This creates a resilient environment for crops during the hot summer months.

Managing water on the landscape

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are currently limited for this county. Given the extremely high silt content, the soil likely holds moisture well but may suffer from surface crusting. Implementing cover crops can help maintain soil structure and improve water infiltration.

A long season in zone 8a

The county resides in USDA hardiness zone 8a, offering a generous window for growing warm-season crops. The water-retentive silty soil is ideal for tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. Gardeners should take advantage of the early spring and late fall to maximize their harvests.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cross County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Cross County

With a lawn difficulty score of 34.8, Cross County is a tougher environment for turf than the average Arkansas county. This Zone 8a region requires more dedicated care than the national median of 50.0 due to extreme weather patterns and soil acidity.

Heat Stress and High Metabolism

Lawns here experience 5,507 growing degree days and 64 days of heat exceeding 90°F, putting them in a near-constant state of growth or stress. While the 50.6 inches of annual rain is near the ideal limit, the summer heat often evaporates moisture faster than it can be absorbed.

Soil Adjustments for Healthier Turf

The soil pH of 5.67 is below the ideal 6.0 threshold, suggesting that nutrient availability is limited for most common grasses. With 21.8% clay and 19.9% sand, the soil texture provides a moderate balance but requires organic matter to improve structure.

Navigating Critical Drought Levels

Nearly 99.9% of Cross County is currently in severe drought, part of a 29-week stretch of dry conditions over the past year. Lawn survival depends on strict water conservation and letting grass go dormant rather than forcing growth during these extreme periods.

Strategic Planting for Zone 8a

Homeowners should select heat-tolerant varieties like Bermudagrass, seeding after the last frost on March 23. With the first frost not arriving until November 7, there is a substantial window to establish a resilient lawn before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cross County's county score?
Cross County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 41.4 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 Cross County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Cross County ranks #58 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 Cross County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Cross County is $574, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Cross County a tax score of 80.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cross County?
The median household income in Cross County, Arkansas is $47,012 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cross County earns an income score of 9.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cross County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Cross County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Cross 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 Cross 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.