Cross County's composite score of 68.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 36th percentile nationally. It demonstrates solid fundamental livability despite being a small, rural Delta county.
2 / 5
Modest positioning in state rankings
At 68.2, Cross County scores slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it comfortably in the middle range of the state's counties. It performs competently but lags some higher-tier peers.
3 / 5
Outstanding tax and housing affordability
Cross County boasts exceptional tax efficiency with a score of 86.7 (0.552% effective rate) and one of the state's best housing affordability scores at 83.8, with median rents just $797 and homes averaging $104,000. These economics are among Arkansas's most favorable.
4 / 5
Low incomes and elevated risk exposure
The county's income score of 14.1 reflects a median household income of only $47,012—well below state and national averages—while a risk score of 35.1 indicates notable environmental or economic vulnerabilities. Health outcomes (58.1) are moderate.
5 / 5
Suits penny-pinchers and early retirees
Cross County is perfect for those with fixed or modest incomes seeking minimal housing costs and tax burdens. It offers genuine small-town living but limited career advancement or wealth-building opportunities.
Cross County's composite score of 68.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 36th percentile nationally. It demonstrates solid fundamental livability despite being a small, rural Delta county.
Modest positioning in state rankings
At 68.2, Cross County scores slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it comfortably in the middle range of the state's counties. It performs competently but lags some higher-tier peers.
Outstanding tax and housing affordability
Cross County boasts exceptional tax efficiency with a score of 86.7 (0.552% effective rate) and one of the state's best housing affordability scores at 83.8, with median rents just $797 and homes averaging $104,000. These economics are among Arkansas's most favorable.
Low incomes and elevated risk exposure
The county's income score of 14.1 reflects a median household income of only $47,012—well below state and national averages—while a risk score of 35.1 indicates notable environmental or economic vulnerabilities. Health outcomes (58.1) are moderate.
Suits penny-pinchers and early retirees
Cross County is perfect for those with fixed or modest incomes seeking minimal housing costs and tax burdens. It offers genuine small-town living but limited career advancement or wealth-building opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.