Dallas County's composite score of 75.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 50th percentile nationally. It stands as one of Arkansas's strongest-performing counties on livability measures.
2 / 5
Above-average ranking statewide
With a score of 75.4, Dallas County ranks above Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It's among the more livable destinations in Arkansas.
3 / 5
Unmatched affordability and low environmental risk
Dallas County delivers exceptional value with the lowest effective tax rate in this cohort (0.467%) scoring 89.1, housing costs at just $626 rent and $98,200 homes (cost score 89.3), and an outstanding risk score of 89.9 indicating strong environmental resilience. Health outcomes (59.2) are solid.
4 / 5
Minimal income opportunities remain primary concern
The county's income score of 12.6 and median household income of $44,694 represent the lowest in this group, reflecting limited employment and wealth-building prospects. Those seeking career advancement may need to look elsewhere.
5 / 5
Best for ultra-budget families and retirees
Dallas County is ideal for households with fixed incomes, minimal income needs, or those seeking maximum purchasing power from modest earnings. Its combination of rock-bottom costs and environmental resilience makes it appealing for financial minimalists.
Dallas County's composite score of 75.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 50th percentile nationally. It stands as one of Arkansas's strongest-performing counties on livability measures.
Above-average ranking statewide
With a score of 75.4, Dallas County ranks above Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It's among the more livable destinations in Arkansas.
Unmatched affordability and low environmental risk
Dallas County delivers exceptional value with the lowest effective tax rate in this cohort (0.467%) scoring 89.1, housing costs at just $626 rent and $98,200 homes (cost score 89.3), and an outstanding risk score of 89.9 indicating strong environmental resilience. Health outcomes (59.2) are solid.
Minimal income opportunities remain primary concern
The county's income score of 12.6 and median household income of $44,694 represent the lowest in this group, reflecting limited employment and wealth-building prospects. Those seeking career advancement may need to look elsewhere.
Best for ultra-budget families and retirees
Dallas County is ideal for households with fixed incomes, minimal income needs, or those seeking maximum purchasing power from modest earnings. Its combination of rock-bottom costs and environmental resilience makes it appealing for financial minimalists.
Score breakdown
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🏛89.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Dallas County offers exceptional tax affordability
Dallas County's effective tax rate of 0.467% ranks among the lowest in the nation, with median annual taxes of only $459 compared to the national median of $2,690. Property owners here enjoy one of America's most favorable property tax environments.
Well below Arkansas state average
At 0.467%, Dallas County's effective rate ranks notably below the Arkansas average of 0.532%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $459 significantly undercuts the state median of $705.
Lowest rate in surrounding counties
Dallas County's 0.467% rate beats all nearby counties, including Drew County (0.448%)—making Dallas competitive for affordability despite similar home values. This favorable rate, combined with modest median home values of $98,200, creates one of the region's most cost-effective property ownership scenarios.
Median Dallas County home costs $459 yearly
A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $98,200 pays only about $459 in annual property taxes, among the state's lowest absolute amounts. With a mortgage, taxes may climb to $561; without one, they drop to $386.
Still worth checking your assessment
Even with low overall tax rates, Dallas County homeowners should periodically verify their assessed values reflect current market conditions. An appeal can still provide relief if your property is assessed above its true fair market value.
Despite the lowest median household income ($44,694) among our comparison counties, Dallas County delivers a solid 16.8% rent-to-income ratio—better than the national average. This is driven by the region's lowest median rent of $626 monthly, creating unexpected affordability for low-income households.
Above-average affordability despite low income
Dallas County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Arkansas' state average of 18.1%, ranking among the most affordable counties in the state. The combination of minimal housing costs and stable (if modest) income creates genuine accessibility for working families.
Cheapest rents in the region
Dallas County's median rent of $626 is notably lower than all surrounding counties—$171 cheaper than Crittenden County ($883) and $161 cheaper than Cross County ($797). Homeownership at $530 monthly similarly offers the lowest owner costs in the comparison group.
Minimal housing drain
Renters spend $626 monthly on a $44,694 median household income—just 16.8%—while homeowners pay $530 monthly (14.2%) for properties valued at $98,200. This leaves Dallas County households with the most disposable income relative to housing costs among all comparison counties.
Dallas County rewards modest means
If you're relocating on a tight budget or looking to maximize savings, Dallas County offers the best rent-to-income balance in the region. A household earning $45,000 annually would spend approximately $626 monthly on rent—an excellent deal compared to national norms.
Dallas County's median household income of $44,694 sits $30,061 below the national median of $74,755—a 40% shortfall. The county also trails Arkansas's state average by 13%, signaling persistent economic challenges.
Among Arkansas's lowest-income counties
Dallas ranks near the bottom of Arkansas's 75 counties for household income. Sparse population and limited job diversity characterize this rural county's economy.
Dallas trails most surrounding counties
Dallas's $44,694 income runs behind Crawford ($60,362), Franklin ($51,919), and Cross County ($47,012). Only Desha County shows comparable income levels in this region.
Housing affordability remains a bright spot
At 16.8%, Dallas County's rent-to-income ratio performs better than expected given low incomes, with median homes valued at just $98,200. This affordability is one of few financial advantages for Dallas households.
Build stability before investing aggressively
Dallas families should establish emergency savings equal to at least one month of expenses before pursuing wealth-building strategies. Low income levels make financial resilience essential—focus on steady, achievable goals.
At 70.5 years, Dallas County residents live 2 full years below the U.S. average of 72.5 years, reflecting significant health disparities. More than 1 in 4 residents (25.4%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%.
Dallas ranks among state's lowest
Dallas County's 70.5-year life expectancy falls 1.8 years below Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, placing it among the state's most health-challenged counties. The 25.4% poor/fair health rate also exceeds most Arkansas counties.
Struggling alongside nearby counties
Dallas County's 70.5-year life expectancy is among the lowest in its region, only slightly above Crittenden County's 69.2 years. However, its 356 mental health providers per 100,000 is an exceptional resource, the highest in the region by far.
Severe primary care shortage
Dallas County's 9.1% uninsured rate is among the state's better rates, but the county faces a critical primary care crisis with just 16 providers per 100,000 residents—less than a fifth the availability in top-performing counties. The abundant mental health providers (356 per 100K) partially offset this gap, but physical healthcare access remains severely constrained.
Cover yourself and find care
Dallas County's extreme shortage of primary care providers makes health insurance even more essential. Visit Healthcare.gov or call your county health department to secure coverage and locate the primary care resources that do exist in your community.
Dallas County's composite risk score of just 10.08 is exceptionally low—among the safest counties in the entire United States. This Very Low risk rating reflects minimal hazard exposure across all major disaster categories.
Dramatically safer than state average
Dallas County's 10.08 score is less than one-fifth of Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it by far the state's lowest-risk county. No other Arkansas county comes close to Dallas's favorable risk profile.
Far safer than surrounding counties
Dallas County's 10.08 score dwarfs those of nearby counties like Drew (35.15) and Desha (32.89), each of which face substantially higher composite risks. Dallas County residents enjoy notably better protection across nearly all hazard categories.
Tornado risk is mild and manageable
Even Dallas County's highest hazard—tornado risk at 32.76—falls well below typical U.S. county levels. Other risks including earthquake, flood, and wildfire remain minimal, creating a uniquely safe environment.
Standard coverage is adequate
Dallas County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without major additional riders, as natural disaster risks are minimal. Maintain basic home maintenance, store emergency supplies, and keep insurance current as routine precautions.