countyscore
57.6
County Score
Cost of Living 93.3Disaster Risk 89.9Property Tax 89.1

County Report Card

About Dallas County, Arkansas

Dallas County above national median

Dallas County's composite score of 57.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. The county ranks above average on livability compared to U.S. counties overall.

One of Arkansas's top performers

At 57.6, Dallas County outperforms the Arkansas state average of 47.9, placing it in the top quartile of the state's counties. The county is among Arkansas's strongest livability choices.

Outstanding schools and exceptional affordability

Dallas County shines with a school score of 85.2—among the highest in the state—combined with a cost score of 93.3 and median home value of just $98,200. The tax score of 89.1 with a 0.467% effective rate provides substantial savings.

Income and health opportunity gaps persist

Despite overall strength, Dallas County's income score of 6.9 reflects limited earning opportunities, with median household income of $44,694. Health infrastructure (24.3) also lags relative to the county's other strengths.

Ideal for families prioritizing schools and affordability

Dallas County is perfect for families seeking top-tier schools combined with ultra-low housing costs and taxes. It works best for households with stable outside income or retirees, as local employment opportunities remain limited.

Score breakdown

Tax89.1Cost93.3Safety5Health24.3Schools85.2Income6.9Risk89.9Water86Weather55.6
🏛89.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓85.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.1
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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Counties with similar scores

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Marshall County
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Vermilion Parish
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Rolette County
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Culberson County
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Nearby counties

Cleveland County
Arkansas
53.3
Grant County
Arkansas
56.2
Ouachita County
Arkansas
47
Clark County
Arkansas
43.8
Calhoun County
Arkansas
55.4
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
51
Nevada County
Arkansas
52.1
Saline County
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44

Deep Dives

Dallas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dallas County

via TaxByCounty

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dallas County

via CostByCounty

Dallas County's hidden affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dallas County

via IncomeByCounty

Dallas County faces steep national gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dallas County

via CrimeByCounty

Dallas County Exceeds National Crime Rates

Dallas County's total crime rate of 3,507.4 is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 94.5 based on 2022 data from two reporting agencies. This suggests a higher-than-average frequency of criminal activity for a rural area.

Trailing the Arkansas Safety Standard

With a safety score of 94.5, Dallas County sits below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. The total crime rate of 3,507.4 also stands well above the state average of 2,326.8. Law enforcement continues to focus on bringing these numbers closer to state norms.

Contrasting with Safer Nearby Counties

Dallas County has a higher crime rate than nearby Drew County, which reports just 1,906.5 incidents per 100,000. This indicates a localized spike in activity compared to southern neighbors. The disparity highlights the unique safety challenges facing Dallas County residents.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

The violent crime rate in Dallas County is 880.7, more than double the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also high, reaching 2,626.7 incidents per 100,000 residents. These figures represent a significant volume of incidents for the small number of reporting agencies.

Defending Your Home in Dallas County

With property crime rates at 2,626.7, home security systems are a worthwhile investment for local families. Simple habits like locking doors and notifying neighbors when away can prevent many incidents. Increased awareness is the best defense against these local trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dallas County

via HealthByCounty

Dallas County life expectancy well below nation

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dallas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Dallas County

Dallas County operates a highly focused school system with just three public schools and 759 total students. This small-scale infrastructure includes two elementary schools and one high school primarily served by one district.

Top-Tier Graduation and Investment Levels

The county achieves an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming state and national benchmarks. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $9,545, which is the highest in the region and far exceeds the Arkansas average.

Fordyce District Anchors the Community

The Fordyce School District is the sole major provider in the county, enrolling 732 students across two campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

Intimate and Town-Focused Classrooms

With an average school size of only 253 students, Dallas County offers a very personal educational environment. While Fordyce Elementary is the largest school with 371 students, Sparkman Elementary provides an extremely small-school feel with just 27 students.

Invest in a County That Values Education

Dallas County stands out for its high graduation rates and significant per-pupil investment. If you are looking for a small-town atmosphere where schools receive high levels of support, this is the perfect place to buy a home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dallas County

via RiskByCounty

Dallas is Arkansas's safest county

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dallas County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Exceptionally Wet Southern Climate

Dallas County averages 61.8°F, placing it significantly warmer than the national median of 54°F. It is also one of the wetter regions in the country, receiving 56.9 inches of rain annually.

Exceeding the Arkansas Annual Rainfall Norms

The county's average temperature of 61.8°F is slightly above the state average of 61.0°F. More notably, its 56.9 inches of precipitation far exceeds the state average of 52.4 inches.

Warmer and Wetter than Northern Neighbors

Dallas County is warmer and significantly wetter than Faulkner County to the north, which sees 50.9 inches of rain. Its 61.8°F average is also higher than the 59.9°F found in the central part of the state.

Prolonged Heat with Very Little Snow

The county faces 67 extreme heat days annually, with July temperatures averaging 81.0°F. Snowfall is nearly non-existent, averaging just 1.4 inches per year.

Preparing for Heavy Rain and Heat

Residents must prioritize flood mitigation and roof maintenance due to the high 56.9-inch annual rainfall. Expect high energy bills during the 67 days of 90°F+ temperatures each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dallas County

via SoilByCounty

Limited data for Dallas County soils

Specific soil identity and pH metrics are currently unavailable for Dallas County in the primary dataset. While many Arkansas counties average a pH of 5.56, local testing is recommended to determine the exact acidity. Understanding your specific site is the first step to successful land management.

Awaiting detailed composition analysis

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages is not currently reported for this area. This often occurs in regions where land use is shifting or comprehensive surveys are pending. Neighbors may find a mix of coastal plain sands and alluvial silts depending on their proximity to local rivers.

Potential for local soil health

Fertility metrics like organic matter and water capacity remain undocumented in this dataset. For reference, the state average for organic matter is 4.15%, a high bar set by rich delta soils. Local growers are encouraged to use soil testing services to establish a baseline for their property.

Navigating drainage without data

Hydrologic and drainage class information is currently missing for Dallas County. Because drainage can vary wildly between bottomlands and ridges, site-specific observation is vital. Look for signs of standing water or rapid drying to understand how your specific plot handles rain.

Warm winters in zone 8a

Dallas County is located in hardiness zone 8a, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. This climate supports a vast array of perennials, fruit trees, and heat-loving annuals. Despite the lack of county-wide data, the local climate is perfect for starting a lush backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dallas County

via LawnByCounty

Significant Hurdles for Dallas County Lawns

Dallas County faces a difficult lawn care environment with a score of 27.1, well below the Arkansas average of 37.3. This Zone 8a county is significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0, requiring specialized local knowledge to succeed.

Excessive Rainfall and High Heat

Annual precipitation reaches 56.9 inches, which is nearly 7 inches higher than the ideal lawn range and can lead to saturated roots. Combined with 67 extreme heat days, this creates a humid environment where turf diseases can easily take hold.

Soil Data Gaps in Dallas County

Specific local soil metrics like pH and clay content are currently unavailable for this region. Homeowners should conduct a private soil test to determine if their lawn needs lime or specific fertilizers to overcome local acidity or drainage issues.

Persistent Drought Pressures

Dallas County has endured 29 weeks of drought over the past year, with 20.1% of the area currently in severe drought conditions. Efficient irrigation is vital; using mulching mowers can help keep moisture in the soil and protect the lawn during these extended dry weeks.

Timing Your Dallas County Lawn

Despite the difficulty score, the long growing season between March 29 and November 6 offers ample time for warm-season grasses to take root. Choose drought-resistant species to combat the 67 days of intense summer heat typical for this hardiness zone.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dallas County's county score?
Dallas County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Dallas County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Dallas County ranks #6 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 Dallas County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Dallas County is $459, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Dallas County a tax score of 89.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dallas County?
The median household income in Dallas County, Arkansas is $44,694 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dallas County earns an income score of 6.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dallas County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Dallas County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Dallas 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 Dallas 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.