Drew County outperforms national livability standard
Drew County's composite score of 73.0 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 46th percentile nationally. It ranks among stronger-performing counties across the United States.
2 / 5
Above-average standing within Arkansas
With a score of 73.0, Drew County exceeds Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It's among Arkansas's more desirable places to live.
3 / 5
Best-in-cohort tax rate and solid housing affordability
Drew County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.448% with a tax score of 89.7, paired with strong housing affordability (86.4) offering median rents of $712 and homes at $127,800. Health outcomes (61.9) also score respectably.
4 / 5
Limited income growth and moderate economic risk
The county's income score of 10.2 and median household income of $41,071 indicate constrained earnings potential and economic opportunity. A risk score of 64.9 suggests moderate environmental or market volatility.
5 / 5
Ideal for frugal families seeking tax advantages
Drew County appeals to budget-conscious families and retirees who prioritize minimal taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. It offers genuine small-town living with the region's best tax environment.
Drew County outperforms national livability standard
Drew County's composite score of 73.0 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 46th percentile nationally. It ranks among stronger-performing counties across the United States.
Above-average standing within Arkansas
With a score of 73.0, Drew County exceeds Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It's among Arkansas's more desirable places to live.
Best-in-cohort tax rate and solid housing affordability
Drew County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.448% with a tax score of 89.7, paired with strong housing affordability (86.4) offering median rents of $712 and homes at $127,800. Health outcomes (61.9) also score respectably.
Limited income growth and moderate economic risk
The county's income score of 10.2 and median household income of $41,071 indicate constrained earnings potential and economic opportunity. A risk score of 64.9 suggests moderate environmental or market volatility.
Ideal for frugal families seeking tax advantages
Drew County appeals to budget-conscious families and retirees who prioritize minimal taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. It offers genuine small-town living with the region's best tax environment.
Score breakdown
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🏛89.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Drew County's effective tax rate of 0.448% ranks among the nation's lowest, with median annual taxes of $572 compared to the national median of $2,690. Property owners here benefit from one of the most tax-favorable environments in the United States.
Well below Arkansas average
At 0.448%, Drew County's effective rate sits roughly 16% below the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, making it one of the state's most tax-efficient counties. With median taxes of $572, Drew runs below the state median of $705.
Second-lowest rate in the region
Drew County's 0.448% rate trails only Dallas County (0.467%) among regional peers, offering exceptional affordability. Despite moderate median home values of $127,800, this favorable rate keeps annual tax burdens remarkably low.
Median Drew County home costs $572 yearly
A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $127,800 pays approximately $572 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill may reach $604; without one, it drops to $556.
Review your assessment for potential savings
Even in low-tax Drew County, assessment overvaluation can occur, and homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent market sales. Filing an appeal with the county assessor could yield additional savings if your property is assessed above fair market value.
Drew County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard and Arkansas' 18.1% state average, reflecting modest income paired with moderate housing costs. The median household income of $41,071 falls well below the national median of $74,755, constraining housing options despite relatively low rents.
Below-average affordability statewide
Drew County ranks among Arkansas' less affordable counties, with a 20.8% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 2.7 percentage points. This places it in the lower half of Arkansas counties for housing affordability relative to income.
Moderate rents, tight incomes
Drew County's median rent of $712 is lower than Crittenden ($883) and Crawford ($828) but higher than Dallas ($626) and Desha ($689). The median household income of $41,071, however, is the second-lowest in the comparison group, making the affordability strain real despite modest rents.
Income stretched thin
Renters spend $712 monthly on a $41,071 median household income—20.8%—while homeowners pay $615 monthly (18.0%) for properties valued at $127,800. With housing consuming over one-fifth of income, Drew County households have limited financial flexibility for emergencies or savings.
Drew County demands stable employment
Consider relocating to Drew County only if you have secure employment that matches or exceeds the median income of $41,000, or if you're relocating with a household partner's income. The tight housing-to-income ratio leaves little room for job transitions or income disruptions.
Drew County's median household income of $41,071 lags the national median of $74,755 by $33,684—a 45% gap. The county falls 20% below Arkansas's state average, reflecting broader rural economic pressures.
Drew ranks in lowest tier statewide
Drew County sits among Arkansas's lowest-income counties, competing with similarly rural and economically stressed areas. Limited employment diversification limits household income growth prospects.
Drew slightly outpaces Desha, Dallas
Drew's $41,071 median inches above Desha County ($36,064) and Dallas County ($44,694), but trails Cross ($47,012), Franklin ($51,919), and Crawford ($60,362) substantially. This middle-low positioning reflects moderate economic disadvantage.
Rent burden pressures Drew households
At 20.8%, Drew's rent-to-income ratio signals housing stress, with most renters dedicating over one-fifth of earnings to shelter. Median home values of $127,800 remain relatively affordable but require disciplined budgeting for typical households.
Pursue modest, realistic financial goals
Drew families should aim for incremental wealth building through automatic payroll deductions and low-cost index funds, avoiding complex financial products. Even saving $50-$100 monthly compounds meaningfully over decades.
At 72.4 years, Drew County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 72.5 years, a positive sign for the region. With 24.6% reporting poor or fair health, the rate exceeds the national average of 18%, but remains better than most neighboring counties.
Drew ranks above state average
Drew County's 72.4-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The 24.6% poor/fair health rate is also better than most Arkansas counties.
Strong performer in region
Drew County's 72.4-year life expectancy and 24.6% poor/fair health rate place it among the region's best performers, trailing only Faulkner County (75.7 years). Drew also boasts exceptional provider availability with 94 primary care providers and 667 mental health providers per 100,000—the strongest in the region.
Excellent healthcare access
Drew County's 8.7% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the state, and the county couples this with outstanding provider availability: 94 primary care providers per 100,000 and 667 mental health providers per 100,000. This combination of low uninsurance and abundant providers makes Drew a healthcare success story.
Drew leads the way on coverage
Drew County is doing it right: low uninsured rates and abundant providers mean most residents already have access to care. If you're in the 8.7% without coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to take advantage of the strong healthcare infrastructure already in place.
Drew County's composite risk of 35.15 places it in the Very Low category, performing better than the national average across most hazard types. All individual risks remain manageable, with tornado at 63.14 being the highest exposure.
Low-risk county for Arkansas
Drew's 35.15 score falls well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it among the state's safest counties. Only Dallas (10.08) and Desha (32.89) rank notably lower in composite risk.
Similar to Desha, safer than others
Drew County at 35.15 closely mirrors neighboring Desha County at 32.89, both occupying Arkansas's lowest-risk tier. Both benefit from minimal wildfire exposure and relatively low flood threats compared to northern counties.
Tornado and earthquake are dual concerns
Drew County faces tornado risk at 63.14 and earthquake risk at 83.75 as its primary hazards, each moderately elevated by state standards. Hurricane risk at 56.57 adds a tertiary tropical threat from the Gulf.
Wind and earthquake coverage recommended
Drew residents should add wind and hail riders to homeowners policies for tornado protection, and consider earthquake insurance given the county's above-average seismic exposure. Flood insurance is advisable if your property lies near waterways or in designated flood zones.