countyscore
46.6
County Score
Property Tax 86.9Cost of Living 82.6Disaster Risk 64.9

County Report Card

About Drew County, Arkansas

Drew County matches the national median

Drew County's composite score of 47.2 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 44th percentile. The county ranks near average on livability compared to U.S. counties overall.

Slightly below Arkansas average

At 47.2, Drew County scores just below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. The county represents a typical Arkansas livability experience.

Outstanding tax efficiency and affordability

Drew County boasts the state's best tax score of 90.7 with an effective rate of just 0.448%, paired with a cost score of 82.7. With a median home value of $127,800 and rent at $712/month, housing remains well within reach.

Income stagnation and weak schools

Drew County's income score of 3.4 reflects severe economic constraints, with median household income of only $41,071. The school score of 16.1—the lowest among these eight counties—signals significant educational resource gaps.

Best for budget-conscious retirees or remote workers

Drew County appeals to retirees and remote workers seeking rock-bottom taxes and affordability without local income needs. Limited employment and weak schools make it unsuitable for families requiring good educational opportunities or diverse job markets.

2040608010086.982.624.130.916.14.364.93743.3Tax86.9Cost82.6Safety24.1Health30.9Schools16.1Income4.3Risk64.9Water37Weather43.346.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Drew County DNA

Foverall

How Drew County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Drew County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (86.9/100) but notably weak in Income (4.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.9+34.900000000000006
Cost
82.6+34.599999999999994
Safety
24.1-30.9
Health
30.9-19.1
Schools
16.1-37.9
Income
4.3-46.7
Risk
64.9+17.900000000000006
Water
37-21
Weather
43.3-12.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Drew County

Whether buying or refinancing in Drew County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$140,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$725/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$140,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,824/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Walton County
Georgia
Median income: $84,945
46.6
Montgomery County
Maryland
Median income: $132,450
46.6
Franklin County
Massachusetts
Median income: $74,907
46.6
Tuscola County
Michigan
Median income: $63,811
46.6
Freeborn County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,023
46.6
Madison County
Missouri
Median income: $54,434
46.6
Burlington County
New Jersey
Median income: $108,111
46.6
Cattaraugus County
New York
Median income: $59,540
46.6

Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Arkansas
52.6
Bradley County
Arkansas
53.1
Ashley County
Arkansas
45.7
Chicot County
Arkansas
51.8
Cleveland County
Arkansas
55.4
Desha County
Arkansas
48.4
Jefferson County
Arkansas
33.1
Bolivar County
Mississippi
32.6

Deep Dives

Drew County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Drew County

via TaxByCounty

Drew County offers some of America's lowest taxes

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Drew County

via IncomeByCounty

Drew County income trails national norms

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Drew County

via CrimeByCounty

Drew County Among the Nation's Safest

Drew County reports a total crime rate of 1,906.5 per 100,000, which is impressively lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a stellar safety score of 97.0. Residents live in an area that significantly outperforms national safety expectations.

Exceeding Arkansas Safety Standards

With a safety score of 97.0, Drew County is safer than the average Arkansas county (96.3). Its total crime rate is also over 400 points lower than the state average. This high ranking reflects a peaceful community with effective local law enforcement.

A Regional Leader in Security

Drew County's crime rate of 1,906.5 is one of the lowest in its part of the state. It is much safer than Dallas County and slightly ahead of Desha County. This makes it a preferred destination for those prioritizing a low-crime environment.

Low Property and Violent Crime Rates

The county enjoys a property crime rate of 1,467.4, which is far below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime sits at 439.1, which is only slightly above the national average of 369.8. These numbers indicate that most crime in the area is non-confrontational.

Keeping Drew County Safe and Secure

The low property crime rate is a point of pride that residents can help maintain. Simple security measures like smart doorbells can continue to deter theft in the area. Keeping your property well-lit is another effective way to support local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Drew County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Heat Dominates Drew County

Drew County averages a warm 64.1°F annually, placing it far above the national median of 54°F. This high average is driven by intense summers and very mild southern winters.

Sitting at the Top of State Temperature Ranks

With an average of 64.1°F, Drew County is more than 3 degrees warmer than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It represents the warmer southern tier of the state's climate.

The Hotspot of the Regional Group

Drew County is the warmest in this comparison, surpassing Desha County's 63.5°F. It experiences much more extreme heat than northern counties like Fulton, which averages only 57.5°F.

Over Eighty Days of Extreme Heat

The county faces a staggering 82 days of 90°F+ temperatures each year, with July averaging 82.6°F. Snow is almost unheard of, with a yearly average of just 0.7 inches.

Planning for a Continuous Cooling Season

Residents should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 82 extreme heat days. With almost no snow, winter preparations are minimal, focusing mostly on occasional 44.0°F January chills.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Drew County

via SoilByCounty

Notably acidic soils in Drew County

Drew County features an average pH of 5.39, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.56 and much lower than the national median of 6.5. These levels are common in the timberlands of southern Arkansas. Gardeners usually need to apply significant amounts of lime to grow common vegetables.

Silt-dominated profile for smooth texture

The soil consists of 56.4% silt, 27.0% sand, and 16.6% clay. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and easy to cultivate when the moisture level is just right. However, the low sand percentage means it may lack the rapid drainage found in other parts of the state.

High water capacity despite low organic matter

Available water capacity is high at 0.186 in/in, surpassing the state benchmark of 0.148 in/in. Organic matter is lower at 1.52%, trailing the Arkansas average of 4.15%. While the soil holds water effectively, it benefits greatly from the addition of compost or manure to build fertility.

Vulnerable to high runoff rates

The county falls into hydrologic group D, indicating very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. This means that during heavy rain, water is more likely to flow across the surface than soak into the ground. Careful management of surface water is necessary for both farming and landscaping projects.

A tropical touch in zone 8b

Located in hardiness zone 8b, Drew County enjoys mild winters and a long, warm growing season. This climate, paired with water-retentive silt, is perfect for southern favorites like pecans and camellias. Take advantage of the long summers to grow heat-loving crops like field peas and peppers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Drew County

via LawnByCounty

Drew County's High-Stress Lawn Environment

Drew County is one of the most challenging places in the state for lawns, with a difficulty score of 24.1. This is significantly lower than both the state average of 37.3 and the national median of 50.0, necessitating expert-level care.

Intense Heat and Long Summers

The county endures 82 days of extreme heat over 90°F, far exceeding the state average of 64 days. Coupled with 5,874 growing degree days, lawns here are pushed to their biological limits and require constant attention to moisture levels.

Correcting Acidic Soil Conditions

A soil pH of 5.39 is quite acidic and can lock out essential nutrients for your grass. Since the soil is 27.0% sand and 16.6% clay, it lacks a heavy structure, making regular lime applications and organic fertilization critical for success.

Managing 100% Severe Drought

Every acre of Drew County is currently in severe drought, part of a 31-week period of water scarcity over the last year. During these times, it is vital to limit foot traffic on the lawn to prevent physical damage to the heat-stressed turf.

Optimizing for Zone 8b Growth

The growing season is long, running from March 18 to November 12, which is ideal for warm-season grasses. However, you must select the most heat-tolerant varieties available to survive the 82 days of punishing summer temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drew County's county score?
Drew County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 46.6 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 Drew County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Drew County ranks #42 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 Drew County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Drew County is $664, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Drew County a tax score of 86.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Drew County?
The median household income in Drew County, Arkansas is $42,824 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Drew County earns an income score of 4.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Drew County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Drew County scores 46.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Drew 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 Drew County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.