countyscore
47.2
County Score
Property Tax 90.7Cost of Living 82.7Disaster 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.

2040608010090.782.724.130.916.13.464.93743.3Tax90.7Cost82.7Safety24.1Health30.9Schools16.1Income3.4Risk64.9Water37Weather43.347.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Drew County DNA

Foverall

How Drew County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Drew County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (90.7/100) but notably weak in Income (3.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.7+38.7
Cost
82.7+34.7
Safety
24.1-30.9
Health
30.9-19.1
Schools
16.1-37.9
Income
3.4-47.6
Risk
64.9+17.900000000000006
Water
37-21
Weather
43.3-12.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$127,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$712/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,071/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

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Covington County
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Perry County
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Kent County
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Llano County
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Pike County
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Median income: $47,961
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Catoosa County
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Median income: $72,425
47.3

Nearby counties

Lincoln County
Arkansas
52.8
Bradley County
Arkansas
53.9
Ashley County
Arkansas
46.7
Chicot County
Arkansas
50.6
Cleveland County
Arkansas
53.3
Desha County
Arkansas
47.4
Jefferson County
Arkansas
33.8
Bolivar County
Mississippi
33.3

Deep Dives

Drew County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Drew County

via CostByCounty

Drew County's above-average strain

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Drew County

via SchoolsByCounty

Balanced Education Access in Drew County

Drew County is home to eight public schools serving 2,933 students across two local districts. This includes a mix of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools focused on the county's core population centers.

Room to Grow in Academic Metrics

The county's graduation rate stands at 83.5%, falling below the state and national benchmarks. Local per-pupil spending is $5,976, while the overall school score of 47.9 reflects a need for continued investment compared to the state average.

Monticello and Drew Central Districts

Monticello School District serves 1,671 students across five schools, while Drew Central School District manages three schools for 1,262 pupils. The county currently hosts no charter schools, maintaining a traditional district structure.

A Consistent Town-School Atmosphere

Every public school in the county is located in a town locale, offering an average enrollment of 419 students. Drew Central Elementary is the largest individual school with 573 students, while the middle schools average roughly 370 students each.

Find Your Place in a Growing Town

Drew County offers a consistent town-based educational experience across its two districts. For families looking for a centralized community with accessible schools, this county provides many residential options near its town-centered campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Drew County

via RiskByCounty

Drew remains below national average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Drew County

via WaterByCounty

Drew County Receives Failing Compliance Grade

Drew County earns a Water Quality Grade of F with 6 health violations recorded over five years. However, its violation rate of 40.5 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the state average of 172.5.

Watershed Impairments Exceed State Averages

Data from 2022 shows that 20.2% of the 208 assessed water bodies are impaired, surpassing the Arkansas average of 17.8%. Turbidity and critical dissolved oxygen levels are the primary causes for these environmental failures.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across Eight Sites

Monitoring efforts are robust, yielding 4,642 measurements in the last five years across 8 sites. Local scientists focus heavily on inorganics, metals, and nutrients to monitor the county's water health.

Live Streamflow Monitoring is Not Available

Drew County does not have a primary USGS streamgage providing live discharge data. Residents must rely on watershed health assessments and compliance data to evaluate the status of local water resources.

Support Turbidity Reduction and Filtration

High watershed impairment levels suggest that residents should be mindful of turbidity and runoff affecting local streams. Since the drinking water grade is an F, supplemental water testing is advised for those concerned about long-term safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 47.2 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 $572, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Drew County a tax score of 90.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Drew County?
The median household income in Drew County, Arkansas is $41,071 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Drew County earns an income score of 3.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Drew County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Drew County scores 47.2/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.