countyscore
40
County Score
Property Tax 78.1Weather & Climate 61.5Health 55.8

County Report Card

About Faulkner County, Arkansas

Faulkner County below national livability median

Faulkner County's composite score of 40.0 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 25th percentile nationally. The county ranks in the lower third on U.S. livability measures.

Below Arkansas average despite higher incomes

At 40.0, Faulkner County scores notably below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it in the lower-middle tier. Despite having the state's second-highest median household income of $65,071, other factors drag down overall livability.

Strong income and solid health infrastructure

Faulkner County leads with an income score of 54.9 and median household income of $65,071—the highest among these eight counties. Health infrastructure scores 55.8, indicating better medical access than most regional peers.

Housing costs and safety concerns limit appeal

Faulkner County's cost score of just 29.7 reflects expensive housing, with a median home value of $211,300 and rent at $980/month. Safety (11.4) and school (35.1) scores also underperform regional benchmarks.

Best for established professionals seeking opportunity

Faulkner County suits higher-earning professionals willing to pay a housing premium for strong incomes and health services. It works well for career-focused households with disposable income, less so for families prioritizing affordability or top-rated schools.

Score breakdown

Tax78.1Cost29.7Safety11.4Health55.8Schools35.1Income54.9Risk13.8Water44.3Weather61.5
🏛78.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.6
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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Nearby counties

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49.5
Pulaski County
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Perry County
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56.3
Lonoke County
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Van Buren County
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Cleburne County
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Deep Dives

Faulkner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Faulkner County

via TaxByCounty

Faulkner taxes still far below national average

Faulkner County's effective tax rate of 0.568% remains well below the national median tax burden, with median annual taxes of $1,201 versus the national median of $2,690. Despite being higher than many rural Arkansas counties, Faulkner remains highly affordable by national comparison.

Above state average, higher home values

Faulkner County's 0.568% effective rate runs about 6.8% above the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The median tax of $1,201 significantly exceeds the state median of $705, but this reflects higher median home values of $211,300—among the state's strongest.

Highest taxes in the immediate region

Faulkner's 0.568% rate is higher than all nearby counties, but median home values here ($211,300) substantially exceed regional neighbors like Crawford County ($170,000). The higher absolute tax burden reflects stronger property values and a more developed economic area.

Median Faulkner home costs $1,201 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $211,300 pays approximately $1,201 in annual property taxes, the highest median amount among the counties profiled. With a mortgage, that bill may reach $1,249; without one, it drops to $1,081.

Assess your valuation to find relief

Faulkner County homeowners should carefully verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales, as overassessment is possible even in growing areas. A formal appeal to the assessor can reduce tax liability if your property is valued above current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Faulkner County

via CostByCounty

Faulkner County: Arkansas' growth leader

Faulkner County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio matches Arkansas' state average exactly, but the county's higher median household income of $65,071 and elevated home values reflect regional growth. With median rents at $980 monthly, Faulkner is the region's priciest market, attracting higher-income households and professionals.

Mid-range affordability with higher income

Faulkner County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio matches the state average, but the county's median household income of $65,071 exceeds most Arkansas counties. This higher income base supports the region's above-average housing costs, making it accessible primarily to professional and management-level workers.

Premium pricing for growth county

Faulkner County's median rent of $980 is the highest among all comparison counties—$152 more than Crittenden County and $354 more than Dallas County. Home values reach $211,300, the region's highest, reflecting Faulkner's status as a growth and education hub (Conway, home to multiple universities, anchors the county).

Higher income supports higher costs

Renters allocate 18.1% of their $65,071 median household income to $980 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $1,026 monthly (18.9%) for properties valued at $211,300. Despite the high absolute costs, Faulkner households retain greater disposable income than lower-income counties thanks to superior earning power.

Faulkner for career builders

Relocate to Faulkner County if your household income exceeds $60,000 or if you're pursuing education or professional opportunities in Conway's growing economy. The county's higher costs reflect genuine quality-of-life improvements and employment prospects unavailable elsewhere in the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Faulkner County

via IncomeByCounty

Faulkner leads Arkansas in income strength

Faulkner County's median household income of $65,071 exceeds Arkansas's state average of $51,156 by 27% and outpaces six of eight survey counties. However, it still falls $9,684 short of the national median of $74,755, suggesting room for continued growth.

Top performer among Arkansas counties

Faulkner County ranks among Arkansas's highest-income counties, driven partly by Conway's presence and regional economic dynamism. This strength reflects both local employment opportunities and a more educated workforce.

Faulkner dominates regional income rankings

Faulkner's $65,071 income tops Crawford ($60,362) and Franklin ($51,919), leading all peer counties in this survey. This advantage translates directly into greater household purchasing power and wealth-building capacity.

Faulkner households enjoy financial breathing room

At 18.1%, Faulkner's rent-to-income ratio stays well within the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households substantial room for savings. Median home values of $211,300 reflect the county's relative prosperity—still achievable for median-earning families.

Maximize Faulkner's income advantage now

Faulkner families earning at median should aggressively fund retirement accounts (401k, IRA) and education savings accounts while income allows. The $65,000+ median income provides genuine opportunity to build generational wealth through disciplined investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Faulkner County

via CrimeByCounty

Faulkner County Crime in Perspective

Faulkner County's total crime rate of 2,662.7 is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a strong safety score of 95.8. This indicates that while incidents occur, the overall environment remains relatively secure.

Competitive with Arkansas State Averages

Faulkner's safety score of 95.8 is just a fraction below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. However, the total crime rate of 2,662.7 is higher than the state average of 2,326.8. Nine reporting agencies work together to manage this high volume of activity.

Comparing Faulkner and Franklin Counties

Faulkner County sees significantly more crime than neighboring Franklin County, which reports 1,783.2 incidents. This suggests that Faulkner's larger population centers may contribute to higher reporting numbers. Even so, it remains a central hub for the region's economy and activity.

Property Crime Is the Main Concern

Property crime accounts for 2,213.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average. Violent crime is relatively controlled at 449.4, keeping it close to national norms. The data shows that the majority of local offenses involve theft or burglary.

Stay Vigilant Against Property Crime

Since property crime is the primary issue in Faulkner, residents should focus on securing their homes. Using deadbolts and alarm systems can significantly lower the risk of becoming a statistic. Community awareness is key to bringing these rates back below the state average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Faulkner County

via HealthByCounty

Faulkner County leads nation on health

At 75.7 years, Faulkner County residents live over 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 72.5 years, one of America's strongest life expectancy figures. Just 19.4% report poor or fair health, the best rate in the region and well below the national average of 18%.

Faulkner dominates Arkansas health rankings

Faulkner County's 75.7-year life expectancy is the highest in Arkansas, exceeding the state average by 3.4 years, and its 19.4% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best. The county is Arkansas's health leader.

Outpaces all surrounding counties

Faulkner County's 75.7-year life expectancy significantly exceeds all neighbors, with Crawford County (73.2 years) being the next-closest. Faulkner's 19.4% poor/fair health rate is also the region's best, with 59 primary care providers and 195 mental health providers per 100,000.

Coverage and providers in balance

Faulkner County's 7.6% uninsured rate is the lowest in this analysis, meaning coverage is nearly universal. With 59 primary care providers and 195 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, healthcare access is strong across the county.

Faulkner County leads on health

If you're among Faulkner County's small uninsured population, coverage options abound with strong provider networks ready to serve you. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local provider to join 92.4% of county residents with health coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Faulkner County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse and Extensive Faulkner School Network

Faulkner County maintains a large-scale educational system with 36 public schools and 19,119 students across six districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 18 elementary schools and 14 schools dedicated to middle, high, and other levels.

Strong Graduation Success on a Budget

The graduation rate of 91.4% exceeds both state and national averages despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $5,756. This high performance relative to spending highlights efficient management across the county's various districts.

Conway District Leads the Region

Conway School District is the county's powerhouse, educating 10,251 students across 16 schools. The county also includes large districts in Greenbrier and Vilonia, with only one charter school currently in operation.

From Urban Centers to Rural Classrooms

The locale mix is incredibly diverse, with 16 rural schools and 14 schools in city settings. Conway High West is a massive regional hub with 2,181 students, while the county average school size sits at a moderate 531 pupils.

Find Home Near Arkansas' Leading Schools

Whether you prefer a city campus or a quiet rural school, Faulkner County offers some of the best variety in the state. Explore local real estate to find a home in a county that balances high enrollment with impressive graduation results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Faulkner County

via RiskByCounty

Faulkner ranks among riskiest nationally

Faulkner County's composite risk of 86.16 places it in the Relatively Moderate category, above the national average and among the riskiest U.S. counties overall. Extreme tornado risk at 97.07 and high flood risk at 77.00 drive this elevated profile.

Highest risk county in Arkansas

Faulkner's 86.16 composite risk is the highest in Arkansas, far exceeding the state average of 55.51. The county's exceptional tornado exposure and significant flood and wildfire threats make it the state's most hazardous environment.

Far riskier than Franklin County

Faulkner's 86.16 score dramatically exceeds neighboring Franklin County's 49.40—a 37-point gap driven primarily by tornado risk (97.07 vs. 64.82) and wildfire exposure (77.77 vs. 82.54). Faulkner faces substantially greater multi-hazard exposure.

Tornado threat is extreme here

Faulkner County's tornado risk of 97.07 is the highest in Arkansas, placing residents in a severe spring storm corridor with recurring tornado activity. Flood risk at 77.00 and wildfire risk at 77.77 compound the hazard picture, creating a genuinely dangerous environment.

Comprehensive protection is essential

Faulkner residents must obtain flood insurance, comprehensive wind coverage for tornadoes, and consider wildfire protection given the county's multi-hazard exposure. Invest in a safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection, and maintain detailed home inventory for insurance claims.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Faulkner County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Warmth in Central Arkansas

Faulkner County’s 59.9°F annual average is roughly 6 degrees warmer than the national median. This provides a balance of four distinct seasons without the extreme heat of the far south.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Norm

At 59.9°F, the county is just below the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It represents the transition from the warmer southern plains to the cooler northern hills.

Matching the Climate of the Ozark Foothills

Faulkner County is very similar to Franklin County, which averages 60.2°F. It is significantly cooler than Dallas County to the south, which averages 61.8°F and receives much more rain.

Defined Summers with Light Winter Snow

The county sees 67 days of extreme heat despite its cooler overall average compared to the south. Winters are cool, with a January average of 38.4°F and about 2.3 inches of snow annually.

A Versatile Wardrobe and Home Prep

With 2.3 inches of snow and 67 heat days, residents need to prepare for both extremes. The 50.9 inches of rain is near the state average, making standard drainage and roof care essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Faulkner County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols and acidic silty loams

Faulkner County is dominated by Alfisols with an average pH of 5.66. This is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.56 but still falls below the national median of 6.5. These soils are naturally productive but often require management to address their inherent acidity.

A balanced silty clay loam

The dominant texture is silty clay loam, composed of 41.3% silt, 39.9% sand, and 18.7% clay. This specific ratio provides a good balance between workability and nutrient retention. It offers a more structured profile than the sandier soils found to the west.

Solid water capacity for central Arkansas

Available water capacity stands at 0.153 in/in, which is slightly better than the state average of 0.148 in/in. Organic matter is 1.75%, which is modest compared to the 4.15% state average. Regular additions of organic mulch can help improve these soils for intensive gardening.

Well-drained land with runoff risks

Faulkner's soils are classified as well-drained, yet they belong to hydrologic group D. This paradox means that while water moves through the profile well, the surface has a high potential for runoff during intense storms. This makes the county excellent for various uses, provided erosion is controlled.

Versatile gardening in zone 8a

Residing in hardiness zone 8a, Faulkner County supports a diverse array of garden plants and ornamental trees. The silty clay loam is an excellent medium for roses, fruit trees, and summer vegetables. With the right amendments, you can transform this reliable soil into a thriving oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Faulkner County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Arkansas Growing in Faulkner County

Faulkner County’s lawn difficulty score of 37.6 aligns almost perfectly with the state average of 37.3. While it is more demanding than the national median of 50.0, it offers a standard Zone 8a environment for central Arkansas residents.

High Humidity and Summer Stress

With 50.9 inches of annual precipitation and 67 days of extreme heat, lawns face a cycle of heavy moisture followed by intense drying. The 4,835 growing degree days provide a solid foundation for growth, but summer dormancy is common without irrigation.

Healthy Drainage with Silty Clay Loam

The soil is classified as well-drained silty clay loam, which is excellent for preventing root rot. However, a pH of 5.66 is lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, so adding wood ash or lime may be necessary to balance the soil.

Severe Drought Conditions Present

Faulkner County is currently 100% in severe drought, and has faced 30 weeks of drought over the past year. Lawns in this region benefit from a layer of compost to help the well-drained soil retain moisture during these critical dry periods.

Seeding for Success in Faulkner

Wait until after the April 9 frost to seed your lawn, giving your grass the best chance to establish before the November 2 first frost. Bermudagrass and Zoysia are the top choices for this climate and soil type.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Faulkner County's county score?
Faulkner County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 40 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 Faulkner County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Faulkner County ranks #61 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 Faulkner County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Faulkner County is $1,201, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Faulkner County a tax score of 78.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Faulkner County?
The median household income in Faulkner County, Arkansas is $65,071 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Faulkner County earns an income score of 54.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Faulkner County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Faulkner County scores 40/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Faulkner 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 Faulkner County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.