countyscore
50.9
County Score
Cost of Living 92.1Property Tax 87.1Weather & Climate 58

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Arkansas

Fulton edges past the national median

With a composite score of 51.4, Fulton County ranks just above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 50th percentile nationally. This modest advantage reflects a county that meets baseline livability standards while facing real headwinds in income and health outcomes.

Above average in Arkansas

Fulton ranks above the Arkansas state average of 47.9, putting it in the upper half of the state's 75 counties. This positions Fulton as a relatively stable option within Arkansas's competitive county landscape.

Exceptional affordability, minimal tax burden

Fulton County shines in cost-of-living metrics: a housing cost score of 92.5 is among Arkansas's best, with median rent just $596 monthly and median home values at $107,200. The effective tax rate of 0.461% is the lowest in this group, giving families maximum dollars to stretch.

Income and health outcomes lag significantly

With a median household income of $38,941—well below state averages—and a health score of just 26.7, Fulton faces real barriers to quality of life. Safety concerns (19.7) and water quality issues (7.3) also deserve attention from local leadership.

Best for budget-conscious retirees, families

Fulton works best for households seeking ultra-low housing costs and tax burdens who can tolerate modest incomes and health resources. It's a solid choice for remote workers or fixed-income families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities.

2040608010087.192.119.726.749.33.949.37.358Tax87.1Cost92.1Safety19.7Health26.7Schools49.3Income3.9Risk49.3Water7.3Weather5850.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Fulton County DNA

Foverall

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

Fulton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (92.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.1+35.099999999999994
Cost
92.1+44.099999999999994
Safety
19.7-35.3
Health
26.7-23.3
Schools
49.3
Income
3.9-47.1
Risk
49.3
Water
7.3-50.7
Weather
58
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Think property taxes are too high in Fulton County?

Many homeowners in Fulton County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$626/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,241/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.9

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
Compare Fulton County with Polk County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Sharp County
Arkansas
63.8
Howell County
Missouri
49.9
Izard County
Arkansas
57
Oregon County
Missouri
60.8
Baxter County
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44.3
Ozark County
Missouri
60.4
Stone County
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59
Randolph County
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51.1

Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.461%, Fulton County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.82%, placing it in roughly the bottom 15% of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is just $494 annually—less than one-fifth of the national median of $2,690. This makes Fulton one of the most tax-friendly counties in the country.

Below average for Arkansas

Fulton's 0.461% effective rate ranks among the lowest in Arkansas, trailing the state average of 0.532% by about 13%. The county's median tax of $494 is 30% below Arkansas's state average of $705, offering homeowners notable savings compared to peers statewide.

Regional tax landscape

Fulton's 0.461% rate is the lowest among surveyed northern Arkansas counties, beating Garland (0.519%) and Grant (0.544%) by a clear margin. This positions Fulton as a tax bargain in its region, especially for retirees and buyers seeking affordability.

What $107K home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $107,200 pays approximately $494 in annual property taxes in Fulton County. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $582 annually—still remarkably low by national and state standards.

Check if you're overassessed

Even in low-tax counties like Fulton, many homeowners overpay due to assessment errors. Consider requesting a property tax assessment review to ensure your home's valuation reflects its actual market value—it could mean real savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton trails far behind national income

Fulton County's median household income of $38,941 sits 48% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. This income gap means a typical Fulton household earns roughly $35,800 less annually than the American median, a significant economic challenge for residents building wealth and planning futures.

Lowest earners in Arkansas

Fulton County ranks at the bottom of Arkansas counties, with a median household income 24% below the state average of $51,156. Only a handful of Arkansas counties earn less, making Fulton one of the state's most economically strained communities.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Neighboring Grant County ($72,512) and Greene County ($56,793) both significantly outpace Fulton's $38,941 median household income. Even Hempstead County, another rural Arkansas county, earns nearly $9,000 more per household annually.

Housing remains affordable refuge

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.4%, Fulton households spend less than one-fifth of their income on rent—below the 30% affordability threshold. However, the county's low overall income means even affordable housing requires careful budgeting alongside other essential expenses like food, transportation, and healthcare.

Start small, build financial resilience

Fulton residents earning $38,941 can still build wealth through consistent saving and smart financial planning—even small, regular contributions compound over time. Free financial literacy workshops and low-cost investment options through community banks and nonprofits help low-income earners begin retirement planning and emergency savings today.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fulton County

via CrimeByCounty

Fulton County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Fulton County maintains a safety score of 96.7, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 2,093.1 per 100K sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. This data suggests a lower overall risk compared to the broader United States.

A Top Performer in Arkansas Safety

With a safety score of 96.7, Fulton County performs better than the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Seven local reporting agencies contribute to this data, ensuring a comprehensive view of the county's security landscape. It remains one of the safer jurisdictions in the state.

Lower Crime Rates Than Nearby Independence

Fulton County's total crime rate of 2,093.1 per 100K is lower than neighboring Independence County, which reports 2,152.5. Residents benefit from significantly lower property crime rates than many surrounding areas. This regional advantage highlights Fulton's relative stability.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

The violent crime rate of 574.6 per 100K exceeds the national average of 369.8, indicating a need for localized vigilance. However, the property crime rate of 1,518.5 is much lower than the national figure of 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve theft rather than physical harm.

Strengthening Your Personal Security

Since property crimes account for the majority of local offenses, home security is a valuable investment. Installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras can deter potential intruders effectively. These simple steps help maintain the high safety standards Fulton residents enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fulton County

via WeatherByCounty

Fulton County Nears the National Median

Fulton County’s 57.5°F annual average is the closest in this group to the national median of 54°F. Located on the northern border, it experiences a more temperate climate than the rest of the state.

Arkansas's Cooler Northern Tier

At 57.5°F, Fulton County is 3.5 degrees cooler than the state average of 61.0°F. It is also drier than most of the state, receiving 49.1 inches of rain vs the state's 52.4-inch average.

Distinctly Cooler than Central Neighbors

Fulton is significantly cooler than Franklin County, which averages 60.2°F. It also sees far fewer extreme heat days than any other county in this local comparison group.

The State Leader for Winter Snowfall

Fulton County averages 4.8 inches of snow per year, the highest in this group. It only faces 50 extreme heat days, and January temperatures often drop to an average of 35.0°F.

Winter Preparedness in the Ozarks

With nearly five inches of annual snow, residents should keep salt and shovels ready for winter. The 50 days of heat are manageable, but winter heating costs will likely be higher than in southern Arkansas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fulton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols Define Fulton Soils

Fulton County features gravelly fine sandy loam and acidic Ultisols with a pH of 5.58. This level sits well below the national median of 6.5 but remains typical for the Arkansas state average. These weathered soils require careful pH management for optimal nutrient availability.

A Balanced Mix for Easy Workability

The soil contains 32.1% sand, 39.7% silt, and 11.7% clay. This specific composition makes the land easy to work while providing enough structure to prevent rapid erosion. The high silt content helps hold nutrients that the sand alone cannot.

Massive Organic Matter Boosts Fertility

Fulton's organic matter reaches a staggering 13.19%, dwarfing the state average of 4.15%. While available water capacity is slightly low at 0.114 in/in, the rich organic content creates an incredible foundation for plant health. This soil score of 47.2 ranks well above the state average of 37.7.

Well-Drained Land for Stable Growth

The county is primarily well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. These properties mean water moves through the profile effectively, though infiltration rates are somewhat slow when the soil is saturated. This makes the land suitable for both diverse agriculture and stable construction.

Abundant Growth in Hardiness Zone 7a

The zone 7a climate paired with high organic matter supports everything from berries to lush pastures. Local gardeners should prioritize crops that thrive in slightly acidic conditions. Start your garden now to leverage some of the state's richest organic foundations.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fulton County

via LawnByCounty

A Higher Standard for Fulton Lawns

Fulton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 43.8, performing significantly better than the Arkansas state average of 37.3. While this sits slightly below the national median of 50.0, the Zone 7a climate provides a friendlier environment for turf than many neighboring counties. Maintaining a lush yard here is challenging but remains more achievable than in much of the state.

Balancing Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Your lawn faces 50 extreme heat days annually, which is notably lower than the state average of 64 days. With 49.1 inches of annual precipitation, the region sits perfectly within the ideal range for grass health. Although growing season length data is limited, the 4,323 growing degree days provide ample energy for consistent summer mowing.

Managing Acidic Gravelly Soils

The local soil is a gravelly fine sandy loam with a pH of 5.58, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. While the ground is well-drained, homeowners likely need to apply lime to neutralize acidity and improve nutrient uptake. The low 11.7% clay content prevents compaction but may require more frequent light watering during dry spells.

Battling Persistent Severe Drought

Fulton County has endured 31 weeks of drought over the past year, with the entire county currently facing severe drought conditions. This intense water stress requires careful conservation strategies, such as watering deeply only twice a week. Focus on maintaining higher mowing heights to shade the soil and protect roots from the current 100% D2+ drought coverage.

Time to Seed in Zone 7a

The local climate favors Tall Fescue or Bermuda grass, which can handle both the heat and the winter lows of Zone 7a. Aim to start your projects after the last spring frost on April 12 or well before the first fall frost on October 30. These dates define a robust growing window that allows new seedlings to establish strong root systems.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fulton County's county score?
Fulton County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 50.9 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 Fulton County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Fulton County ranks #30 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 Fulton County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Fulton County is $533, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 87.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, Arkansas is $42,241 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 3.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Fulton 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 Fulton 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.