countyscore
51.4
County Score
Cost of Living 92.5Property Tax 89.8Weather & 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.

2040608010089.892.519.726.749.32.449.37.358Tax89.8Cost92.5Safety19.7Health26.7Schools49.3Income2.4Risk49.3Water7.3Weather5851.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Fulton County DNA

Foverall

How Fulton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fulton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (92.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.8+37.8
Cost
92.5+44.5
Safety
19.7-35.3
Health
26.7-23.3
Schools
49.3
Income
2.4-48.6
Risk
49.3
Water
7.3-50.7
Weather
58
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$107,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$596/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$107,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $38,941/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
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Nearby counties

Sharp County
Arkansas
65.6
Howell County
Missouri
49.1
Izard County
Arkansas
56.4
Oregon County
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60
Baxter County
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Ozark County
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Stone County
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Randolph County
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Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Fulton County

via CostByCounty

Fulton County rents are well below national burden

At 18.4%, Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above the national standard of affordability, meaning renters here spend less on housing than their peers across the country. The county's median household income of $38,941 is roughly half the national average of $74,755, yet rents remain modest at $596 per month—$164 cheaper than Arkansas's state average.

Fulton ranks among Arkansas's most affordable counties

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.4%, Fulton County beats the state average of 18.1% by a narrow margin, placing it in the upper tier of affordability across Arkansas. This strong showing reflects both lower rental prices and a cost-of-living structure aligned with regional norms.

Fulton holds its own among rural peers

Fulton's median rent of $596 undercuts Howard County ($702) and Hot Spring County ($763), making it one of the cheapest places to rent in this cluster of central Arkansas counties. Median home values here ($107,200) also rank lower than most neighbors, appealing to budget-conscious homebuyers.

Housing costs split evenly between rent and ownership

Renters in Fulton County dedicate 18.4% of their $38,941 median income to monthly rent ($596), while homeowners pay $565 per month toward mortgages on properties valued at $107,200. Together, housing consumes roughly one-third of household income for most residents, leaving room for other expenses.

Affordable living awaits in Fulton County

If you're seeking low housing costs and a tight-knit rural community, Fulton County offers some of Arkansas's most affordable rents and home values. Compare these numbers to neighboring counties and you'll find a compelling case for making the move to northwest Arkansas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Fulton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in North Arkansas

Fulton County operates a streamlined education network consisting of six public schools across three school districts. The system serves 1,771 students, providing a mix of three elementary and three high schools to ensure local coverage.

Exceeding Graduation Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 92.3% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure is $6,572—higher than the state average—the composite school score of 53.8 remains above both state and national medians.

Three Districts Serving Local Families

The Salem School District is the largest provider in the county, educating 876 students across two primary facilities. The Mammoth Spring and Viola districts serve the remaining population, with no charter schools currently operating in the area.

Rural Roots and Intimate Classrooms

With four rural schools and two town-based campuses, the educational experience here is distinctly quiet and personalized. The average school size is just 295 students, ranging from the 451-student Salem Elementary to the 210-student Viola Elementary.

Educational Excellence in Rural Settings

Families looking for high graduation rates and small class sizes should explore homes within the Salem or Mammoth Spring districts. These schools offer a community-focused atmosphere that consistently beats state performance standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fulton County

via RiskByCounty

Fulton County's modest national risk profile

With a composite risk score of 50.67, Fulton County sits below the national average for natural disaster risk. This Relatively Low rating suggests the county faces fewer compound hazards than many U.S. counties, though residents should still prepare for tornado and earthquake events.

Better positioned than most Arkansas counties

Fulton County's risk score of 50.67 is notably lower than Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it in the safer half of the state's 75 counties. This advantage stems from comparatively lower flood and hurricane exposure.

Safest in its regional peer group

Among neighboring counties, Fulton ranks as one of the lower-risk areas, with Grant County (15.71) being the only county in the region with substantially better hazard scores. Compared to Garland County (89.31) and Independence County (69.08), Fulton residents face significantly reduced overall risk.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose primary threats

Earthquake risk scores highest at 76.34, followed by tornados at 64.76—both well above national averages for a county this size. Flood and wildfire risks remain moderate at 45.64 and 56.04 respectively, but should not be overlooked during severe weather seasons.

Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage

Given Fulton County's elevated earthquake and tornado scores, ensure your homeowner's policy covers wind and hail damage, and strongly consider separate earthquake insurance—a coverage gap many county residents overlook. Regular roof inspections and a reinforced foundation can significantly reduce losses from these hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Fulton County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations Threaten Fulton County Drinking Water

Fulton County receives a grade of F for drinking water compliance, recording 30 health violations over the last five years. The county’s violation rate of 482.7 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the Arkansas state average of 172.5. This data highlights a persistent challenge in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards locally.

Turbidity Impacts Fulton County Watershed Health

According to the 2022 EPA reporting cycle, 13.9% of the 115 assessed water bodies in Fulton County fail to meet federal standards. This impairment rate is lower than the state average of 17.8%, though turbidity and temperature remain top concerns. Storm flows and base flows contribute significantly to these water quality issues.

Monitoring Focused on Physical and Nutrient Data

Water quality monitoring in Fulton County relies on 10 dedicated sites that have recorded 15,099 measurements over the past five years. Experts primarily track physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganics to assess environmental health. This robust dataset provides a clear window into the county’s shifting chemical and physical water profile.

Spring River Flow Drops Below Typical Levels

The Spring River near Mammoth Spring currently flows at 295 cubic feet per second, representing just 47% of its long-term mean. This significant reduction in discharge affects a drainage area of 280 square miles. Such low levels can impact the concentration of local pollutants and available source water.

Steps to Protect Fulton County Water Supplies

Given the high rate of drinking water violations and low river flows, residents should consider certified home filtration systems and regular testing. Be particularly mindful of turbidity during heavy rains, which often drives local impairment. Staying informed on county health alerts is critical for ensuring safe consumption.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 51.4 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 #27 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 $494, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 89.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, Arkansas is $38,941 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 2.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 51.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.