countyscore
38.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 84Weather & Climate 54.8

County Report Card

About Garland County, Arkansas

Garland lags behind national livability

Garland County's composite score of 38.6 falls noticeably below the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 30th percentile nationally. This suggests meaningful livability challenges that prospective residents should evaluate carefully.

Below average for Arkansas

Garland ranks below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it in the lower third of the state's counties. While not at the bottom, the score signals persistent structural challenges.

Excellent water quality and reasonable taxes

Garland's water score of 86.0 is exceptional and reflects quality environmental infrastructure. A tax score of 84.0 and effective rate of 0.519% provide tax relief that helps offset other pressures.

Safety and risk management are concerning

Safety emerges as the county's critical weakness with a score of just 3.3—among the lowest statewide—paired with a risk score of 10.7. Rising housing costs ($942 monthly rent, $176,400 median home value) further strain household budgets relative to the median income of $55,409.

For outdoor enthusiasts willing to trade safety

Garland suits families drawn to hot springs recreation and water amenities who can accept elevated safety concerns and moderate housing costs. It's less ideal for those prioritizing secure neighborhoods or seeking strong economic momentum.

Score breakdown

Tax84Cost48Safety3.3Health35.7Schools29.8Income26Risk10.7Water86Weather54.8
🏛84
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.5
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

Hot Spring County
Arkansas
51
Perry County
Arkansas
56.3
Saline County
Arkansas
44
Yell County
Arkansas
50.9
Montgomery County
Arkansas
63.3
Clark County
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43.8
Pulaski County
Arkansas
29.1
Grant County
Arkansas
56.2

Deep Dives

Garland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garland County

via TaxByCounty

Garland taxes remain well below U.S. average

Garland County's effective tax rate of 0.519% is significantly lower than the national median of 0.82%, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $915 annually represents just 34% of the national median of $2,690. Garland residents enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in America.

Slightly above Arkansas average

At 0.519%, Garland's effective rate edges just below Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, making it roughly middle-of-the-pack statewide. The median tax of $915 runs 30% above the state average of $705, reflecting Garland's higher median home values of $176,400.

Mid-range among regional counties

Garland's 0.519% rate sits between Fulton (0.461%) and Grant (0.544%), making it a moderate option in north-central Arkansas. For buyers choosing between Hot Spring, Greene, and Hempstead counties, Garland offers competitive rates with stronger property values.

What $176K home costs in taxes

A median-valued home of $176,400 in Garland County carries an annual tax bill of approximately $915. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,031—still well below national and state medians.

Appeal your assessment if inflated

Garland homeowners should verify their property assessments regularly, as overvaluation is common even in moderate-tax counties. A successful appeal could lower your annual tax burden substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garland County

via CostByCounty

Garland County housing pinches harder than most

At 20.4%, Garland County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability threshold by 3 percentage points, meaning renters here carry a heavier housing burden than the typical American household. The median household income of $55,409 puts the county well below the national average of $74,755, while median rent of $942 per month runs $182 above Arkansas's state average.

Garland ranks among Arkansas's least affordable counties

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.4%, Garland County significantly outpaces the state average of 18.1%, placing it in the higher-cost tier across Arkansas. This means Garland households allocate a larger share of income to rent than most Arkansans.

Garland rents lead the region—and the price tag shows

At $942 per month, Garland's median rent tops most neighboring counties in this central Arkansas cluster, including Greene ($852), Independence ($814), and Hot Spring ($763). Median home values ($176,400) also run considerably higher, reflecting Garland's position as a regional economic hub.

Renters shoulder the heaviest burden in Garland

With a median household income of $55,409, renters in Garland County dedicate 20.4% of their earnings—$942 per month—to rent, well above the 15% comfort threshold. Homeowners fare somewhat better, paying $755 monthly on properties valued near $176,400, but overall housing consumes roughly one-third of household budgets.

Garland offers urban amenities—at a premium

Garland County's higher costs reflect its regional prominence and diverse economy, making it ideal for those seeking more urban amenities and job opportunities. If affordability is your priority, compare these numbers to quieter neighboring counties before committing to the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garland County

via IncomeByCounty

Garland's income gap with the nation

Garland County's median household income of $55,409 falls 26% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting a persistent regional income disadvantage. The $19,346 annual gap underscores why many Garland families rely heavily on regional employment hubs and cost-of-living advantages.

Upper-middle earner in Arkansas

Garland County ranks solidly above Arkansas's state median of $51,156, with a household income that exceeds the state average by about 8%. This positions Garland as one of Arkansas's more prosperous counties, likely driven by tourism, healthcare, and service industries centered in Hot Springs.

Outearns most regional peers

Garland County's $55,409 median household income outpaces nearby Hot Spring ($52,644) and Hempstead ($47,654) counties, though Grant County ($72,512) remains notably ahead. Among its peer counties, Garland maintains a middle-to-upper position in regional earning power.

Housing demands growing attention

Garland households dedicate 20.4% of income to rent—slightly above the 30% affordability ceiling, suggesting housing pressures are rising despite moderate incomes. With median home values at $176,400, Garland renters and homebuyers should prioritize affordability planning to avoid cost-of-living strain.

Leverage Garland's tourism economy

Garland's thriving tourism and hospitality sector creates opportunities for wage growth and second-income ventures, from seasonal businesses to property investment. Residents earning $55,409 can accelerate wealth-building by exploring entrepreneurship, skill development, and diversified investment portfolios aligned with local economic strengths.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garland County

via CrimeByCounty

Garland County Faces Higher Crime Volumes

Garland County reports a total crime rate of 3,978.2 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these numbers, it maintains a safety score of 93.7. This score balances local crime data against broader population trends.

Below the Arkansas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 93.7 falls below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Four agencies provide data for the region, capturing the challenges of high-traffic areas like Hot Springs. The total crime rate here is nearly double the state average of 2,326.8.

Similar Trends to Greene County

Garland County shares a similar safety profile with Greene County, as both hold a 93.7 safety score. While Garland's total rate is 3,978.2, Greene County tracks slightly higher at 3,991.0 per 100K. Both regions face higher-than-average property crime challenges.

Property Crime Drives Local Numbers

Property crime in Garland County is high, reaching 3,407.3 per 100K compared to the national 2,015.7 average. The violent crime rate of 570.9 also exceeds the national benchmark of 369.8. Most residents are more likely to encounter theft than violent offenses.

Prioritizing Theft Prevention at Home

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should audit their home security frequently. Visible alarm systems and reinforced door frames provide strong deterrents against local burglary trends. Community watch programs also help lower these persistent property crime rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Garland County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails U.S. average by 4 years

Garland County residents live to an average of 72.1 years, roughly 4 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. However, only 19.9% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among the eight counties studied—suggesting better perceived wellness despite the shorter lifespan. This paradox hints at undiagnosed or underappreciated health conditions in the county.

Below state average but strong healthcare access

Garland's 72.1-year life expectancy falls slightly below Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. The county's 10.0% uninsured rate matches Arkansas's state average exactly, indicating similar insurance access patterns. Garland's strength lies in its robust healthcare infrastructure—83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, nearly double the state's typical supply.

Healthcare hub for a rural region

Garland leads its neighboring counties with 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 300 mental health providers per 100,000—by far the highest in the region. Despite the lower life expectancy, this provider density reflects Garland's role as a healthcare destination for Hot Spring and other nearby counties. The contrast between abundant providers and modest life expectancy suggests residents may be traveling for care or facing barriers beyond access.

Best-in-region access masks underlying health concerns

Garland's 10.0% uninsured rate and 83 primary care providers per 100,000 represent some of the strongest healthcare infrastructure in the eight-county area, yet only 19.9% report poor health—the best figure here. This combination suggests that those with insurance and proximity to providers experience better health outcomes, but gaps may exist for the uninsured and underinsured. Mental health resources at 300 per 100,000 are exceptional, addressing the opioid and behavioral health crisis head-on.

Leverage world-class providers with coverage

With one of Arkansas's highest concentrations of healthcare providers, Garland County is best served when residents have insurance. If you're among the 10% uninsured, access ARHealth or call 211 to enroll—you'll unlock faster appointments with Garland's excellent primary care and mental health specialists. Coverage means preventive care that could add years to your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Garland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Hub in Hot Springs

Garland County manages a robust infrastructure of 28 public schools across eight different districts, serving over 14,800 students. The landscape includes 13 elementary schools and 14 secondary or specialized campuses to accommodate a growing population.

Balancing Performance and Investment

The county maintains a graduation rate of 87.7%, slightly trailing the Arkansas average but remaining above the national baseline. Local districts spend approximately $6,321 per pupil, yielding a composite school score of 50.9.

Large Districts and Charter Options

Lake Hamilton is the county's largest district with 4,131 students, closely followed by Hot Springs and Lakeside. Charter schools play a significant role here, making up over 14% of the total school offerings to provide specialized learning paths.

City Schools Meet Rural Classrooms

The county offers a diverse mix of 11 city-based schools and 16 rural campuses, reflecting the area's varied geography. Lakeside High School is the largest campus with 1,112 students, while the average school size across the county sits at 549.

Find Your Place in Garland Schools

Whether you prefer the innovation of a charter school or the resources of a large district like Lakeside, Garland County offers diverse options. Homebuyers often prioritize properties near the high-performing Lake Hamilton area for its consistent student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garland County

via RiskByCounty

Garland County faces above-average national risk

Garland County's composite risk score of 89.31 places it among the riskier counties nationwide, with a Relatively Moderate rating that signals serious compound hazards. This score reflects particular vulnerability to tornadoes (96.41), floods (90.11), and earthquakes (89.19).

Highest-risk county in Arkansas

At 89.31, Garland County's risk score far exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it the state's most hazard-exposed county by a wide margin. No other Arkansas county approaches Garland's multi-hazard vulnerability.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas

Garland County's score of 89.31 towers over regional peers like Hot Spring County (55.53) and Hempstead County (52.07), creating a stark contrast in disaster risk within the same region. This elevation reflects Garland's unique exposure to multiple concurrent hazard types.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes threaten residents

Tornado risk dominates at 96.41—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk at 90.11 means heavy rains pose an immediate property threat. Earthquake exposure at 89.19 adds a third major hazard rarely seen at such intensity in neighboring counties.

Comprehensive insurance is essential here

Garland County residents must carry robust wind and hail coverage, flood insurance (strongly recommended in high-risk zones), and serious consideration of earthquake protection given your county's exceptional multi-hazard profile. A safe room or reinforced shelter space should be a priority investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garland County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Humid Subtropical Environment

Garland County averages 61.8°F annually, placing it well above the national median of approximately 54°F. This typical humid subtropical climate features warmer baselines than most of the United States.

Warmer Than the Arkansas Average

At 61.8°F, Garland County stays slightly warmer than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. The county receives 55.6 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the state average by over 3 inches.

Similar Heat to Neighboring Grant County

The county's climate closely mirrors Grant County, which averages 61.6°F. However, Garland sees 71 days of extreme heat compared to the 74 days recorded in its neighbor to the east.

Extended Summers and Rare Snowfall

Summer dominates with 71 days of temperatures hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 81.3°F. Winters remain mild, seeing only 1.9 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 41.4°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Rain Management

Residents should service HVAC systems early to handle 71 days of extreme heat. Given the heavy 55.6 inches of annual rainfall, maintaining clear gutters and proper drainage is essential for local homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garland County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Very Gravelly Loams

Garland County is dominated by Ultisols with a low pH of 5.34. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and falls below the Arkansas average of 5.56. These 'very gravelly silt loams' define the rugged, weathered character of the local terrain.

Silty Texture with Significant Gravel

The soil mix includes 38.6% sand and 44.4% silt, with a clay fraction of 16.9%. While the silt provides good nutrient retention, the high gravel content can make mechanical tilling a challenge. This texture allows for moderate drainage while maintaining enough clay for structure.

Low Organic Matter Challenges Growers

With an organic matter content of just 1.46%, Garland falls far short of the state average of 4.15%. The available water capacity of 0.127 in/in also trails the state benchmark of 0.148. This contributes to a relatively low soil score of 18.2, indicating a need for heavy composting and amendments.

Reliable Drainage in Group C

Garland’s soils are classified as well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This ensures that even with low water capacity, the land does not stay waterlogged after heavy Ozark rains. It is a stable profile for building, though gardeners must monitor moisture levels closely.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8a

The warm 8a climate allows for a long growing season for heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes. Because organic matter is low, success depends on adding mulch and organic fertilizers. Your garden will thrive if you focus on building up the soil’s natural biology.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garland County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Growing Conditions in Garland

Garland County presents a difficult landscape for turf with a lawn difficulty score of 34.5, falling below both the state average of 37.3 and the national median of 50.0. Located in Zone 8a, your lawn must survive warmer winters and more intense summer heat than northern neighbors. Success here requires a more proactive maintenance strategy compared to most of the country.

High Heat and Heavy Rain

Your grass must endure 71 days of extreme heat over 90°F, surpassing the state average of 64 days. While the 55.6 inches of annual precipitation is generous, it often exceeds the ideal 50-inch limit, which can lead to runoff or fungal issues. High energy levels from 5,247 growing degree days mean your mowing schedule will stay busy from spring through fall.

Navigating Acidic Silt Loams

The soil pH of 5.34 is significantly more acidic than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range, making lime applications essential for a healthy lawn. The texture is a very gravelly silt loam that offers good drainage, but the 16.9% clay content helps retain some moisture during the hot summers. Be prepared to supplement nutrients that are often locked away by high acidity.

Managing Severe Water Shortages

Despite 17 weeks of drought over the last year, the entire county is currently locked in severe drought conditions. With 100% of the area at D2+ levels, water conservation is critical to keep your lawn alive without wasting resources. Utilize mulch in garden beds and avoid fertilizing during these peak stress periods to prevent chemical burn.

Start Early in Zone 8a

For Garland’s Zone 8a climate, heat-tolerant warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda are your best bets. The growing season typically kicks off after the last spring frost on March 24 and extends until the first frost on November 9. This long window provides plenty of time for established sod to thrive before winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garland County's county score?
Garland County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 38.6 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 Garland County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Garland County ranks #65 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 Garland County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Garland County is $915, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Garland County a tax score of 84/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garland County?
The median household income in Garland County, Arkansas is $55,409 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garland County earns an income score of 26/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garland County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Garland County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Garland 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 Garland County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.