CountyScore

Garland County

Arkansas · AR

#65 in Arkansas
67.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Garland County, Arkansas

Garland County beats national average

Garland's composite score of 67.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. The county offers livability advantages that put it ahead of the typical American county.

Slightly below state average ranking

With a score of 67.2, Garland ranks just shy of Arkansas's state average of 70.3. The county places in the middle tier among Arkansas's 75 counties, suggesting solid but not exceptional conditions.

Good tax rates and health outcomes

Garland's tax score of 87.7 (0.519% effective rate) and health score of 64.5 represent key advantages. The county also delivers reasonable housing costs with a median home value of $176,400 and rental prices at $942/month.

Income levels lag significantly

At 19.6, Garland's income score trails most of the state, with a median household income of $55,409. The risk score of 10.7 indicates elevated community vulnerability factors that warrant attention.

Best for retirees and vacation seekers

Garland County suits those seeking lower taxes and reasonable living costs without requiring top-tier incomes. Its appeal lies in stable, accessible living—popular with retirees, seasonal residents, and those prioritizing tax efficiency over wealth accumulation.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.7Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth64.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.6Risk10.7WaterComing Soon
🏛87.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Garland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Baldwin County
Alabama
67.2
Median income: $75,019
Aleutians East Borough
Alaska
67.2
Median income: $72,692
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Alaska
67.2
Median income: $74,223
Berrien County
Georgia
67.2
Median income: $50,414
Shelby County
Illinois
67.2
Median income: $68,457

Deep Dives

Garland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.