countyscore
40.8
County Score
Cost of Living 76.3Property Tax 75.9Weather & Climate 52.5

County Report Card

About Hempstead County, Arkansas

Hempstead below national livability median

With a composite score of 43.1, Hempstead County falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally. This below-average performance reflects meaningful livability constraints.

Underperforming Arkansas average

Hempstead ranks below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, situating it in the lower third of state counties. The gap suggests economic and social pressures worth understanding before relocating.

Exceptional housing affordability stands out

Hempstead delivers the group's best housing cost score of 79.5, with a median home value of $100,200 and rent at just $781 monthly. A tax score of 85.6 further minimizes household financial obligations.

Income, health, and water quality suffer

An income score of 10.4 and median household income of $47,654 are critically low, while health outcomes (27.2) lag badly. Water quality (9.3) emerges as a genuine environmental concern requiring investigation.

For ultra-budget seekers with lower expectations

Hempstead suits retirees or remote earners seeking rock-bottom housing costs who can overlook weak employment prospects and environmental concerns. It's not recommended for families requiring strong local job markets or excellent health infrastructure.

2040608010075.976.3927.227.77.647.99.352.5Tax75.9Cost76.3Safety9Health27.2Schools27.7Income7.6Risk47.9Water9.3Weather52.540.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Hempstead County DNA

Foverall

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

Hempstead County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (76.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.9+23.900000000000006
Cost
76.3+28.299999999999997
Safety
9-46
Health
27.2-22.8
Schools
27.7-26.3
Income
7.6-43.4
Risk
47.9
Water
9.3-48.7
Weather
52.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hempstead County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$105,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$815/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$105,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,787/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.1

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

Nevada County
Arkansas
52.8
Howard County
Arkansas
54.5
Little River County
Arkansas
55
Pike County
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61.2
Sevier County
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Miller County
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Lafayette County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Hempstead County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hempstead County

via TaxByCounty

Hempstead taxes rank among nation's lowest

Hempstead County's effective tax rate of 0.502% sits well below the national median of 0.82%, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of just $503 annually is less than one-fifth of the national median of $2,690. Hempstead is exceptionally affordable for property owners.

Slightly below Arkansas average

At 0.502%, Hempstead's effective rate trails the Arkansas state average of 0.532% by about 6%, making it a below-average county statewide. The median tax of $503 is 29% below the state average of $705, offering meaningful savings to homeowners.

Second-lowest in the survey

Hempstead's 0.502% rate is the second-lowest among surveyed counties, topped only by Fulton (0.461%) and well below Hot Spring (0.508%) and Howard (0.523%). This makes Hempstead a standout option for buyers seeking tax efficiency in south-central Arkansas.

What $100K home costs in taxes

A median-valued home of $100,200 in Hempstead County costs approximately $503 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $582 annually—among the lowest in the state.

Challenge overvalued assessments

Hempstead homeowners should request a property tax assessment review to ensure accuracy, as overvaluation errors are common across Arkansas. A successful appeal could further reduce your already-low tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hempstead County

via IncomeByCounty

Hempstead income lags far behind nation

Hempstead County's median household income of $47,654 falls 36% below the national median of $74,755, representing a substantial economic gap. This $27,101 shortfall means Hempstead households earn barely half what national-average families bring home annually.

Below-average earnings for Arkansas

Hempstead County ranks below Arkansas's state median of $51,156, with a household income about 7% lower than the state average. This below-average performance reflects economic challenges that require strategic county development and workforce initiatives.

Struggles against nearby earners

Hempstead County's $47,654 median household income trails Grant County ($72,512), Garland ($55,409), and Independence ($56,009) by significant margins. Only the most economically challenged neighboring counties approach or fall below Hempstead's earning power.

Housing pressure on tight budgets

Hempstead households spend 19.7% of income on rent, approaching the 30% affordability threshold and reflecting mounting housing pressure on modest wages. With median home values at $100,200, housing remains relatively affordable, but residents must budget carefully to manage other living costs.

Start investing despite income limits

Even Hempstead residents earning $47,654 can begin wealth-building through employer 401(k) matches, individual retirement accounts, and automated savings tools. Micro-investing apps and employer financial wellness programs help low-to-moderate income earners start building financial security today.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hempstead County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Exceed the National Benchmark

Hempstead County has a total crime rate of 2,879.7 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a safety score of 95.5 out of 100. This score reflects a moderate risk level relative to the rest of the country.

Slightly Under the State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 95.5 is just below the Arkansas average of 96.3. However, its total crime rate of 2,879.7 is higher than the state average of 2,326.8. Three law enforcement agencies provide the data that fuels these safety metrics.

Elevated Crime Compared to Howard County

Hempstead County reports significantly more crime than neighboring Howard County, which sits at 1,737.2 per 100K. Hempstead's rate of 2,879.7 represents a higher concentration of incidents in the immediate region. This disparity highlights different safety dynamics across county lines.

A Closer Look at Local Crime Types

Hempstead's violent crime rate of 658.8 per 100K is higher than the national 369.8 average. Property crime also outpaces the national average, reaching 2,220.9 per 100K. Residents should be aware that both categories show elevated levels of activity.

Building a Safer Home Environment

Given the higher-than-average property crime rate, securing your perimeter is a top priority. Motion-activated lighting and smart doorbells are effective tools for discouraging local theft. Keeping valuables out of sight from windows can also reduce the risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hempstead County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Southern Climate Profile

Hempstead County averages 62.4°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median of 54°F. This makes it one of the warmer regions in the south-central United States.

Exceeding the Arkansas State Average

The county's average temperature of 62.4°F is notably higher than the state average of 61.0°F. It also receives 55.1 inches of precipitation annually, making it wetter than the state average of 52.4 inches.

Cooler Than Neighboring Howard County

While Hempstead is warm, it is cooler than neighboring Howard County, which averages 63.2°F. Hempstead also experiences 11 fewer days of extreme heat than Howard's 81-day average.

Hot Summers and Very Mild Winters

July temperatures average 81.5°F, contributing to 70 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually. Winters are among the mildest in the state, with a January average of 42.4°F and only 2.3 inches of snow.

Focus on Sun and Rain Protection

With 70 days of heat over 90°F, residents should plan for high cooling costs and sun protection. The 55.1 inches of annual rain also requires durable roofing and reliable storm drainage systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hempstead County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of the Southwest

Hempstead County features young, sandy Entisols with a pH of 5.83. This is slightly more alkaline than the Arkansas average of 5.56, though it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These soils are often found in areas of recent sediment deposition or rolling hills.

Fine Sands Lead the Profile

The soil is dominated by 43.0% sand and 34.3% silt, resulting in a fine sand texture. A significant 22.8% clay fraction provides the necessary 'glue' to help the soil hold onto nutrients and moisture. This mix offers a great balance of aeration and structural integrity.

Above Average Water Retention

The available water capacity of 0.152 in/in exceeds the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for plants. Organic matter sits at 1.85%, which is modest but typical for the region’s climate. Overall, the soil score of 41.0 indicates a very capable and fertile landscape.

Rapid Drainage and High Infiltration

Classified as somewhat excessively drained, water moves through this soil very quickly. It belongs to hydrologic group A, the highest infiltration category, making it excellent for building foundations. However, gardeners will need to irrigate more frequently during the peak of summer.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a long, warm growing season ideal for southern favorites like melons and peaches. The sandy texture prevents root rot even during heavy rains. It is a fantastic place to start a market garden or a diverse home orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hempstead County

via LawnByCounty

A Strong Start for Hempstead Lawns

Hempstead County earns a lawn difficulty score of 41.3, making it one of the easier places in Arkansas to keep a yard green. This score sits well above the state average of 37.3, though it trails the national median of 50.0. The local Zone 8a climate provides a long, warm season that is conducive to vigorous grass growth.

Navigating 70 Days of Sun

Homeowners must manage 70 extreme heat days each year, slightly higher than the state average of 64 days. With 55.1 inches of annual precipitation, the county receives more than enough water, though heavy rains can sometimes leach nutrients from the soil. The 5,402 growing degree days mean your lawn will be extremely active and require regular mowing from spring to late autumn.

Rapid Drainage in Fine Sand

Your lawn grows in fine sand that is classified as somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through the root zone very quickly. The pH of 5.83 is quite close to the ideal range of 6.0-7.0, reducing the need for heavy lime applications. However, the high sand content (43%) and low clay (22.8%) suggest you should apply fertilizer in smaller, more frequent doses to prevent runoff.

Managing Moderate Drought Stress

Hempstead has seen only 14 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, only 22.1% of the county is in severe drought. This makes it more resilient than many neighboring regions, but the sandy soil still poses a risk of quick drying. Using smart irrigation controllers can help you manage the excessively drained soil without wasting water.

Maximize the Zone 8a Season

Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses are excellent choices for Hempstead's Zone 8a heat and sandy textures. Your growing season begins after the last frost on March 26 and doesn't end until November 6, providing over seven months of prime growth. Start your lawn projects in mid-April to ensure the soil is warm enough for fast root establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hempstead County's county score?
Hempstead County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 40.8 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 Hempstead County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Hempstead County ranks #58 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 Hempstead County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Hempstead County is $601, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Hempstead County a tax score of 75.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hempstead County?
The median household income in Hempstead County, Arkansas is $46,787 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hempstead County earns an income score of 7.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hempstead County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Hempstead County scores 40.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Hempstead 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 Hempstead 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.