CountyScore

Hempstead County

Arkansas · AR

#33 in Arkansas
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Hempstead County, Arkansas

Hempstead County stands above national median

Hempstead's composite score of 71.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. The county offers livability conditions better than most U.S. counties.

Just above Arkansas state average

With a 71.0 score, Hempstead slightly surpasses Arkansas's state average of 70.3. The county ranks among the stronger performers across the state's 75 counties, though not in the top tier.

Exceptional affordability across the board

Hempstead shines in cost efficiency with a 88.2 tax score (0.502% effective rate) and 86.3 cost score. Housing is remarkably accessible—median home value of $100,200 and rent at just $781/month represent among the state's most affordable options.

Income growth lags behind peers

At 14.5, Hempstead's income score is the second-lowest among these eight counties, with median household income at $47,654. Health outcomes (59.8) and risk factors (47.9) suggest areas needing targeted development.

Ideal for budget-first households

Hempstead County suits retirees, fixed-income families, and those seeking maximum housing affordability with minimal tax burden. It appeals to households willing to trade income potential for exceptional cost-of-living advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.2Cost86.3SafetyComing SoonHealth59.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.5Risk47.9WaterComing Soon
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.9
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 Hempstead County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Clarke County
Alabama
71
Median income: $49,167
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $52,644

Deep Dives

Hempstead County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Hempstead County

via CostByCounty

Hempstead County renters feel moderate national pressure

At 19.7%, Hempstead County's rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above the national comfort threshold, meaning renters here carry marginally heavier housing burdens than the typical U.S. household. The median household income of $47,654 lags significantly behind the national average of $74,755, while median rent of $781 per month runs just $19 below Arkansas's state average.

Hempstead ranks above average on housing burden

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.7%, Hempstead County exceeds Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it among the higher-burden counties statewide. This gap reflects lower median income relative to rental costs in the region.

Hempstead's rents sit amid a range of regional options

Hempstead's median rent of $781 positions it in the middle range of this county cluster, below Garland ($942) and Greene ($852) but above Hot Spring ($763). Home values ($100,200) rank among the lowest in the region, offering affordability for buyers willing to accept higher rental burdens.

Renters shoulder more of Hempstead's income

With a median household income of just $47,654, renters in Hempstead County dedicate 19.7% of earnings—$781 per month—to rent, a notably higher share than stronger-income counties. Homeowners fare better with $534 monthly payments on $100,200 properties, making ownership more accessible than renting.

Hempstead appeals to homebuyers more than renters

If you're a renter, Hempstead County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests tighter budgets; if you're a homebuyer, low home values ($100,200) and modest ownership costs ($534/month) present real opportunity. Compare these tradeoffs against other Arkansas counties to find the best fit for your situation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hempstead County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below national standard

Hempstead County residents live to an average of 73.3 years, roughly 3.1 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. About 25.6% report poor or fair health—tied for the highest in the eight-county study—indicating significant unmet health needs. These metrics reflect Hempstead's status as a county facing substantial health and economic headwinds.

Life expectancy matches state average closely

Hempstead's 73.3-year life expectancy sits just 1 year above Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, placing it slightly above the middle of state county rankings. However, the uninsured rate of 10.7% exceeds the state average of 9.9%, suggesting insurance access challenges. This combination signals that Hempstead struggles more with healthcare coverage gaps than many Arkansas counties.

Life expectancy strong but healthcare stretched

Hempstead's 73.3-year life expectancy matches Grant and Independence counties, but its primary care provider density of just 25 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the region. The 10.7% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties, indicating fewer residents have insurance pathways to care. Mental health providers at 114 per 100,000 offer basic coverage but lag behind better-resourced neighbors.

High uninsured rate strains already thin networks

Hempstead's 10.7% uninsured rate means more than 1 in 10 residents lack coverage, compounding the strain on 25 primary care providers per 100,000—a severe shortage. The 25.6% poor/fair health rating, tied for highest in the study, reflects this access crisis and likely unmanaged chronic disease. Mental health services at 114 per 100,000 are present but may be overwhelmed by untreated behavioral health and substance use issues.

Coverage is urgent in Hempstead County

If you're among Hempstead's 10.7% uninsured residents, getting covered is critical—visit Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or call 211 immediately. With only 25 primary care providers per 100,000, insurance ensures you can access the limited care available without delay. Coverage also opens mental health resources that address Hempstead's behavioral health crisis.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hempstead County

via RiskByCounty

Hempstead County's risk mirrors national average

With a composite risk score of 52.07, Hempstead County carries a Relatively Low national rating that closely tracks typical U.S. county hazard exposure. This balanced profile reflects moderate-to-high tornado and hurricane risks offset by lower flood and wildfire exposure.

Slightly below Arkansas's average risk level

Hempstead County's score of 52.07 sits just under Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it near the state median for natural disaster vulnerability. This near-average standing reflects typical Arkansas multi-hazard exposure patterns.

Middle-of-the-pack risk within region

Hempstead County's score of 52.07 falls between Grant County's exceptional safety (15.71) and Garland County's elevated risk (89.31), making it representative of typical southwestern Arkansas hazard profiles. Hot Spring County (55.53) carries similarly balanced risk levels.

Tornadoes and earthquakes threaten most

Tornado risk at 72.77 represents Hempstead County's primary hazard, while earthquake exposure at 75.54 creates a secondary structural threat. Hurricane risk at 65.00 is notably elevated compared to many inland counties and warrants serious preparation.

Wind coverage and flood insurance matter

Hempstead County residents need robust wind and hail protection to handle tornado and hurricane exposure, plus strong consideration of flood insurance for properties in flood-prone zones. Given your county's location and hazard profile, a reinforced safe room is a worthwhile home improvement 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.