countyscore
51
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 85Cost of Living 73.7

County Report Card

About Hot Spring County, Arkansas

Hot Spring meets national livability baseline

Hot Spring County's composite score of 51.1 slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 52nd percentile nationally. This marginal advantage indicates a county that meets basic livability standards.

Above state average

Hot Spring ranks above Arkansas's state average of 47.9, positioning it in the upper half of state counties. This modest leadership suggests relative stability compared to peers.

Affordability and water quality excel

Hot Spring's cost score of 73.7 reflects strong housing affordability with median rent at $763 and median home value at $127,900. A water score of 86.0 indicates excellent environmental quality.

Income growth and health outcomes lag

An income score of 19.9 and median household income of $52,644 limit economic opportunity, while health scores of 31.8 suggest healthcare access or quality gaps. Schools (41.8) are modest performers.

Good fit for retirees and remote workers

Hot Spring works well for fixed-income retirees or remote professionals attracted to affordable living and clean water. Families seeking robust job markets or excellent health systems should look elsewhere in Arkansas.

204060801008573.727.431.841.819.944.58656Tax85Cost73.7Safety27.4Health31.8Schools41.8Income19.9Risk44.5Water86Weather5651/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Hot Spring County DNA

Foverall

How Hot Spring County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hot Spring County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (85/100) but notably weak in Income (19.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85+33
Cost
73.7+25.700000000000003
Safety
27.4-27.6
Health
31.8-18.2
Schools
41.8-12.200000000000003
Income
19.9-31.1
Risk
44.5
Water
86+28
Weather
56
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$127,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$763/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,644/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.1

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

Clark County
Arkansas
43.8
Garland County
Arkansas
38.6
Saline County
Arkansas
44
Dallas County
Arkansas
57.6
Grant County
Arkansas
56.2
Pike County
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Montgomery County
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63.3
Perry County
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56.3

Deep Dives

Hot Spring County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hot Spring County

via TaxByCounty

Hot Spring taxes well below national average

Hot Spring County's effective tax rate of 0.508% ranks substantially below the national median of 0.82%, placing it in the bottom 22% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $650 annually represents just 24% of the national median of $2,690. Hot Spring residents enjoy significant tax advantages compared to the country overall.

Slightly below Arkansas average

At 0.508%, Hot Spring's effective rate trails the Arkansas state average of 0.532% by about 5%, making it a below-average county within the state. The median tax of $650 is 8% below the state average of $705, offering modest savings to homeowners.

Competitive regional rates

Hot Spring's 0.508% rate ranks below Howard (0.523%), Grant (0.544%), and Independence (0.545%), but slightly above Hempstead (0.502%). For central Arkansas buyers, Hot Spring offers balanced taxes and moderate property values.

What $128K home costs in taxes

A median-valued home of $127,900 in Hot Spring County carries an annual tax bill of approximately $650. With a mortgage, that rises to $810 annually.

Request an assessment review today

Hot Spring homeowners should verify their property assessments for potential overvaluation, which costs many owners unnecessary tax dollars each year. Filing an appeal is free and could yield substantial savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hot Spring County

via CostByCounty

Hot Spring County offers below-average housing burden

At 17.4%, Hot Spring County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national threshold, giving renters here an advantage compared to typical U.S. households. The median household income of $52,644 trails the national average of $74,755, yet median rent of $763 per month ranks as one of the region's most affordable options.

Hot Spring beats Arkansas's affordability average

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.4%, Hot Spring County outperforms the state average of 18.1%, placing it in the more affordable half of Arkansas counties. This edge reflects the county's low rental market relative to household incomes.

Hot Spring offers some of the region's cheapest rents

At $763 per month, Hot Spring's median rent ranks lowest in this county cluster, undercutting Grant ($779), Independence ($814), and Garland ($942) by meaningful margins. Home values ($127,900) also remain moderate, making Hot Spring attractive to budget-conscious households.

Hot Spring housing costs align with household income

Renters in Hot Spring County dedicate 17.4% of their $52,644 median income—$763 per month—to housing, a sustainable ratio that leaves room for other priorities. Homeowners pay $666 monthly on properties worth $127,900, with both groups enjoying balanced relationships between income and shelter costs.

Hot Spring County delivers rural affordability

Hot Spring County combines some of the region's lowest rents with moderate home values and a below-average housing burden, making it ideal for families prioritizing affordability. Review these metrics against your current location and other Arkansas options to gauge the financial impact of relocating here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hot Spring County

via IncomeByCounty

Hot Spring lags behind national median

Hot Spring County's median household income of $52,644 falls 30% short of the national median of $74,755, indicating a substantial regional income disadvantage. The $22,111 annual gap underscores why Hot Spring residents must prioritize cost-effective living strategies and income growth opportunities.

Slightly below Arkansas average

Hot Spring County ranks just below Arkansas's state median of $51,156, with a household income essentially in line with the state average. This near-parity suggests Hot Spring reflects typical Arkansas economic conditions rather than emerging prosperity or significant distress.

Mid-tier among regional counties

Hot Spring County's $52,644 median household income sits below Garland ($55,409), Greene ($56,793), and Independence ($56,009), but exceeds Fulton ($38,941), Hempstead ($47,654), and Howard ($44,492). This positions Hot Spring in the moderate middle of its peer group.

Rent burden well-managed

Hot Spring households dedicate just 17.4% of income to rent, providing comfortable breathing room below the 30% affordability ceiling. With median home values at $127,900, residents enjoy reasonable access to both rental and homeownership options.

Maximize modest income through planning

Hot Spring County residents earning $52,644 can accelerate wealth-building through employer retirement matches, health savings accounts, and automatic investment plans. Strategic financial planning and debt reduction create momentum for compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hot Spring County

via CrimeByCounty

Hot Spring County Outpaces National Safety

Hot Spring County is a safe haven with a safety score of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 1,759.8 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data indicates a significantly more secure environment than the average American county.

A Safety Leader in Arkansas

With a safety score of 97.2, the county ranks well above the Arkansas average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 1,759.8 is also considerably lower than the state average of 2,326.8. Four reporting agencies contribute to this high level of safety transparency.

Safer Than Most Nearby Jurisdictions

Hot Spring County's crime rate of 1,759.8 is far lower than neighboring Garland County, which reports 3,978.2. While it tracks slightly higher than Grant County's 1,487.1, it remains a regional leader in security. Residents enjoy a peaceful atmosphere compared to more urban neighbors.

Minimal Violent Crime Exposure

The violent crime rate of 277.7 per 100K is lower than both the state and national averages. Property crime stands at ,1482.1, which is also well below the national mark of 2,015.7. These numbers translate to a low probability of encountering serious crime.

Preserving the Peace at Home

Maintaining low crime rates requires community involvement and basic home security. Simple habits like locking all entries and participating in neighborhood watch groups keep property crime suppressed. These efforts help sustain the county's excellent safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hot Spring County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Six Local Districts

Hot Spring County operates 15 public schools divided among six distinct school districts. This decentralized approach serves 5,111 students through five elementary, four middle, and six high schools across the region.

High Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The county excels with a 92.3% graduation rate, beating the state average by two full percentage points. With a per-pupil spend of $5,909, the county achieves a school score of 52.4, which sits above the national median.

Malvern Anchors the County System

Malvern School District is the largest provider, educating 1,831 students across four campuses. Other significant districts include Bismarck and Glen Rose, each serving approximately 1,000 students in more specialized local settings.

Rural Schools with Strong Community Ties

Education here is primarily rural, with 11 of the 15 schools located in countryside settings. The average school size is a manageable 365 students, though Malvern Elementary serves as the largest hub with 701 pupils.

Make Your Home in Hot Spring

High graduation rates and a variety of small, rural districts make Hot Spring County a top choice for families. Look for homes in the Malvern or Glen Rose areas to take advantage of the county's strongest educational infrastructures.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hot Spring County

via RiskByCounty

Hot Spring County matches national risk averages

Hot Spring County's composite risk score of 55.53 places it right at Arkansas's state average of 55.51, earning a Relatively Low national rating. This near-perfect state-average alignment reflects balanced multi-hazard exposure typical of mid-Arkansas counties.

Quintessential Arkansas risk profile

At 55.53, Hot Spring County is virtually indistinguishable from Arkansas's state average, making it a representative county for understanding regional disaster vulnerability. Its position reflects neither unusual protection nor exceptional hazard concentration.

Moderate risk balanced among peer counties

Hot Spring County's score of 55.53 sits comfortably in the middle of its regional peer group, above Grant County (15.71) and Howard County (48.51) but well below Garland County (89.31). This balance makes it representative of southwestern Arkansas conditions.

Tornadoes pose greatest immediate threat

Tornado risk at 68.26 represents Hot Spring County's most pressing hazard, while earthquake exposure at 76.49 creates a secondary structural concern. Flood risk at 58.62 and wildfire risk at 55.25 round out a genuinely balanced multi-hazard environment.

Balanced coverage approach works best here

Hot Spring County's moderate, balanced risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance with good wind coverage provides solid baseline protection. Consider flood insurance if your property sits in a designated flood zone, and ensure your policy's deductibles and coverage limits align with your home's replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hot Spring County

via WaterByCounty

Hot Spring County Maintains Perfect Compliance Grade

Hot Spring County earns an A grade for its drinking water, with zero health violations reported over the last five years. This performance is superior to the Arkansas state average violation rate of 172.5 per 100,000 people. The county's water systems are successfully protecting public health through rigorous adherence to standards.

Watershed Health Above State Average in Hot Spring

Only 15.6% of the 339 assessed water bodies in Hot Spring County are classified as impaired, according to 2022 data. This is better than the Arkansas state average impairment rate of 17.8%. While pH and dissolved oxygen are concerns, the overall health of local water bodies remains relatively strong.

Targeted Monitoring of Inorganics and Metals

Hot Spring County has 7 monitoring sites that have recorded 3,552 measurements over the past five years. Monitoring efforts focus on inorganics, metals, and nutrients to ensure water safety. Despite having fewer sites than some neighbors, the volume of measurements per site is substantial.

Ouachita River Flow Critically Low at Remmel Dam

Current discharge at the Ouachita River at Remmel Dam is 282 cubic feet per second, just 11% of its long-term mean. This river drains a massive 1,550 square mile area, making this low flow a significant regional event. Such restricted flow can lead to increased water temperatures and altered chemical concentrations.

Conserve Water During Extreme Low Flow Periods

While drinking water remains safe and compliant, the critically low flow of the Ouachita River suggests a need for heightened water conservation. Low river levels can stress source water supplies and exacerbate pH and dissolved oxygen issues in the watershed. Residents should stay alert to any local guidance regarding water usage during these dry conditions.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hot Spring County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild and Moist Annual Patterns

Hot Spring County averages 61.3°F annually, sitting well above the national median of approximately 54°F. Its high annual precipitation of 57.5 inches makes it one of the wetter regions in the country.

High Rainfall Relative to State Average

While the 61.3°F average temperature is near the state average of 61.0°F, the county is much wetter. It receives 57.5 inches of rain, significantly higher than the Arkansas average of 52.4 inches.

Wetter Than Neighboring Garland County

Hot Spring County is wetter than nearby Garland County, receiving nearly 2 inches more rain annually. Both counties experience similar heat, with Hot Spring recording 73 days above 90°F.

Rainy Winters and Extreme Summer Heat

The county faces 73 days of extreme heat annually, with a July average of 80.9°F. Snow is rare at 1.2 inches per year, as winter temperatures average a mild 42.5°F.

Manage Moisture and Summer Heat

The 57.5 inches of annual rain necessitates excellent foundation drainage and moisture control for homes. Residents should also prepare for a long cooling season due to the 73 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hot Spring County

via SoilByCounty

Gritty, Acidic Soils of the Ouachitas

Hot Spring County soil has a pH of 5.39, putting it on the more acidic side of the state average. This level is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime for most traditional garden crops. The soil reflects the complex mineral history of the surrounding mountains.

High Sand Content for Drainage

The soil composition is 51.6% sand, 34.4% silt, and 14.0% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the soil is easy to till and doesn't become overly compacted. However, with less clay, the soil relies heavily on its silt and organic matter to hold onto essential nutrients.

Moderate Water Capacity and Low Score

Available water capacity is 0.135 in/in, slightly below the state average, while organic matter is low at 1.58%. These factors contribute to a soil score of 23.6. Growers should focus on intensive soil building to overcome the natural lack of organic materials.

Slow Infiltration in Group D

Despite the sandy texture, the soil is categorized under hydrologic group D, indicating slow infiltration when wet. While specific drainage classes aren't provided, this suggests potential runoff issues during heavy Arkansas storms. Proper grading is essential for any local construction or landscaping project.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 8a

The 8a hardiness zone provides ample warmth for heat-loving crops like okra and peppers. The sandy soil is a boon for root crops, which can expand easily in the loose texture. Enriching the ground with compost will yield impressive results in this long-season climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hot Spring County

via LawnByCounty

Hot Spring's High-Stress Environment

With a lawn difficulty score of 30.4, Hot Spring County is significantly more challenging for lawn care than the Arkansas average of 37.3. The combination of intense heat and specific soil traits puts it well below the national median of 50.0. Success requires a dedicated approach to managing moisture and soil chemistry in this Zone 8a region.

Fighting the Heat and Humidity

Your lawn endures 73 extreme heat days annually, nearly 10 days more than the state average of 64. While the 57.5 inches of annual rainfall is plentiful, it often comes in heavy bursts that exceed the ideal lawn range. This abundance of rain combined with 5,154 growing degree days creates a high-growth environment that can also be prone to humidity-related diseases.

High Sand and High Acidity

The soil in Hot Spring County is very sandy (51.6%), which leads to fast drainage but poor nutrient retention. A pH level of 5.34 is quite acidic, falling short of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and requiring regular lime to keep grass healthy. Because of the low clay content (14.0%), organic matter like compost is a great addition to help hold onto both water and fertilizer.

Severe Drought Coverage is High

The county has faced 25 weeks of drought in the last year, and currently, 96.8% of the area is in severe drought. This is especially difficult for sandy soils that can't store much water, making irrigation critical for lawn survival. To protect your investment, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep blades high to shade the soil surface.

Pick Rugged, Heat-Tolerant Grass

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the best fit for the 73 heat days and Zone 8a winters. The safe window for planting and major maintenance opens after the last frost on March 31 and stays open until November 5. Focus your efforts on late spring when the grass is emerging from dormancy and ready to utilize the season's 5,154 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hot Spring County's county score?
Hot Spring County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 51 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 Hot Spring County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Hot Spring County ranks #29 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 Hot Spring County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Hot Spring County is $650, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Hot Spring County a tax score of 85/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hot Spring County?
The median household income in Hot Spring County, Arkansas is $52,644 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hot Spring County earns an income score of 19.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hot Spring County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Hot Spring County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Hot Spring 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 Hot Spring County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.