CountyScore

Hot Spring County

Arkansas · AR

#34 in Arkansas
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Hot Spring County, Arkansas

Hot Spring County matches national performance

Hot Spring's composite score of 71.0 ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. The county delivers livability comparable to the nation's better-performing regions.

Slightly above Arkansas average benchmark

With a score of 71.0, Hot Spring matches Hempstead's performance and exceeds Arkansas's state average of 70.3. The county ranks solidly within Arkansas's upper-middle tier.

Low taxes and very affordable housing

Hot Spring leads with a tax score of 88.0 (0.508% effective rate) and cost score of 84.6, featuring a median home value of $127,900. Monthly rent at $763 and overall housing costs make the county highly accessible.

Income levels remain below state norms

Hot Spring's income score of 17.8 reflects a median household income of $52,644, trailing state averages. Risk factors (44.5) and health outcomes (62.4) present moderate opportunities for community strengthening.

Perfect for value-seeking families

Hot Spring County appeals to households prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing. It suits retirees, families with modest incomes, and anyone seeking a stable community where tax burdens remain minimal.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88Cost84.6SafetyComing SoonHealth62.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.8Risk44.5WaterComing Soon
🏛88
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.5
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 Hot Spring 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
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654

Deep Dives

Hot Spring County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Hot Spring County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national average by 4 years

Hot Spring County residents live to an average of 72.2 years, approximately 4.2 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. About 24.0% report poor or fair health, placing the county among the lower performers in health perception. These figures point to significant chronic disease burden and limited preventive care in the county.

Slightly below state average with moderate coverage

Hot Spring's 72.2-year life expectancy falls just below Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, positioning it near the lower middle of state county rankings. The 8.4% uninsured rate is notably better than the state average of 9.9%, indicating moderate insurance uptake. While coverage is better than the state norm, life expectancy suggests health outcomes still need improvement.

Low primary care, strong mental health presence

Hot Spring's 72.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in the eight-county region, and with just 24 primary care providers per 100,000, residents struggle for routine care access. However, the county boasts 247 mental health providers per 100,000—one of the highest in the region—suggesting strong behavioral health infrastructure. This imbalance suggests untreated mental illness may be contributing to poor health outcomes.

Mental health emphasis without primary care foundation

Hot Spring's 8.4% uninsured rate is solid, but only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 create a critical access gap for chronic disease management. The 247 mental health providers per 100,000 are exceptional and suggest the county has prioritized behavioral health—reflecting opioid and addiction crises—but this cannot substitute for primary care. The 24% poor/fair health rate likely reflects untreated diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.

Use coverage to access distant primary care

Hot Spring's good insurance rate (8.4%) shows most residents are covered, but those without should enroll immediately at Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 211. Your coverage is your bridge to primary care, whether through local clinics or regional hospitals—use telehealth and regional partnerships to access preventive care. Mental health services are abundant; ensure you're using them alongside primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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