countyscore
53.6
County Score
Cost of Living 87.5Property Tax 83.7Schools 61.4

County Report Card

About Howard County, Arkansas

Howard ranks above national livability median

Howard County's composite score of 53.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 57th percentile nationally. This above-average performance reflects solid, balanced livability conditions.

Outperforms Arkansas average

Howard ranks well above Arkansas's state average of 47.9, making it one of the state's stronger-performing counties. This positioning signals relative stability and opportunity.

Housing affordability and schools shine

Howard's cost score of 87.5 is exceptional, with median rent at just $702 and median home value at $135,400. A school score of 61.4 leads this entire county group, offering families real educational quality.

Income and health remain constrained

An income score of 6.7 and median household income of $44,492 are concerning constraints on household economic power. Health outcomes (28.3) and water quality (22.6) also lag behind competitive benchmarks.

Best option for school-focused families

Howard is ideal for families prioritizing excellent schools and ultra-low housing costs while accepting modest income potential. It suits households with outside income sources seeking a family-friendly, affordable community.

2040608010083.787.52828.361.46.751.522.646.5Tax83.7Cost87.5Safety28Health28.3Schools61.4Income6.7Risk51.5Water22.6Weather46.553.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Howard County DNA

Foverall

How Howard County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Howard County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (87.5/100) but notably weak in Income (6.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.7+31.700000000000003
Cost
87.5+39.5
Safety
28-27
Health
28.3-21.7
Schools
61.4
Income
6.7-44.3
Risk
51.5
Water
22.6-35.4
Weather
46.5-9.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$702/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,492/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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La Salle County
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Nearby counties

Sevier County
Arkansas
50.4
Pike County
Arkansas
62.4
Hempstead County
Arkansas
43.1
Little River County
Arkansas
52.3
Polk County
Arkansas
51.5
Montgomery County
Arkansas
63.3
Bowie County
Texas
34.5
McCurtain County
Oklahoma
41.7

Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Howard County

via TaxByCounty

Howard taxes rank low nationally

Howard County's effective tax rate of 0.523% remains well below the national median of 0.82%, placing it in the bottom 22% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $708 annually is just 26% of the national median of $2,690. Howard delivers exceptional tax value by national standards.

Nearly at Arkansas average

At 0.523%, Howard's effective rate sits just below the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, making it roughly typical statewide. The median tax of $708 is essentially at the state average of $705, reflecting Howard's median home value of $135,400.

Mid-range county taxes

Howard's 0.523% rate sits in the middle of the surveyed region, above Fulton, Hempstead, and Greene, but below Grant and Independence. For southwest Arkansas buyers, Howard offers balanced tax rates with moderate property values.

What $135K home costs in taxes

A median-valued home of $135,400 in Howard County costs approximately $708 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $896 per year.

Check if your assessment is fair

Howard County homeowners should request a property tax assessment review to verify accuracy, as overvaluation is a widespread issue. A successful appeal could meaningfully reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Howard County

via CostByCounty

Howard County presents moderate rental affordability

At 18.9%, Howard County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below national norms, giving renters a modest advantage compared to the typical U.S. household. The median household income of $44,492 falls well short of the national average of $74,755, while median rent of $702 per month remains competitive for the region.

Howard ranks slightly above state housing burden

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.9%, Howard County edges above Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the moderate-to-higher burden tier statewide. This reflects the county's lower median income relative to rental costs in the region.

Howard's rents are competitive within the cluster

At $702 per month, Howard County's median rent sits between the region's most affordable (Hot Spring at $763) and its midrange options, while home values of $135,400 remain moderate. The county offers a reasonable balance for households seeking lower costs without extreme scarcity.

Howard renters carry slightly elevated burden

With a median household income of just $44,492, renters in Howard County dedicate 18.9% of earnings—$702 per month—to housing, a rate that requires careful budgeting. Homeowners enjoy lower relative costs at $557 monthly on $135,400 properties, making ownership more accessible than renting in this county.

Howard County favors homebuyers over renters

If you're seeking to buy, Howard County's moderate home values ($135,400) and ownership costs ($557/month) present strong value; renters may feel the pinch with an 18.9% housing ratio. Compare these numbers to your circumstances and other Arkansas counties to determine if Howard is the right move for your household.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Howard County

via IncomeByCounty

Howard faces steep national income gap

Howard County's median household income of $44,492 trails the national median of $74,755 by 41%, representing one of the largest regional-national income gaps. This $30,263 shortfall means Howard households earn barely 60% of what typical American families bring home.

Below-average within Arkansas

Howard County ranks below Arkansas's state median of $51,156, with a household income about 13% lower than the state average. This below-average performance reflects economic challenges common to rural, lower-population counties in Arkansas.

Among lowest-earning peer counties

Howard County's $44,492 median household income ranks among the region's weakest, surpassed by Grant ($72,512), Garland ($55,409), Greene ($56,793), Independence ($56,009), and Hot Spring ($52,644). Only Fulton ($38,941) and Hempstead ($47,654) fall closer to or below Howard's earning level.

Housing consumes significant budget

Howard households spend 18.9% of income on rent, within the 30% affordability standard but reflecting tight overall budgets. With median home values at $135,400, housing options exist, but residents must balance shelter costs against other pressing needs.

Priority: build financial foundations

Howard County residents earning $44,492 should prioritize emergency savings of three to six months of expenses before investing, given income vulnerability. Free financial counseling through nonprofits and community organizations helps residents establish budgets, eliminate high-interest debt, and begin steady wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Howard County

via CrimeByCounty

Howard County Sets a High Bar for Safety

Howard County holds a strong safety score of 97.3, reflecting its status as a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,737.2 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Local residents experience much less crime than the typical U.S. resident.

Above the Arkansas State Average

Howard County's safety score of 97.3 outperforms the Arkansas average of 96.3. The total crime rate of 1,737.2 is also far better than the state's average rate of 2,326.8. Four reporting agencies actively monitor and report these positive safety trends.

Regional Safety Leader Near Hempstead

Howard County is much safer than its neighbor, Hempstead County, which has a crime rate of 2,879.7. Howard's total rate of 1,737.2 demonstrates a significantly lower incidence of local crime. It stands out as a preferred choice for safety in the regional area.

Low Risk for Both Crime Categories

The violent crime rate is 336.5 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Similarly, property crime is low at 1,400.7 compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Most reported crime in the county is non-violent in nature.

Keeping Your Property Secure

While Howard County is safe, property crime still represents the largest share of local incidents. Basic deterrents like smart home cameras and lighting can effectively keep these low numbers from rising. Neighborhood awareness remains the best defense against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Howard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Top-Tier Performance in Howard County

Howard County features a high-performing network of nine public schools across three districts. These schools provide a comprehensive education for 2,921 students, maintaining a balanced ratio of elementary and secondary facilities.

Leading the State in Outcomes

The county boasts a 94.1% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the 87% national average. This success is backed by a $7,072 per-pupil expenditure, leading to an impressive school score of 55.8.

Nashville Schools Drive Success

The Nashville School District is the county's largest, serving 1,931 students across four different campuses. The Dierks and Mineral Springs districts provide smaller, community-focused alternatives for the rest of the county.

Balanced Learning Environments

The county's locales are split between five rural and four town schools, offering a healthy variety of settings. Nashville Primary is the largest school with 601 students, while the county average remains intimate at 325 students per campus.

Invest in a Howard County Home

For families prioritizing academic excellence, Howard County's 94% graduation rate is a compelling reason to move here. Nashville is the primary destination for those seeking the county's highest-funded and largest school facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Howard County

via RiskByCounty

Howard County carries below-average national risk

With a composite risk score of 48.51, Howard County ranks as Relatively Low nationally, with hazard exposure lower than most U.S. counties. This favorable position reflects particularly low tornado and earthquake risks compared to regional peers.

Safer than most Arkansas counties

Howard County's score of 48.51 falls well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the safer half of state counties. This advantage suggests meaningfully reduced multi-hazard exposure compared to typical Arkansas locations.

Among the region's safest counties

Howard County's score of 48.51 ranks it safer than Grant County (15.71) is safer, and well below Garland County (89.31) and Independence County (69.08). Only Grant County in the immediate region maintains substantially lower risk.

Hurricane and flood risks lead exposure

Hurricane risk at 56.90 represents Howard County's highest hazard score, while flood risk at 52.13 runs a close second—both moderate concerns requiring baseline preparedness. Tornado risk at 53.91 remains below state averages, providing relative safety from that hazard.

Standard coverage with flood consideration needed

Howard County's moderate profile means standard homeowner's insurance suffices for most residents, though those in designated flood zones should strongly consider separate flood coverage. Regular roof and foundation inspections will help you identify vulnerabilities before severe weather strikes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Howard County

via WaterByCounty

Health Violations Impact Howard County Water Grade

Howard County receives a grade of F for drinking water compliance due to 16 health violations over the past five years. Although the violation rate of 105.0 per 100,000 is lower than the state average of 172.5, the frequency of issues triggered the failing grade. Consistent monitoring is required to improve these local safety metrics.

One-Fifth of Howard County Waterways are Impaired

In Howard County, 19.1% of the 298 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. This impairment rate is slightly higher than the state average of 17.8%. Key pollutants include pH and turbidity during storm flows, which impact the quality of local streams.

Thousands of Readings Track Inorganic Pollutants

Over the last five years, 10 monitoring sites in Howard County have recorded 7,395 measurements. Data collection is heavily weighted toward inorganics, metals, and nutrients. This high measurement count relative to the number of sites suggests intensive tracking of specific water quality parameters.

No Current Discharge Data for Saline River

The primary USGS gauge on the Saline River near Dierks is not currently reporting discharge or percent of typical flow. While live streamflow data is unavailable, historical monitoring of this 124-square-mile drainage area remains important for water planning. Residents should refer to the county's drinking water compliance records for the most available safety data.

Address Turbidity and pH for Water Safety

The combination of drinking water violations and high watershed turbidity suggests that Howard County residents should monitor their water for clarity and taste. Home filtration can help mitigate some risks associated with the reported violations. Supporting local land management to reduce storm-flow runoff can also help improve impaired local streams.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Howard County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Heat Southern Climate

Howard County is significantly warmer than the national average, with an annual temperature of 63.2°F. This represents one of the hotter regional climates in the United States.

One of Arkansas's Warmest Counties

Howard County averages 63.2°F, placing it well above the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It is also wetter than the state norm, with 55.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Hotter Than Neighboring Hempstead County

Howard County is noticeably warmer than Hempstead County, which averages 62.4°F. Residents in Howard face 81 days of extreme heat, compared to just 70 days in Hempstead.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Summer heat is intense, with a July average of 82.4°F and 81 days of temperatures over 90°F. Winters are very mild, with a January average of 42.9°F and only 2.4 inches of snow.

Prepare for Extended Heat Waves

With 81 days of extreme heat, residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling and heat-tolerant landscaping. Mild winters mean less focus on snow removal and more on year-round outdoor maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Howard County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Arkansas Acidity in Howard

Howard County's soil pH of 5.63 is very close to the state average of 5.56. While it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it provides a standard foundation for regional agriculture. This acidity level is manageable for most local forest and pasture applications.

Gritty Soils with Moderate Clay

The soil contains 48.1% sand, 30.9% silt, and a notable 21.0% clay. This relatively high clay content for the region helps the soil maintain its structure and store nutrients. The sand-heavy mix ensures that the soil remains workable and doesn't bake into hardpan.

Balanced Water Capacity Near Average

At 0.149 in/in, Howard’s available water capacity is almost exactly at the state average of 0.148. Organic matter is 1.80%, which is lower than the state average but sufficient to support native growth. The resulting soil score of 35.9 is competitive with most neighboring counties.

Limited Infiltration with Group D

These soils are in hydrologic group D, meaning they have high runoff potential and slow infiltration when saturated. While the high sand content helps, the underlying structure may lead to ponding in low-lying areas. Landowners should consider raised beds for gardening to ensure proper root aeration.

Garden Success in Zone 8a

The zone 8a climate allows for a variety of summer crops and even some winter gardening. The mix of sand and clay is particularly good for fruit trees if the drainage is managed. Start planting early to take full advantage of the long, warm Howard County season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Howard County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Lawn Care in Howard

Howard County's lawn difficulty score of 35.7 is very close to the Arkansas state average of 37.3, but it remains a tough climb compared to the national median of 50.0. The Zone 8a climate here is characterized by long, hot summers that test the resilience of even the toughest turf. You are working in a region where specialized heat-tolerant care is the standard, not the exception.

Surviving 81 Days of Extreme Heat

Howard County faces a staggering 81 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is far beyond the state average of 64 days. Although the 55.8 inches of annual rain provides a good base, the 5,614 growing degree days indicate a very high-energy environment that can quickly dry out vegetation. This heat intensity makes irrigation and proper grass selection more critical here than in almost any other part of the state.

Clay and Sand Balance Issues

The local soil is an acidic 5.63 pH, which is slightly below the 6.0-7.0 ideal but manageable with regular lime applications. With 21.0% clay and 48.1% sand, the soil has a decent balance but will still lean toward fast drainage and potential nutrient leaching. Adding organic top-dressing can help bridge the gap and improve the soil's ability to support thick turf.

Severe Drought Across the County

While Howard has seen only 16 weeks of drought over the last year, 94.7% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. This sudden intensity requires a shift toward water conservation and the use of drought-tolerant grass varieties. Limit heavy traffic on the lawn during these periods to prevent soil compaction and physical damage to stressed grass blades.

Leverage a Long Growing Season

Thanks to a late first frost on November 9 and an early start after March 26, Howard County has a exceptionally long window for lawn growth. Bermuda or St. Augustine grasses thrive in this heat-heavy Zone 8a environment and can handle the 81 days of intense sun better than cool-season alternatives. Start your lawn renovation in April to take full advantage of the peak spring growth spurt.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howard County's county score?
Howard County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 53.6 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 Howard County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Howard County ranks #17 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 Howard County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Howard County is $708, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Howard County a tax score of 83.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Howard County?
The median household income in Howard County, Arkansas is $44,492 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Howard County earns an income score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Howard County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Howard County scores 53.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Howard 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 Howard 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.