CountyScore

Howard County

Arkansas · AR

#24 in Arkansas
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Howard County, Arkansas

Howard County surpasses national standard

Howard's composite score of 71.7 ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county provides livability conditions superior to the typical American county.

Strong performer among Arkansas counties

With a 71.7 score, Howard ranks second highest among these eight counties and above Arkansas's state average of 70.3. The county positions itself among the state's more livable communities.

Unmatched affordability and low taxes

Howard boasts the second-highest cost score of 87.4 and tax score of 87.6 (0.523% effective rate). Combined with a median home value of $135,400 and monthly rent at just $702, the county offers exceptional value for cost-conscious residents.

Low incomes remain primary concern

Howard's income score of 12.4 is the lowest among these eight counties, with median household income at $44,492. Health (61.2) and risk (51.5) dimensions suggest room for continued improvement.

Excellent for retirees and savers

Howard County suits households with limited means who value maximum housing affordability and tax efficiency. It appeals particularly to retirees, fixed-income families, and those seeking the absolute lowest cost of living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.6Cost87.4SafetyComing SoonHealth61.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.4Risk51.5WaterComing Soon
🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡51.5
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 Howard County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
71.7
Median income: $80,625
Monroe County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $43,955
Montrose County
Colorado
71.7
Median income: $66,072
Lawrence County
Indiana
71.7
Median income: $65,551
Newton County
Indiana
71.7
Median income: $68,596

Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Howard County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly below U.S. average

Howard County residents live to an average of 72.4 years, approximately 4 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. About 23.5% report poor or fair health, indicating meaningful health challenges across the county. These metrics place Howard below the national standard on both measures.

Slightly above state average with better coverage

Howard's 72.4-year life expectancy narrowly exceeds Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, placing it near the middle of state county rankings. The uninsured rate of 10.4% is slightly above the state average of 9.9%, suggesting modest insurance gaps. Overall, Howard performs nearly at parity with the state, indicating average health outcomes for Arkansas.

Moderate healthcare capacity in the region

Howard's 72.4-year life expectancy sits between Grant (73.3) and Hot Spring (72.2), showing middle-of-the-road regional performance. With 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Howard offers moderate access—better than Hot Spring but far below Garland's 83 per 100,000. Mental health providers at 160 per 100,000 are solid but don't match the regional leaders.

Average coverage with middling provider access

Howard's 10.4% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, but 47 primary care providers per 100,000 offer decent rural access for routine care and chronic disease management. The 23.5% poor/fair health rating suggests that those with coverage and access are managing reasonably well, but gaps remain. Mental health providers at 160 per 100,000 provide moderate capacity for behavioral health services.

Close the coverage gap in Howard County

If you're among Howard's 10.4% uninsured residents, coverage is accessible—visit Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or dial 211 to enroll. Your coverage unlocks faster access to Howard's 47 primary care providers and mental health services at 160 per 100,000. Getting covered protects against catastrophic health costs and enables preventive care that extends your healthspan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.