CountyScore

Independence County

Arkansas · AR

#55 in Arkansas
68.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Independence County, Arkansas

Independence County beats national median

Independence's composite score of 68.8 ranks in the 69th percentile nationally, exceeding the national median of 50.0. The county offers livability advantages compared to most U.S. counties.

Slightly below Arkansas average ranking

With a score of 68.8, Independence falls slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3. The county occupies the middle-to-upper range among Arkansas's 75 counties.

Solid taxes, costs, and risk management

Independence delivers a tax score of 86.9 (0.545% effective rate) and cost score of 83.1, with median home value at $120,500. The risk score of 30.9 is comparatively strong, suggesting a safer community environment.

Income and health need improvement

Independence's income score of 20.0 reflects a median household income of $56,009, below state benchmarks. Health outcomes (60.7) and rent affordability ($814/month) indicate moderate areas for continued development.

Suits safety-conscious, moderate-income families

Independence County appeals to households seeking affordable housing, reasonable taxes, and community safety. It suits families with moderate incomes, those relocating for stability, and anyone valuing low-risk community conditions.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.9Cost83.1SafetyComing SoonHealth60.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome20Risk30.9WaterComing Soon
🏛86.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡30.9
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 Independence County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marshall County
Alabama
68.8
Median income: $60,946
Habersham County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $65,622
Hancock County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $33,182
Appanoose County
Iowa
68.8
Median income: $51,146
Buena Vista County
Iowa
68.8
Median income: $66,564

Deep Dives

Independence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Independence County

via TaxByCounty

Independence taxes rank quite low nationally

Independence County's effective tax rate of 0.545% sits well below the national median of 0.82%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $657 annually represents just 24% of the national median of $2,690. Independence offers substantial tax savings compared to national norms.

Slightly above Arkansas average

At 0.545%, Independence's effective rate edges just above the Arkansas state average of 0.532% by roughly 2%, making it near-average statewide. The median tax of $657 is 7% below the state average of $705, offering slight savings despite slightly higher rates.

Highest rate in the survey

Independence's 0.545% rate ties with Grant as the highest among the surveyed counties, topping Howard (0.523%) and Greene (0.488%). Still, by national standards, Independence remains tax-friendly.

What $121K home costs in taxes

A median-valued property of $120,500 in Independence County generates an annual tax bill of approximately $657. Including mortgage costs, that rises to $698 per year.

Appeal inflated property valuations

Independence County homeowners should file for a property tax assessment review if they suspect overvaluation, which is common across Arkansas. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Independence County

via CostByCounty

Independence County housing costs track below national average

At 17.4%, Independence County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national threshold, positioning renters here in a more favorable situation than typical U.S. households. The median household income of $56,009 falls short of the national average of $74,755, yet median rent of $814 per month remains reasonable for the region.

Independence ranks among Arkansas's more affordable counties

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.4%, Independence County outperforms the state average of 18.1%, placing it solidly in Arkansas's more affordable half. This edge reflects balanced rental markets and household incomes in the county.

Independence offers solid mid-range housing value

At $814 per month, Independence County's median rent sits in the moderate range of this central Arkansas cluster, below Garland ($942) and Greene ($852) but above Hot Spring ($763). Home values ($120,500) also remain moderate, appealing to families seeking reasonable pricing without extreme constraints.

Independence households enjoy balanced housing economics

Renters in Independence County dedicate 17.4% of their $56,009 median income—$814 per month—to housing, a sustainable burden leaving ample room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $704 monthly on properties valued at $120,500, with both groups enjoying reasonable relationships between income and shelter costs.

Independence County: balanced opportunity for all buyers

Independence County offers solid affordability for both renters and homebuyers seeking mid-range costs and reasonable housing burdens across the board. Use these benchmarks to evaluate how Independence stacks up against your current location and other Arkansas counties you're considering for relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Independence County

via IncomeByCounty

Independence income trails national norm

Independence County's median household income of $56,009 falls 25% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting a persistent regional income disadvantage. The $18,746 annual gap illustrates why Independence residents must plan carefully for major purchases and retirement savings.

Above-average Arkansas performer

Independence County ranks solidly above Arkansas's state median of $51,156, with a household income about 10% higher than the state average. This above-average standing positions Independence as one of Arkansas's more economically stable counties.

Strong position among peer counties

Independence County's $56,009 median household income exceeds most neighboring counties including Fulton ($38,941), Hempstead ($47,654), and Howard ($44,492), though it trails Grant ($72,512). This middle-to-upper performance reflects Independence's relative economic strength within the region.

Housing costs stay manageable

Independence households allocate just 17.4% of income to rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold and providing healthy financial cushion. With median home values at $120,500, residents enjoy reasonable access to homeownership and rental options.

Leverage stability for investments

Independence County's $56,009 income and favorable housing ratio position residents well for wealth-building through diversified investments and retirement planning. Regular contributions to employer 401(k)s and Roth IRAs can compound substantially over decades, creating meaningful financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Independence County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy nearly matches national average

Independence County residents live to an average of 73.4 years, just 3 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years—a strong showing for a rural Arkansas county. About 25.6% report poor or fair health, tying for the highest in the eight-county study, suggesting health perception lags behind actual longevity. This gap hints at undiagnosed or undertreated conditions affecting resident wellness.

Top-tier life expectancy with solid coverage

Independence's 73.4-year life expectancy is 1.1 years above Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, placing it among the healthiest counties in the state. The uninsured rate of 9.8% essentially matches the state average of 9.9%, indicating representative insurance access. Independence stands as a health performer within Arkansas despite rural characteristics.

Health leader with strong provider capacity

Independence's 73.4-year life expectancy ties with Greene for the highest in the eight-county region, supported by 77 primary care providers per 100,000—the second-highest after Garland. Mental health providers at 185 per 100,000 offer robust behavioral health infrastructure. This provider density likely contributes to Independence's strong life expectancy and positions it as a regional healthcare hub.

Strong providers serving well-insured population

Independence's 9.8% uninsured rate matches the state average, and with 77 primary care providers per 100,000, residents have good access to routine care and chronic disease management. However, 25.6% reporting poor/fair health—tied for highest—suggests that access alone doesn't guarantee good health outcomes. Mental health providers at 185 per 100,000 support behavioral health, though underlying economic and social factors may limit care effectiveness.

Leverage Independence's healthcare strength

With 77 primary care providers per 100,000, Independence County offers above-average healthcare capacity—ensure you're covered to use it. If you're uninsured, visit Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or call 211 to enroll quickly. Coverage unlocks preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management that can close the gap between Independence's strong life expectancy and high poor/fair health reporting.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Independence County

via RiskByCounty

Independence County's composite risk exceeds national norm

Independence County's composite risk score of 69.08 places it above the national average with a Relatively Low rating, reflecting substantial exposure to tornadoes (89.19), earthquakes (89.98), and wildfires (70.48). This multi-hazard profile demands serious resident preparedness.

Above-average risk compared to Arkansas

At 69.08, Independence County's score significantly exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, ranking it among the riskier counties statewide. This elevated position reflects particularly high tornado and earthquake vulnerability.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Independence County's score of 69.08 exceeds regional peers like Howard County (48.51), Hot Spring County (55.53), and Hempstead County (52.07), but falls short of Garland County's exceptional risk (89.31). Only Greene County (80.18) and Garland approach its hazard exposure.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate hazard profile

Earthquake risk at 89.98 represents Independence County's primary concern, while tornado risk at 89.19 runs nearly parallel—together creating a formidable structural threat. Wildfire risk at 70.48 adds a third significant hazard requiring community-level preparation.

Earthquake and wind protection are essential

Independence County residents must secure dedicated earthquake insurance alongside comprehensive wind and hail coverage—both hazards pose severe structural threats. Have a structural engineer assess your home's foundation and connections, and ensure you maintain adequate emergency supplies for both seismic and tornado events.

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.