countyscore
56.4
County Score
Cost of Living 91.2Water Quality 86Property Tax 75.9

County Report Card

About Izard County, Arkansas

Izard outpaces the nation

Izard County's composite score of 56.4 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties by livability measures. This outperformance is driven by exceptional affordability and tax efficiency, where the county ranks in the top tier nationally.

A top performer in Arkansas

Izard County ranks among the strongest counties in Arkansas, with a score of 56.4 compared to the state average of 47.9—a significant 8.5-point advantage. The county stands out as one of Arkansas's most livable destinations based on composite measures.

Housing and taxes shine here

Izard County excels at affordability, with a cost score of 91.2 reflecting median home values of just $122,100 and rent averaging $626 per month. Taxes are equally favorable at 75.9, with an effective rate of only 0.585%, freeing up household budgets for other priorities.

Income and health need attention

The county's income score of just 10.6 reflects a median household income of $47,728, considerably below national norms and limiting economic mobility. Health outcomes (33.7) and safety conditions (36.0) also lag, suggesting residents face healthcare access and community safety challenges worth monitoring.

Best for cost-conscious retirees

Izard County suits budget-minded individuals and families prioritizing low housing costs and tax bills over high wages. The county offers rural peace and affordability but requires acceptance of lower incomes and ongoing investment in health and safety infrastructure.

2040608010075.991.23633.752.310.646.98657.1Tax75.9Cost91.2Safety36Health33.7Schools52.3Income10.6Risk46.9Water86Weather57.156.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Izard County DNA

Foverall

How Izard County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Izard County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (91.2/100) but notably weak in Income (10.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.9+23.900000000000006
Cost
91.2+43.2
Safety
36-19
Health
33.7-16.299999999999997
Schools
52.3
Income
10.6-40.4
Risk
46.9
Water
86+28
Weather
57.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$626/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,728/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.6

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
Compare Izard County with Stafford County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Stafford County
Kansas
Median income: $63,786
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Median income: $77,264
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Itasca County
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Currituck County
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Median income: $91,548
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Transylvania County
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Bailey County
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Buckingham County
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Perry County
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Median income: $60,078
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Nearby counties

Stone County
Arkansas
57.5
Baxter County
Arkansas
44.5
Fulton County
Arkansas
51.4
Sharp County
Arkansas
65.6
Independence County
Arkansas
45
Cleburne County
Arkansas
48.2
Marion County
Arkansas
48.3
Searcy County
Arkansas
64.2

Deep Dives

Izard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Izard County

via TaxByCounty

Izard's taxes are a fraction of the nation's

Homeowners in Izard County pay an effective property tax rate of 0.585%, well below the national median of 0.72%. This places Izard in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden, meaning residents enjoy some of the lowest property tax rates in the country.

Izard ranks above the Arkansas average

At 0.585%, Izard's effective tax rate sits slightly above Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, making it a moderate-tax county within the state. Among Arkansas's 75 counties, Izard falls in the upper-middle range for tax rates.

Izard taxes slightly higher than region peers

Compared to neighboring counties, Izard's 0.585% rate exceeds Lawrence County's 0.488% but remains competitive with Johnson County's 0.566%. Regional variation is modest, with rates clustering between 0.49% and 0.63% across the Ozark foothills.

Median home tax bill: $714 annually

On Izard's median home value of $122,100, the typical homeowner pays $714 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, factoring in escrow and insurance adjustments, that figure rises to approximately $808.

Challenge your assessment and save

Many Arkansas homeowners are assessed above fair market value and never know it. If you believe your home's assessment is too high, filing an appeal with your county assessor's office is free and can result in significant tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Izard County

via CostByCounty

Izard rents rank better than national average

At 15.7%, Izard County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national benchmark, giving renters more breathing room in their budgets. Median gross rent of $626 per month is considerably lower than what renters pay across the country, making housing more accessible despite incomes running 36% below the national median of $74,755.

One of Arkansas's most affordable counties

Izard County ranks among the state's most affordable places, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% compared to Arkansas's 18.1% average. This advantage reflects both modest rental costs ($626 vs. the state median of $760) and relatively stable household incomes for the region.

Cheaper rents than similar counties

Izard County's $626 monthly rent undercuts nearby Johnson County ($714) and Lawrence County ($715), making it a rental bargain in northeast Arkansas. Median home values of $122,100 are competitive with neighboring counties, offering stability for buyers seeking affordable entry points.

Housing takes reasonable slice of income

With median household income at $47,728, Izard residents spend roughly 15.7% on rent and 14.3% on mortgage costs, well within sustainable ranges. Combined, housing consumes less than 30% of household income for most residents, leaving room for other necessities and savings.

Consider Izard for balanced affordability

If you're relocating to Arkansas and prioritize low housing costs without sacrificing homeownership prospects, Izard County delivers both affordable rents and moderately valued homes. The county's favorable rent-to-income ratio compared to state and national averages makes it worth serious consideration for budget-conscious movers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Izard County

via IncomeByCounty

Izard trails US income by 36%

At $47,728, Izard County's median household income falls nearly 36% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges across rural Arkansas, though Izard performs slightly above the state average of $51,156, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Arkansas counties.

Middle ground among Arkansas counties

Izard ranks around the middle of Arkansas's 75 counties by household income, outearning the state average by about $3,600 annually. The county's per capita income of $24,443 sits slightly below the state average of $28,096, indicating some income concentration among fewer earners.

Better off than eastern neighbors

Izard's $47,728 median income outpaces Jackson County ($41,215) and Lawrence County ($44,164), but trails Jefferson County's $48,552. Among its peer rural counties, Izard sits in the stronger position, suggesting more stable wage opportunities in this part of the state.

Housing costs remain manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7%, Izard households spend a healthy portion of earnings on housing—below the 20% threshold that experts consider problematic. At $122,100, the median home value is within reach for median-income households, making homeownership more accessible than in many neighboring counties.

Build long-term security in Izard

Izard's manageable housing costs create opportunity: households can direct savings toward retirement accounts, emergency funds, and investments. Starting with an employer 401(k) or opening an IRA now compounds significantly over decades, turning modest annual savings into substantial wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Izard County

via CrimeByCounty

Izard County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Izard County boasts an impressive safety score of 97.7, far exceeding national averages. Its total crime rate of 1,483.9 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the U.S. benchmark of 2,385.5.

Ranking Above the Arkansas State Average

The county's 97.7 safety score places it well above the Arkansas average of 96.3. With a total crime rate roughly 800 points lower than the state average, it stands out as one of the safer regions in the state.

A Local Leader in Community Safety

Izard County maintains a much lower crime rate than many of its Arkansas neighbors. However, statistics come from a single reporting agency, so data should be interpreted with some local context.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Trends

Property crime is exceptionally low at 698.3 per 100,000, but the violent crime rate of 785.6 actually doubles the national average. This unusual split suggests that while theft is rare, localized violent incidents are more frequent.

Secure Your Peace of Mind

Despite low property crime, the elevated violent crime rate justifies staying vigilant. Residents should consider smart home security systems and well-lit entryways to maintain this county's safe reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Izard County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dedicated Rural Learning Network

Izard County supports 1,904 students across 8 public schools, including four high schools and three elementary centers. Four distinct school districts manage this infrastructure, ensuring local oversight for the county's growing learners.

Superior Graduation Rates in Izard

The county boasts an impressive 93.7% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the Arkansas state average of 90.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $6,444 is lower than the national average, the county achieves a school score of 54.3, outperforming the state median of 51.9.

Leading Districts and Local Enrollment

The Melbourne School District stands as the largest provider with 871 students across two campuses. Other significant contributors include the Izard County Consolidated School District, which serves 648 students, and the Calico Rock School District with 385 students.

Close-Knit Schools in Rural Settings

All eight schools in the county are situated in rural locales, fostering a small-town educational atmosphere with an average enrollment of 272 students. Melbourne Elementary School is the largest campus with 481 students, while smaller specialized high schools provide intimate learning environments.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and strong academic scores should explore the residential options in Melbourne and Calico Rock. School quality remains a primary driver for local property values and community stability in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Izard County

via RiskByCounty

Izard ranks below national average

Izard County's composite risk score of 53.09 places it in the Relatively Low category, sitting slightly below Arkansas's state average of 55.51. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than the typical American county, though certain hazards warrant attention.

Mid-range risk among Arkansas counties

Izard County ranks in the middle tier of Arkansas's 75 counties for overall disaster risk. While safer than high-risk counties like Jefferson and Jackson, it experiences notably higher earthquake and wildfire risks than some of its western neighbors.

Safer than Jackson, riskier than Lafayette

Izard's 53.09 score sits between Lafayette County's very low 33.24 and Jackson County's 67.84. Johnson County to the west shares similar overall risk at 58.14, but Izard's earthquake exposure of 80.18 exceeds most regional peers.

Earthquakes and wildfires top the list

Izard residents face an earthquake risk score of 80.18, the county's highest hazard exposure, followed by wildfire risk at 62.05. Tornado risk at 59.61 also exceeds the state average, making severe weather preparedness essential year-round.

Secure earthquake and wildfire coverage

Standard homeowners policies don't cover earthquake or wildfire damage—you need separate policies. Izard homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's 80.18 risk score and consider wildfire coverage if you're near forested areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Izard County

via WaterByCounty

Izard County Maintains Top-Tier Drinking Water Quality

Izard County earns an 'A' grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance significantly outperforms the Arkansas state average of 172.5 violations per 100,000 residents. Local utilities consistently meet all Safe Drinking Water Act standards for their customers.

Turbidity Challenges Local Watershed Health

Roughly 14.4% of the 367 assessed water bodies in Izard County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Data from the 2022 cycle identifies turbidity and dissolved oxygen levels as the primary stressors. This impairment rate remains lower than the state average of 17.8%.

Consistent Monitoring Tracks Local Inorganic Levels

Technicians have recorded 4,252 measurements across seven monitoring sites over the past five years. The EPA Water Quality Portal shows a heavy focus on inorganics, metals, and physical characteristics. This consistent data stream provides a reliable baseline for watershed management.

White River Flow Near Normal Levels

The USGS gauge at Calico Rock currently measures 9,170 cubic feet per second on the White River. This volume represents 86% of the long-term mean flow for this location. While slightly below average, the river maintains stable levels for this drainage area.

Manage Sediment for Local Water Protection

Residents should remain aware of turbidity issues in local streams, particularly after heavy rainfall. While tap water is excellent, using basic sediment filtration can protect home plumbing from watershed runoff. Supporting local riparian buffers helps reduce the siltation currently impacting 53 local water bodies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Izard County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Northern Arkansas Climate

Izard County’s annual average of 56.6°F is very close to the national median of 54°F. This makes it one of the more temperate regions in Arkansas, avoiding the extreme heat of the south.

The Coolest County in the Region

At 56.6°F, Izard County is significantly cooler than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It is also drier than most of the state, averaging 48.9 inches of rain annually.

High Snowfall Compared to Neighbors

Izard County receives 6.7 inches of snow annually, which is more than double the 3.3 inches seen in neighboring Independence County. It is also the coolest in the region, averaging 1.8 degrees less than Independence.

Milder Summers and Snowier Winters

Summer features only 45 days of extreme heat, the lowest in this group, with a July average of 76.5°F. Winters are the coldest in the area, with a January average of 35.4°F and 6.7 inches of snow.

Prepare for Winter Snow and Ice

With 6.7 inches of annual snow, residents should keep snow removal tools and ice melt ready for winter. The lower number of extreme heat days means cooling costs are generally lower than in southern Arkansas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Izard County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Izard County

Izard County's soil maintains a pH of 5.52, sitting significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is typical for the region and mirrors the Arkansas state average of 5.56. While taxonomic and texture data are limited for this area, the local chemistry sets a distinct baseline for regional land use.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil features a nearly even split between sand at 34.0% and silt at 34.2%, with a smaller 11.2% clay component. This balanced composition suggests a soil that is relatively easy to work while providing some structural stability. The low clay content indicates that the ground likely resists heavy compaction better than many neighboring counties.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

With a massive 15.86% organic matter content, Izard County far surpasses the state average of 4.15% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this high fertility, the available water capacity sits at 0.106 in/in, which is lower than the state benchmark of 0.148 in/in. Growers here benefit from rich nutrients but must manage irrigation carefully during dry spells.

Managing Water Movement

While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not categorized for this county, the physical composition points to moderate permeability. The blend of sand and silt suggests that water moves through the profile at a steady pace. Local builders and farmers should monitor site-specific moisture levels to account for the lower water-holding capacity.

Gardening in Zone 7b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, Izard County is ideal for growing blueberries, azaleas, and other acid-loving plants. The incredible organic matter provides a natural head start for high-yield vegetable gardens. Grab your trowel and take advantage of some of the richest organic soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Izard County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Lawn Care Than Most of Arkansas

Izard County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.0, making it significantly easier to maintain than the state average of 37.3. While this 7b hardiness zone is slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0, it remains one of the more favorable spots for turf in the region.

Moderate Heat With High Annual Rainfall

The county receives 48.9 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. With 45 extreme heat days per year, growers face less thermal stress than the Arkansas state average of 64 days.

Acidic Soil Requires Strategic Liming

Local soil pH averages 5.52, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. The ground is composed of 11.2% clay and 34.0% sand, providing a stable foundation that usually benefits from added organic matter.

Navigating Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

Entirely 100% of the county currently experiences severe drought conditions, and residents faced 31 weeks of drought over the last year. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to help turf survival when the rain stops for extended periods.

Plan Your Seeding Around April Frosts

In hardiness zone 7b, tall fescue or zoysia grasses are excellent choices for the local climate. Aim to start your projects after the last spring frost on April 14 to ensure young roots establish before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Izard County's county score?
Izard County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 56.4 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 Izard County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Izard County ranks #11 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 Izard County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Izard County is $714, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Izard County a tax score of 75.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Izard County?
The median household income in Izard County, Arkansas is $47,728 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Izard County earns an income score of 10.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Izard County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Izard County scores 56.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Izard 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 Izard 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.