countyscore
46.5
County Score
Cost of Living 89.3Property Tax 78.5Disaster Risk 66.8

County Report Card

About Lafayette County, Arkansas

Lafayette slightly below national median

Lafayette County's composite score of 46.5 falls just 3.5 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it near the midpoint of U.S. county livability. The score reflects a county with mixed strengths and weaknesses across different dimensions.

Comparable to Arkansas average

At 46.5, Lafayette County sits 1.4 points below the Arkansas state average of 47.9, performing roughly in line with the state's typical county. The close-to-average ranking indicates a county without distinctive advantages or severe disadvantages.

Affordability and tax benefits abound

Lafayette County excels in cost efficiency with a score of 89.3 and median home values of just $74,600, paired with a tax score of 78.5 and effective rate of 0.566%. The combination provides exceptional household budget relief for residents.

Incomes and water quality suffer

The county's income score of 1.7 reflects median household income of only $37,237, the lowest among these counties and severely limiting economic prospects. Water quality concerns (5.9) and health outcomes (16.9) round out a troubling dimension of the livability picture.

A budget option with trade-offs

Lafayette County appeals to extremely cost-conscious individuals willing to accept low incomes and water quality challenges for ultra-affordable housing. Prospective residents should investigate water quality issues and income-generating opportunities before committing.

Score breakdown

Tax78.5Cost89.3Safety27.6Health16.9Schools30Income1.7Risk66.8Water5.9Weather45
🏛78.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Webster Parish
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Cass County
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Bossier Parish
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Deep Dives

Lafayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lafayette County

via TaxByCounty

Lafayette's taxes rank among nation's lowest

Lafayette County's 0.566% effective property tax rate places it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.72%. Residents enjoy some of the country's lowest property tax burdens.

Lafayette slightly above Arkansas average

At 0.566%, Lafayette's rate edges above Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 75 counties. The difference is minimal, just 0.034 percentage points above the state norm.

Lafayette rate competitive across region

Lafayette's 0.566% matches Jackson and Johnson counties' rates while exceeding Lawrence's 0.488%, showing regional consistency. Across southwest Arkansas, property tax rates cluster narrowly between 0.49% and 0.63%.

Median home tax bill: $422 annually

With a median home value of $74,600, Lafayette homeowners pay $422 per year in property taxes, among the lowest statewide. Including mortgage adjustments, the annual cost rises to approximately $574.

Check your assessment and appeal if needed

Many Arkansas homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value when they finally review their records. The county assessor's office will evaluate your challenge at no cost and can substantially reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lafayette County

via CostByCounty

Lafayette faces steepest affordability crisis

Lafayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.9% ranks as the highest burden among these eight counties and well above national standards. With median income of just $37,237—only 50% of the national median—residents struggle most acutely with housing costs relative to earnings.

Arkansas's most stretched county

At 22.9%, Lafayette County's rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Arkansas's 18.1% state average by 4.8 percentage points, representing the steepest burden in this analysis. Median income of $37,237 ranks among the lowest regionally, amplifying affordability challenges despite moderate rents of $711.

Low income drives affordability squeeze

Although Lafayette County's rent of $711 aligns with neighboring counties, its $37,237 median income is substantially lower than peers, pushing the affordability burden significantly higher. Home values of $74,600 offer the cheapest entry point for homebuyers, but can't offset income constraints for renters.

Housing overwhelms Lafayette budgets

Lafayette residents with $37,237 median income allocate 22.9% to rent ($711/month) and 16.2% to mortgage costs, consuming 39.1% of income for housing. This leaves minimal room for food, utilities, transportation, and any financial cushion.

Lafayette demands careful financial planning

Relocating to Lafayette County requires incoming income well above the county median to avoid severe housing burden; the area suits those with secure, above-average earnings. First-time homebuyers find value in sub-$75K home prices, but renters face the region's toughest affordability squeeze.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lafayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Lafayette faces steepest income gap

Lafayette County's median household income of $37,237 is the lowest among these eight counties and trails the US median of $74,755 by 50%. This profound gap reflects Lafayette's economic fragility and limited wage-earning opportunities.

Arkansas's income basement

Lafayette ranks among Arkansas's lowest-income counties, earning $13,919 less than the state average of $51,156. With a per capita income of just $22,393—the lowest in this group—Lafayette struggles with limited employment and wage diversity.

Lowest earner in its peer group

Lafayette's $37,237 median income significantly underperforms all neighbors: Lee County ($36,860) ties it at the bottom, while Jackson ($41,215), Lawrence ($44,164), and Johnson ($44,808) all earn substantially more. This consistent underperformance signals structural economic disadvantage in the county.

Housing costs consume tight budgets

At 22.9%, Lafayette's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among peer counties, meaning households spend nearly a quarter of earnings on housing. With a median home value of just $74,600, even ownership becomes challenging for many families given the low income base.

Lafayette: building wealth from scratch

With limited discretionary income, Lafayette residents should focus first on debt reduction and emergency savings, even $25–50 monthly. Community credit unions, free financial counseling, and employer benefits (if available) provide low-barrier paths to financial stability; compound growth happens slowly but steadily with consistency.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lafayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Safety Rankings

Lafayette County enjoys a safety score of 97.2, placing it well above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 1,752.4 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Arkansas State Average

With a safety score of 97.2, Lafayette performs better than the Arkansas state average of 96.3. The local crime rate of 1,752.4 is also much lower than the state's typical 2,326.8.

Consistency Across Four Local Agencies

Lafayette County reports slightly more crime than Johnson County but remains far safer than the state average. Four reporting agencies collaborate to track these statistics across the county's communities.

Analyzing Local Crime Distributions

Property crime sits at 1,131.1 per 100,000, which is almost half the national average. However, the violent crime rate of 621.3 is higher than the national average, warranting local awareness.

Focus on Personal and Property Safety

Since violent crime is higher than national norms despite low property theft, personal safety awareness is key. Consider installing a video doorbell to monitor your home's perimeter.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lafayette County

via HealthByCounty

Lafayette faces significant health gaps

At 71.7 years, Lafayette County lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 5 years, placing residents among the nation's lower life expectancy groups. With 31.3% reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate among the eight counties examined—Lafayette shows severe chronic disease burden.

Arkansas's worst county on this measure

Lafayette County's 31.3% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the state comparison group and its 71.7-year life expectancy sits below the state average of 72.3 years. These metrics signal that Lafayette residents face concentrated health challenges requiring urgent system-level interventions.

Poorest health outcomes in region

Lafayette County's 31.3% poor/fair health rate and 11.8% uninsured rate exceed all neighboring counties, making it the region's health outlier. With only 33 primary care and 66 mental health providers per 100K, Lafayette also has the region's weakest healthcare infrastructure, compounding existing disadvantages.

Crisis-level uninsured and provider shortage

At 11.8% uninsured, Lafayette County exceeds the state average of 9.9% by the widest margin among the eight counties, leaving nearly 1 in 8 residents without coverage. The county's 33 primary care and 66 mental health providers per 100K represent the thinnest healthcare network examined, forcing residents to travel for basic and specialized care.

Get covered—your health depends on it

With nearly 1 in 8 Lafayette residents uninsured and the county's sparse provider network already stretched, coverage becomes your lifeline to care. Apply immediately for Medicaid or marketplace insurance to protect yourself and your family from catastrophic health and financial risks.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lafayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Lafayette

Lafayette County hosts 4 public schools serving a total of 814 students. These facilities are managed by two districts, providing two elementary and two high school options for local families.

High Investment and Competitive Scores

The county spends $7,036 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $6,160. This investment supports a school score of 50.4, placing it near the national median even as graduation rates currently stand at 84.0%.

Local District Partnerships

The Lafayette County School District directly serves 516 students at its two main campuses. The Emerson-Taylor School District also operates in the region, providing additional options for families in the southern part of the county.

Rural Schooling with Personal Attention

Every school in Lafayette County is classified as rural, creating an intimate learning environment with an average of just 204 students per campus. Lafayette County Elementary is the largest school with 264 students, while Bradley Elementary serves a smaller cohort of 147.

Traditional Rural Living Near Schools

For those seeking a small-town atmosphere, homes in Lafayette County offer proximity to close-knit school communities. The high per-pupil spending indicates a strong local commitment to maintaining quality education in these rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lafayette County

via RiskByCounty

Arkansas's safest county overall

Lafayette County's composite risk score of 33.24 rates as Very Low—the lowest in Arkansas and substantially below the state average of 55.51. Residents enjoy the state's lowest exposure to floods, wildfires, and tornadoes combined.

Top-ranked for safety statewide

Lafayette County ranks as Arkansas's safest county for natural disasters, with favorable scores across most hazard categories. Only earthquake and hurricane risks reach moderate levels.

Dramatically safer than surrounding areas

Lafayette's 33.24 score sits far below Lincoln County's 29.77 (second-safest in the state), and vastly lower than Jackson County's 67.84 and Jefferson County's 85.18. The county benefits from geography that shields it from most major hazards.

Hurricane exposure drives risk profile

Lafayette's hurricane risk score of 63.08 stands as its highest hazard exposure, likely reflecting rare but potential tropical storm impacts. Earthquake risk at 53.82 ranks second, though still below state average.

Basic coverage meets county needs

Lafayette homeowners can rely more heavily on standard homeowners policies than residents elsewhere in Arkansas. Consider adding windstorm coverage for hurricane preparedness, but earthquake insurance is less critical here than in eastern counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lafayette County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Southern Warmth in Lafayette County

Lafayette County averages 63.8°F annually, making it much warmer than the national median. This region experiences a true subtropical climate with very little winter influence.

One of the Warmest Spots in Arkansas

At 63.8°F, the county is nearly three degrees warmer than the Arkansas average of 61.0°F. It represents the southern extreme of the state's temperature spectrum.

Abundant Rainfall for the Southern Border

The county receives 53.0 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the state average of 52.4 inches. This high moisture level contributes to intense humidity during the long summer months.

Persistent Heat and Rare Snowfall

Lafayette County endures a staggering 79 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually. Snow is rare, with only 1.8 inches falling on average, while July temperatures hover around 82.0°F.

Plan for Sustained High Temperatures

With nearly 80 days of extreme heat, heavy-duty cooling systems and heat-resistant landscaping are essential investments. Residents must also manage the 53.0 inches of annual rain with effective property drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lafayette County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Arkansas Soil Identity

Lafayette County lacks specific centralized data for taxonomic order and pH averages in the current dataset. However, being in the southern tier of the state, it generally features soils that are more acidic than the national 6.5 median. Local testing is recommended to determine the exact acidity of your land.

Local Texture Characteristics

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded here, the region typically boasts varied textures from sandy uplands to silty bottomlands. This diversity allows for a range of agricultural uses across the county. Understanding your local texture helps determine how much water your garden will need.

Organic Potential and Health

Current data for organic matter and water capacity is unavailable for this specific county. Farmers in this area usually aim to meet or exceed the state average of 4.15% organic matter to ensure high productivity. Maintaining soil health through rotation and organic amendments remains a best practice here.

Water Dynamics in Lafayette

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unlisted for the county. Proper site assessment is vital for any project, as the local water table can vary significantly near the Red River. Observation of how your land handles heavy rain is the best way to understand its drainage.

Warm Growth in Zone 8b

As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, Lafayette County enjoys some of the warmest temperatures and longest growing seasons in Arkansas. You can grow heat-loving crops like citrus in protected areas or produce multiple rounds of summer vegetables. Get outside and take advantage of this nearly year-round growing potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lafayette County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Heat Challenges South Arkansas Lawns

Lafayette County faces a difficult lawn care environment with a score of 28.8. Situated in hardiness zone 8b, the combination of extreme heat and high humidity makes it much tougher than the national median of 50.0.

Extreme Heat Defines the Mowing Season

The county endures 79 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 64. With 5,760 growing degree days, your lawn will grow aggressively in the spring and fall but may struggle during the peak of summer.

Prioritize Testing for Unknown Soils

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for Lafayette County. Given the high annual rainfall of 53.0 inches, local soils often trend toward acidity, making a local extension office soil test a vital first step.

Managing 59% Severe Drought Area

Currently, 59.4% of the county suffers from severe drought, following a year with 22 drought-impacted weeks. Focus on deep watering at dawn to minimize evaporation and keep roots healthy during these dry periods.

Thriving in a Warm 8b Zone

Centipede or Bermuda grass are the best bets for surviving 79 days of 90-degree heat. With a first frost not expected until November 12, the long growing season provides ample time for new sod to take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lafayette County's county score?
Lafayette County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Lafayette County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Lafayette County ranks #45 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 Lafayette County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Lafayette County is $422, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Lafayette County a tax score of 78.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lafayette County?
The median household income in Lafayette County, Arkansas is $37,237 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lafayette County earns an income score of 1.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lafayette County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Lafayette County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Lafayette 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 Lafayette County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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