countyscore
52.5
County Score
Cost of Living 90.3Property Tax 87.5Weather & Climate 61.4

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Arkansas

Lawrence edges past national median

Lawrence County's composite score of 51.8 slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties for livability. The county demonstrates particular strength in fiscal efficiency and affordability metrics.

Strong performer for Arkansas

At 51.8, Lawrence County outperforms the Arkansas state average of 47.9 by 3.9 points, ranking it among the state's more livable counties. The outperformance is consistent across multiple dimensions reflecting community stability.

Tax burden is exceptionally low

Lawrence County's tax score of 87.1 is the highest among these eight counties, with an effective rate of just 0.488%, allowing residents maximum household budget flexibility. Cost efficiency (86.9) and affordable housing further enhance the value proposition.

Income and health need improvement

The county's income score of 6.2 reflects median household income of $44,164, limiting long-term economic mobility for residents. Health (24.7) and school performance (41.0) scores also suggest room for investment in public services and infrastructure.

Best for tax-conscious rural dwellers

Lawrence County suits individuals and retirees prioritizing minimal tax burden and rural peace over career advancement or top-tier services. The county offers real fiscal advantages for those able to sustain themselves on modest incomes.

2040608010087.590.333.324.7415.632.146.161.4Tax87.5Cost90.3Safety33.3Health24.7Schools41Income5.6Risk32.1Water46.1Weather61.452.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lawrence County DNA

Foverall

How Lawrence County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lawrence County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90.3/100) but notably weak in Income (5.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.5+35.5
Cost
90.3+42.3
Safety
33.3-21.700000000000003
Health
24.7-25.3
Schools
41-13
Income
5.6-45.4
Risk
32.1-14.899999999999999
Water
46.1-11.899999999999999
Weather
61.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Lawrence County?

Many homeowners in Lawrence County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$98,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$697/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$98,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,882/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.3

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
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Counties with similar scores

Hancock County
Indiana
Median income: $93,186
52.5
Jefferson County
Kansas
Median income: $81,278
52.5
Wabaunsee County
Kansas
Median income: $76,908
52.5
Kanabec County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,460
52.5
Orleans County
New York
Median income: $65,969
52.5
Ashland County
Ohio
Median income: $69,860
52.5
Perry County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $79,444
52.5
Dewey County
South Dakota
Median income: $54,104
52.5

Nearby counties

Randolph County
Arkansas
51.1
Craighead County
Arkansas
38.8
Sharp County
Arkansas
63.8
Greene County
Arkansas
40.6
Jackson County
Arkansas
41.7
Independence County
Arkansas
44.1
Ripley County
Missouri
50.1
Poinsett County
Arkansas
43.4

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence offers lowest taxes in region

Lawrence County's 0.488% effective property tax rate sits in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties, significantly below the national median of 0.72%. Homeowners here enjoy among the most favorable property tax rates in America.

Lawrence below state average: a savings

At 0.488%, Lawrence's effective rate falls below Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, making it one of the state's lower-tax counties. Among Arkansas's 75 counties, Lawrence ranks in the bottom quarter for tax burden.

Lawrence leads region with lowest rate

Lawrence's 0.488% rate beats all neighboring counties, running 0.076 percentage points lower than Izard's 0.585% and nearly 0.1 points below Jackson's 0.564%. The county offers the most tax-friendly environment in northeast Arkansas.

Median home tax bill: $445 annually

On Lawrence's median home value of $91,100, homeowners pay approximately $445 per year in property taxes, among the state's lowest. With mortgage considerations included, the annual cost reaches about $490.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even with Lawrence's favorable tax rates, some homeowners remain overassessed relative to fair market value. A free assessment review through your county assessor's office can confirm whether your property is fairly valued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence sits 41% below US income

Lawrence County's median household income of $44,164 trails the national median of $74,755 by 41%. While below the US average, Lawrence sits roughly $7,000 less than Arkansas's state average of $51,156, positioning it among the state's lower-earning counties.

Lower-middle tier in Arkansas

Lawrence ranks in the lower half of Arkansas counties by median household income, trailing the state average by about 13%. Its per capita income of $26,104 sits slightly below the state average of $28,096, suggesting modest but somewhat concentrated earnings.

Mixed standing among peers

Lawrence's $44,164 income exceeds Jackson ($41,215) and Lafayette ($37,237) but falls short of Izard ($47,728), Jefferson ($48,552), and Lincoln ($51,667). This middle position reflects Lawrence's role as a transitional county between Arkansas's poorest and more stable regions.

Rental costs create affordability squeeze

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.4%, Lawrence households allocate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing, approaching the warning threshold. A median home value of $91,100 sits within reach, but rental markets and low incomes create affordability barriers for many residents.

Invest in skills alongside savings

Lawrence residents should pair modest savings plans with skills training or education that could boost earning power in coming years. Even while building emergency funds, exploring local community college programs or online certifications positions households for wage growth that multiplies over a career.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Safest Counties in America

Lawrence County is exceptionally safe, posting a high safety score of 97.5. Its total crime rate of 1,562.3 per 100,000 is nearly 35% lower than the national average.

A Top Performer in the Natural State

The county ranks comfortably above the Arkansas average safety score of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 1,562.3 is significantly better than the statewide average of 2,326.8.

Safer than Neighbors Like Jackson County

Lawrence County is significantly safer than neighboring Jackson County, which has a crime rate more than double Lawrence’s 1,562.3. Seven different agencies contribute data, ensuring high transparency and reliability.

Consistent Low Crime Across Categories

Both violent crime (332.1) and property crime (1,230.2) in Lawrence County fall below national averages. This indicates a balanced and effective approach to public safety across the region.

Smart Habits Keep Lawrence County Safe

Maintaining these low rates requires community vigilance and smart home habits. Ensure your property is well-lit at night to continue deterring any property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions with Southern Roots

Lawrence County averages 58.9°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cooler than much of the South. It offers a more balanced seasonal profile than southern Arkansas.

Cooler Than the Arkansas Average

The county stays below the state average temperature of 61.0°F, marking it as one of the cooler regions in Arkansas. Its winter average of 38.6°F is lower than many neighboring counties to the south.

Lower Precipitation Than State Benchmarks

Lawrence County sees 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, trailing the state average of 52.4 inches. While still a wet climate, it avoids some of the heavier deluges found in the southern delta.

Moderate Winters and Hot Summers

Despite its cooler rank, the county still sees 55 days reaching over 90°F in the summer. Winter brings an average of 2.2 inches of snow, providing occasional white cover during the cold months.

Balance Winter Prep and Summer Cooling

With winter lows averaging 38.6°F, residents should insulate pipes and homes for occasional freezes. Summer still requires a plan for 55 days of extreme heat, especially during July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Lawrence County's Soil Profile

The average pH in Lawrence County is 5.62, which is slightly higher than the Arkansas average of 5.56. Though it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it provides a stable environment for regional vegetation. Specific taxonomic orders and textures for the whole county are currently not available.

Silt-Rich Land Composition

The soil is comprised of 48.9% silt, 29.0% sand, and 14.9% clay. This high silt percentage suggests a fine-textured soil that holds onto nutrients and moisture more effectively than sandier soils. It offers a smooth, workable surface for both large-scale farming and home gardening.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

Lawrence County boasts a high organic matter content of 6.72%, significantly beating the state average of 4.15%. This rich organic foundation is paired with an available water capacity of 0.153 in/in, which is also above the state benchmark. This combination creates a highly fertile environment for a variety of crops.

Navigating Subaqueous Conditions

The dominant drainage class is categorized as subaqueous, suggesting many areas are permanently or frequently saturated with water. This unique condition requires specialized management for both agriculture and construction to handle the excess moisture. Understanding these wet conditions is key to successful land use in the county.

Diverse Planting in Zone 7b

Located in Hardiness Zone 7b, the county is well-suited for moisture-tolerant plants and traditional summer vegetables. The high organic matter means your plants will have plenty of natural fuel to grow large and healthy. Start a garden today and reap the rewards of this naturally fertile Arkansas soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

A Middle-Ground for Arkansas Lawns

Lawrence County's lawn difficulty score of 39.5 is slightly better than the state average of 37.3. Located in hardiness zone 7b, it offers a transition zone climate that requires balanced care for both heat and cold tolerance.

Consistent Growth in 7b Territory

Annual precipitation of 50.9 inches provides nearly ideal natural irrigation for most grass types. The 55 extreme heat days are lower than the state norm, allowing for a slightly more forgiving summer maintenance schedule.

Monitoring Soil pH for Healthier Roots

The average soil pH of 5.62 is acidic, which can limit the effectiveness of fertilizers. While the soil texture data is limited, the subaqueous drainage class suggests that some areas may struggle with excessive water retention.

Facing Total County Severe Drought

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, following 30 weeks of drought in the past year. Reducing fertilizer use during these dry spells prevents further stress on already parched grass plants.

Late March is Your Planting Window

Tall fescue is a popular choice for zone 7b, offering green color even in cooler months. Aim to complete your spring planting after the last frost on March 27 to maximize the moderate spring temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Lawrence County ranks #24 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 Lawrence County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $461, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 87.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Arkansas is $44,882 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 5.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.