CountyScore

Lawrence County

Arkansas · AR

#45 in Arkansas
69.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Arkansas

Strong performer above national median

Lawrence County scores 69.6, placing it 39 percentile points above the national median of 50.0 and outperforming roughly four of five U.S. counties. This solid composite score reflects balanced livability across key dimensions.

Just below Arkansas average

With a score of 69.6, Lawrence County falls just slightly below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Arkansas counties. It remains competitive relative to state peers.

Lowest tax burden in the region

Lawrence County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.488% and a tax score of 88.5, coupled with strong housing affordability (cost score: 87.3). Median home values of $91,100 and monthly rent of $715 keep living costs predictably low.

Income and economic vulnerability

The county's income score of 12.2 reflects a median household income of $44,164, significantly below state and national averages. A risk score of 32.1 suggests meaningful exposure to economic shocks or environmental challenges.

Perfect for tax-minimizing retirees

Lawrence County is ideal for retirees and fixed-income households seeking the absolute lowest tax burden in Arkansas. Its combination of minimal taxation and affordable housing makes it exceptionally attractive to those living on pensions or social security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.5Cost87.3SafetyComing SoonHealth58.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.2Risk32.1WaterComing Soon
🏛88.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡32.1
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 Lawrence County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
69.6
Median income: $89,155
Logan County
Colorado
69.6
Median income: $55,074
Jasper County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $59,574
Pickens County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $75,293
Kosciusko County
Indiana
69.6
Median income: $73,922

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence County edges above national norms

Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% sits slightly above national averages, with median rent of $715 remaining well below typical U.S. levels. Median household income of $44,164 falls 41% short of the national median, keeping overall affordability reasonable despite income constraints.

Slightly above Arkansas state average

At 19.4%, Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Arkansas's 18.1% state average, placing it in the less affordable tier statewide. Median rent of $715 tracks close to the state median of $760, while lower incomes push affordability pressure modestly above state norms.

Rents climb slightly above Izard

Lawrence County's $715 median rent runs $89 higher than nearby Izard County but remains competitive with Johnson County ($714) and Lee County ($638). Home values of $91,100 sit solidly in the region's affordable range, offering modest homeownership opportunities.

Housing claims steady household portion

Lawrence residents earning $44,164 dedicate 19.4% to rent ($715/month) and 14.8% to mortgage costs, totaling 34.2% toward housing annually. This allocation leaves moderate room for other essentials, though income constraints limit financial flexibility overall.

Lawrence suits budget-conscious relocators

Lawrence County offers a reasonable balance of modest rents, affordable homes, and manageable affordability burden, making it worth considering for those relocating within Arkansas's rural northeast. Ensure incoming income aligns with or exceeds the county median to maintain comfortable housing and living standards.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lawrence County

via HealthByCounty

Lawrence trails national health benchmarks

At 71.3 years, Lawrence County's life expectancy falls nearly 5 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, indicating substantial health system disadvantages. With 26.5% reporting poor or fair health, Lawrence ranks higher than the national benchmark of roughly 18%, pointing to significant chronic disease prevalence.

Below state average but mid-tier

Lawrence County's 71.3-year life expectancy sits below the Arkansas state average of 72.3 years, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The 26.5% poor/fair health rate is moderately elevated compared to state benchmarks, suggesting accessible but possibly insufficient preventive care infrastructure.

Middle ground in regional health

Lawrence's 71.3-year life expectancy sits between Izard County's 73.7 and Lee County's 68.9, representing the region's middle-tier performer. The county's 31 primary care and 227 mental health providers per 100K offer relatively strong mental health access but modest primary care density compared to neighbors.

Near-average insurance, thin primary care

At 9.1% uninsured, Lawrence County performs slightly better than the state average of 9.9%, meaning most residents carry some health coverage. However, with just 31 primary care providers per 100K and 227 mental health providers per 100K, residents rely on stretched primary care systems while enjoying relatively accessible mental health services.

Strengthen your coverage today

Lawrence County's 9.1% uninsured rate suggests strong overall enrollment, yet nearly 1 in 11 residents still lack protection. Verify your coverage status and explore marketplace plans to ensure you're not among the uninsured exposed to financial and health risks.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence's tornado and earthquake risks soar

Lawrence County's composite risk score of 67.88 rates as Relatively Low but masks acute concentration in tornadoes (83.46) and earthquakes (92.37). Both scores far exceed the state average of 55.51, reflecting serious regional vulnerability.

Top-tier threat in two major hazards

Lawrence County ranks among Arkansas's highest-risk counties, driven primarily by extreme tornado and earthquake exposure. The county's 83.46 tornado score and 92.37 earthquake score place it near the state's most vulnerable regions.

Nearly matches Jackson's extreme risks

Lawrence's 67.88 composite score closely parallels Jackson County's 67.84, and their earthquake risks are nearly identical (Lawrence 92.37 vs. Jackson 91.60). Lawrence's tornado score of 83.46 trails Jackson's 89.63 but still far exceeds most state peers.

Earthquakes and tornadoes reign supreme

Lawrence residents face earthquake risk at 92.37—second-highest in the state—and tornado risk at 83.46. Together, these two hazards define the county's high-risk profile.

Earthquake and windstorm insurance critical

Lawrence County homeowners absolutely need earthquake insurance given the 92.37 risk score. Add comprehensive windstorm coverage to your homeowners policy to protect against the county's dangerous 83.46 tornado exposure.

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.