countyscore
51.8
County Score
Property Tax 87.1Cost of Living 86.9Weather & 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.

2040608010087.186.933.324.7416.232.146.161.4Tax87.1Cost86.9Safety33.3Health24.7Schools41Income6.2Risk32.1Water46.1Weather61.451.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lawrence County DNA

Foverall

How Lawrence County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lawrence County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (86.9/100) but notably weak in Income (6.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.1+35.099999999999994
Cost
86.9+38.900000000000006
Safety
33.3-21.700000000000003
Health
24.7-25.3
Schools
41-13
Income
6.2-44.8
Risk
32.1-14.899999999999999
Water
46.1-11.899999999999999
Weather
61.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Lawrence County

Whether buying or refinancing in Lawrence County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$91,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$715/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$91,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,164/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

Bacon County
Georgia
Median income: $50,310
51.8
Hancock County
Georgia
Median income: $33,182
51.8
Mason County
Kentucky
Median income: $51,473
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St. James Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $64,536
51.8
Sanilac County
Michigan
Median income: $59,074
51.8
Orleans County
New York
Median income: $63,838
51.8
Sterling County
Texas
Median income: $78,750
51.8
Falls Church city
Virginia
Median income: $154,734
51.8

Nearby counties

Randolph County
Arkansas
51
Craighead County
Arkansas
38.8
Sharp County
Arkansas
65.6
Greene County
Arkansas
41.3
Jackson County
Arkansas
42.3
Independence County
Arkansas
45
Ripley County
Missouri
49.8
Poinsett County
Arkansas
43.7

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Footprint

Lawrence County supports 3,212 students across 9 public schools, including 5 elementary centers and 4 high schools. These campuses are spread across five different school districts, reflecting a highly localized approach to education.

Top-Tier Graduation Success

Lawrence County excels with a 93.2% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 51.8 is precisely in line with the Arkansas state average, despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,432.

Hoxie and Walnut Ridge Districts

The Lawrence County School District leads the area with 1,042 students, while the Hoxie School District serves 868 students. Additionally, one charter school operates in the county, representing 11.1% of the total public school options.

A Mix of Town and Rural Campuses

Education takes place in a mix of 5 rural and 4 town settings, with an average school size of 357 students. Walnut Ridge Elementary is the largest campus with 580 students, providing a vibrant hub for the county's younger learners.

Ideal Homes for Academic Achievement

With graduation rates exceeding 93%, Lawrence County is a prime location for families prioritizing high school success. Focus your home search in Walnut Ridge or Hoxie to be near the county's largest and most active school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Lawrence County

via WaterByCounty

Lawrence County Drinking Water Receives 'D' Grade

The county has recorded three health violations over the last five years, resulting in a 'D' quality grade. Despite this grade, the violation rate of 22.1 per 100,000 is still lower than the Arkansas state average of 172.5. Local systems remain under scrutiny to improve these compliance markers.

Turbidity Identified as Primary Watershed Issue

Out of 541 assessed water bodies, 14.2% fail to meet Clean Water Act standards as of the 2022 cycle. Top impairment causes include base flow turbidity and dissolved oxygen deficiencies. This rate indicates that Lawrence County's watersheds are slightly healthier than the state average.

Inorganic Levels Monitored Across Nine Sites

The EPA Water Quality Portal lists 3,312 measurements for Lawrence County over the past five years. Monitoring is concentrated at nine sites, focusing on inorganics, metals, and nutrients. This data helps local officials track the impact of storm flows on water clarity.

Black River Flows at Half Typical Volume

The Black River at Black Rock currently shows a discharge of 4,610 cfs. This flow is exactly 50% of the long-term mean of 9,173 cfs for this time of year. Drier conditions may lead to increased concentrations of the turbidity noted in the watershed report.

Check Filtration During Low River Flow

With the Black River at half its usual flow and turbidity being a known issue, residents should monitor their water for sediment. Using a high-quality water filter can mitigate the risks associated with the county's 'D' compliance grade. Maintaining natural vegetation along riverbanks will help reduce the storm-flow turbidity impacting local waters.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 51.8 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 #25 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 $445, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 87.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Arkansas is $44,164 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 6.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 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 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.