CountyScore

Lincoln County

Arkansas · AR

#15 in Arkansas
72.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Arkansas

Top performer among the eight

Lincoln County scores 72.6, placing it 45 percentile points above the national median of 50.0 and outperforming roughly four in five U.S. counties. This is the highest score in this group and reflects genuinely strong livability across multiple measures.

Notably above Arkansas average

Lincoln County scores 72.6 compared to Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the top tier of Arkansas counties. It represents one of the state's strongest livability profiles.

Highest incomes and strong affordability

Lincoln County's income score of 17.1 reflects a median household income of $51,667, the highest in this group and substantially above state norms. Combined with a cost score of 87.2 and a tax score of 87.1, residents enjoy both earning potential and affordability.

Risk exposure requires attention

Lincoln County's risk score of 70.3 indicates notable exposure to natural disasters, economic volatility, or other environmental challenges. While this is balanced by stronger incomes, prospective residents should understand specific vulnerabilities before relocating.

Best overall choice for most families

Lincoln County offers the most balanced livability profile in this group, with above-average incomes, low taxes, and affordable housing. It's the strongest choice for working families seeking economic opportunity alongside cost-of-living predictability in rural Arkansas.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.1Cost87.2SafetyComing SoonHealth57.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.1Risk70.3WaterComing Soon
🏛87.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.3
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 Lincoln County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $31,495
Macon County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $45,951
Columbia County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $47,363
Little River County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $52,241
Woodruff County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $49,982

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln's taxes rank among nation's lowest

Lincoln County's 0.539% effective property tax rate places it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, significantly below the national median of 0.72%. Homeowners enjoy some of the country's most favorable property tax rates.

Lincoln slightly above Arkansas average

At 0.539%, Lincoln's rate edges above Arkansas's state average of 0.532% by just 0.007 percentage points, making it virtually at the state norm. Among Arkansas's 75 counties, Lincoln sits right at the midpoint for tax burden.

Lincoln rate typical for region

Lincoln's 0.539% sits between Lee County's 0.525% and Izard's 0.585%, reflecting consistent tax rates across the southeastern region. All nearby counties cluster within 0.06 percentage points, indicating uniform local tax policies.

Median home tax bill: $572 annually

On Lincoln's median home value of $106,100, homeowners pay approximately $572 per year in property taxes. With mortgage adjustments, the annual bill reaches about $643.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many Arkansas homeowners never question whether their property assessments are accurate, missing opportunities to reduce their tax bills. Your county assessor's office reviews appeals at no cost and frequently approves reductions for overassessed properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County ranks among best affordable

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% ranks among the most favorable in this analysis and well below the national average, offering renters substantial budget relief. Median household income of $51,667 outpaces several peers, while median gross rent of $672 remains modest, combining to create the region's strongest affordability picture.

Best affordability in Arkansas here

At 15.6%, Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Arkansas's 18.1% state average, positioning it as the most affordable county in this group. The combination of higher median income ($51,667) and moderate rent ($672) delivers superior housing accessibility relative to state norms.

Lincoln leads on affordability metrics

Lincoln County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio beats all neighboring counties in this group, with median rent of $672 and home values of $106,100 offering balanced options. The county's stronger income base distinguishes it as the region's affordability leader despite moderate housing costs.

Housing remains well-proportioned

Lincoln residents earning $51,667 allocate just 15.6% to rent ($672/month) and 14.2% to mortgage costs, totaling 29.8% toward housing annually. This leaves robust room for other essentials, savings, and financial security—the healthiest ratio among these eight counties.

Lincoln County tops relocation consideration

If relocating within Arkansas and prioritizing housing affordability, Lincoln County ranks first in this group with superior rent-to-income ratios and stronger median income. The county delivers the best combination of modest housing costs and income stability, making it ideal for budget-conscious movers seeking financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln approaches state average income

Lincoln County's median household income of $51,667 sits about 31% below the US median of $74,755, yet it's the strongest performer among these eight counties. Lincoln exceeds Arkansas's state average of $51,156, just barely, positioning it as one of the state's more stable economies.

Above-average rank statewide

Lincoln ranks in the upper-middle tier of Arkansas counties, slightly exceeding the state average of $51,156 by roughly $500 annually. Its per capita income of $18,302 is notably lower, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners or part-time work patterns.

Lincoln leads peer group clearly

Lincoln's $51,667 income tops all peers in this group: it outearns Jefferson ($48,552), Izard ($47,728), and significantly exceeds Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, and Lee. This leadership position reflects stronger employment or wage structures, possibly tied to nearby economic centers or regional industries.

Housing remains comfortably affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%—the lowest among all eight counties—Lincoln households spend a healthy share on housing costs. The median home value of $106,100 aligns well with median income, creating genuine homeownership opportunity for most families.

Lincoln: accelerate wealth-building now

Lincoln's stronger income position and lower housing burden create space for serious wealth accumulation: maximize employer 401(k) contributions, open a Roth IRA, or invest in low-cost index funds. At median income with manageable housing, 20–30 years of consistent investing can build six-figure portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln slightly above national average

At 72.6 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, suggesting comparable population longevity to the nation. With 27.9% reporting poor or fair health—notably above the national rate of roughly 18%—Lincoln shows that longer average lifespan masks underlying chronic disease prevalence.

Slightly above Arkansas average

Lincoln County's 72.6-year life expectancy edges above the Arkansas state average of 72.3 years by a narrow margin, placing it in the middle tier of state county health outcomes. The 27.9% poor/fair health rate is moderately elevated, suggesting some chronic disease burden but not catastrophic health challenges.

Mid-tier performer with unique challenge

Lincoln's 72.6-year life expectancy places it in the regional middle, ahead of Lee (68.9) and Lafayette (71.7) but behind Izard (73.7). Uniquely, Lincoln's 8 primary care providers per 100K is the lowest in the eight-county region, creating a critical access gap despite acceptable mental health provider density at 147 per 100K.

Adequate insurance, severe primary care gap

At 10.0% uninsured, Lincoln County matches the state average of 9.9%, meaning most residents carry coverage—yet just 8 primary care providers per 100K represents a catastrophic shortage. With 147 mental health providers per 100K providing good mental health access, Lincoln's crisis is primary care availability, leaving residents medically insured but practically unable to access routine care.

Insurance alone won't solve this

Lincoln County's low uninsured rate masks a deeper crisis: even with coverage, residents struggle to find primary care physicians locally. Verify your insurance status and prepare for care coordination; you may need to seek primary care outside the county despite having health insurance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln's low score hides earthquake risk

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 29.77 rates as Very Low and ranks among Arkansas's safest counties overall, sitting well below the state average of 55.51. However, the county's earthquake risk of 79.45 deserves specific attention despite the favorable composite score.

Second-safest county statewide

Lincoln County ranks second only to Lafayette County for overall natural disaster safety in Arkansas. The county excels in flood protection (24.36) and wildfire avoidance (16.73), while maintaining reasonable tornado preparedness.

Among the state's safest areas

Lincoln's 29.77 score nearly matches Lafayette County's 33.24, and both counties offer dramatically superior safety compared to Jackson County's 67.84 or Jefferson County's 85.18. Lincoln benefits from geography that shields it from most major hazard categories.

Earthquake risk drives preparedness needs

Lincoln County's earthquake risk of 79.45 represents its most significant hazard exposure despite the county's very low overall composite score. Hurricane risk at 57.66 ranks second, though still manageable.

Earthquake coverage essential here

Lincoln County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance given the 79.45 risk score, even though the county ranks among Arkansas's safest overall. Standard homeowners policies provide adequate protection for the county's minimal flood and wildfire risks.

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.