countyscore
52.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.7Property Tax 81.8

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Arkansas

Lincoln exceeds national livability

Lincoln County's composite score of 52.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 2.8 points, placing it among the more livable counties nationwide. The county demonstrates balanced strengths across affordability, taxation, and income generation.

Top-ranked in Arkansas

At 52.8, Lincoln County ranks among the highest-performing counties in Arkansas, exceeding the state average of 47.9 by 4.9 points. The county represents one of Arkansas's best all-around options for prospective residents.

Income and affordability combine well

Lincoln County's income score of 17.9 reflects median household income of $51,667, the highest among these eight counties and supporting middle-class stability. Combined with a cost score of 85.7 and tax score of 81.8, the county offers genuine economic balance.

Health and safety show modest gaps

Lincoln County's health score of 24.6 and safety score of 33.6 lag behind national standards, indicating room for improvement in healthcare access and community safety. School performance (35.5) also trails optimal levels but remains higher than many state peers.

Ideal for working-class families

Lincoln County suits working families and self-employed individuals seeking genuine economic opportunity paired with affordable living costs. The county offers the best income-to-affordability balance among these Arkansas options, though residents should expect modest public services.

Score breakdown

Tax81.8Cost85.7Safety33.6Health24.6Schools35.5Income17.9Risk70.3Water86Weather45.9
🏛81.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱19.8
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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Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
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Median income: $82,952
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Mason County
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Median income: $62,127
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Hancock County
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Washington County
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Kent County
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Benzie County
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Chippewa County
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Madison County
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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Arkansas
33.8
Arkansas County
Arkansas
37.4
Drew County
Arkansas
47.2
Desha County
Arkansas
47.4
Cleveland County
Arkansas
53.3
Bolivar County
Mississippi
33.3
Grant County
Arkansas
56.2
Bradley County
Arkansas
53.9

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Ranks as a Safe Haven

Lincoln County is one of the safer areas in the country with a 97.6 safety score. Its total crime rate of 1,544.2 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

Lincoln County ranks well above the Arkansas average safety score of 96.3. Its crime rate is also nearly 800 points lower than the state's average of 2,326.8.

Providing a Safe Alternative to Urban Centers

The county is significantly safer than nearby Jefferson County, which has a crime rate three times higher than Lincoln's. Three local agencies provide consistent reporting for this quiet rural region.

Impressively Low Property Crime Rates

Property crime is remarkably low at 1,114.0 per 100,000, roughly half the national average. Violent crime stands at 430.2, which is only slightly above the U.S. benchmark of 369.8.

Community Vigilance Protects the Home

Residents can help keep Lincoln County safe by participating in neighborhood watch programs. Keeping home entrances well-secured ensures property crime remains at its current low levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Star City Education Hub

Lincoln County consolidates its educational infrastructure into a single district serving 1,432 students. The county's 3 schools are organized as one elementary, one middle, and one high school, creating a clear vertical path for every student.

Excellent Graduation and Scoring

Lincoln County achieves a strong 92.0% graduation rate, outperforming the Arkansas state average of 90.3%. Despite a per-pupil spend of $5,381, the county's school score of 51.1 indicates efficient use of resources compared to national medians.

Star City School District Focus

The Star City School District manages 100% of the public enrollment in Lincoln County. By housing all 1,432 students within one district, the county ensures a cohesive educational experience from PK through 12th grade.

A Purely Rural Educational Feel

All schools in Lincoln County are located in rural settings, with an average school size of 477 students. Star City Jimmy Brown Elementary is the largest campus with 647 students, acting as the primary entry point for the county's youth.

Home Buying in the Star City District

Star City offers a unified school district that is a major draw for families moving to Lincoln County. The high graduation rates and streamlined school system make this an attractive area for long-term residential investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Lincoln County Sees High Annual Temperatures

With an average annual temperature of 63.6°F, Lincoln County is much warmer than the national median. This area enjoys a long growing season fueled by subtropical warmth.

Exceeding the Arkansas Temperature Average

The county's average temperature of 63.6°F is well above the state average of 61.0°F. It ranks as one of the warmer regions in the Natural State, particularly during the winter months.

One of the Wettest Counties in the Region

Lincoln County receives a significant 56.5 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the state average of 52.4 inches. This high rainfall makes the county one of the wetter areas in Arkansas.

Frequent Extreme Heat and Rare Snow

The county records 78 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, with July averaging a high of 82.4°F. Snow is very infrequent, totaling just 1.8 inches in a typical year.

Prepare for Both Heat and Rain

Residents should invest in cooling systems to handle 78 days of extreme heat and ensure property drainage can manage 56.5 inches of rain. Durable outdoor gear is necessary for the long, humid summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Lincoln's Soil Characteristics

Specific data for dominant taxonomic orders and average pH levels in Lincoln County are currently unavailable. Like most of Arkansas, the region generally trends toward acidic soil profiles compared to the national 6.5 median. A professional soil test is the best way to determine your land's unique identity.

Texture and Earth Composition

County-wide percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently listed in the centralized dataset. Local conditions typically reflect the Delta's diverse alluvial history, ranging from heavy clays to lighter silts. Observing how your soil feels when wet can give you a clue to its dominant components.

Building Fertile Grounds

While specific organic matter and water capacity data are missing, growers here can aim for the state average of 4.15% organic matter. The county's agricultural heritage suggests a landscape with high potential if properly managed. Using cover crops and local mulch can help you build a fertile oasis.

Water Management in the Delta

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups for Lincoln County are not included in this dataset. Given the flat topography of the region, ensuring proper drainage is usually a top priority for local farmers and builders. Always check local flood maps and soil surveys before starting a new project.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

With a Hardiness Zone of 8b, Lincoln County offers one of the warmest climates in the state for gardeners. You can enjoy a massive variety of heat-tolerant plants, from hibiscus to heavy-producing peppers. It's time to get your hands dirty and make the most of this long, sun-drenched growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

One of Arkansas's Toughest Lawn Scores

Lincoln County faces a very difficult lawn care landscape with a score of 19.8, well below the state average of 37.3. The combination of high heat and frequent drought makes maintaining traditional turf a significant challenge in zone 8b.

Extreme Rainfall and Heat Intensity

The county receives a high 56.5 inches of rain annually, yet this is often offset by 78 extreme heat days. This volatility creates a cycle of rapid growth followed by intense thermal stress for most common grass types.

Limited Soil Data in a High-Rain Zone

While specific soil data for Lincoln County is unavailable, the high rainfall of 56.5 inches often leads to nutrient leaching. Local experts recommend a custom soil test to check for the low pH levels common in the region.

Widespread Severe Drought Conditions

Current data shows 89.5% of the county in severe drought, part of a 31-week trend over the past year. Prioritizing drought-tolerant native plants or heat-hardy grasses is essential for a sustainable landscape here.

Select Heat-Hardy Grass Species

Given the 78 days of extreme heat, Bermuda and St. Augustine are the most reliable choices for hardiness zone 8b. The frost-free window starts early on March 15, providing a lengthy period for these grasses to establish before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Lincoln County ranks #20 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 Lincoln County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $572, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 81.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Arkansas is $51,667 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 17.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.