countyscore
52.3
County Score
Property Tax 87.5Cost of Living 73.3Disaster Risk 56

County Report Card

About Little River County, Arkansas

Little River exceeds national livability median

With a composite score of 52.3, Little River County ranks above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 52nd percentile nationwide. This rural Arkansas county outperforms the typical American county on overall livability, though it remains slightly dependent on the strength of specific dimensions.

Eighth-best livability in Arkansas

Little River ranks 8th among Arkansas's 75 counties with a score of 52.3, ahead of the state average of 47.9. It's one of the stronger performers in the state's livability landscape, reflecting particular advantages in tax burden and housing affordability.

Tax burden and affordability lead the way

Little River excels in tax efficiency with a score of 87.5 and an effective tax rate of just 0.484%, among the lowest in the region. Housing affordability also stands out, with a median home value of $113,400 and median rent of $812/month, making it accessible for working families.

Income and health outcomes need attention

The county's income score of 19.1 reflects a median household income of $52,241, well below state and national averages. Health outcomes (34.5) and water quality (23.8) also lag, suggesting infrastructure and healthcare access could benefit from investment.

Best for budget-conscious families seeking affordability

Little River suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and housing affordability over high incomes or extensive services. The county offers stability and economic accessibility, but those seeking robust healthcare systems or top-tier schools should evaluate carefully.

2040608010087.573.341.334.538.319.15623.847Tax87.5Cost73.3Safety41.3Health34.5Schools38.3Income19.1Risk56Water23.8Weather4752.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Little River County DNA

Foverall

How Little River County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Little River County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (87.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (23.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.5+35.5
Cost
73.3+25.299999999999997
Safety
41.3-13.700000000000003
Health
34.5-15.5
Schools
38.3-15.700000000000003
Income
19.1-31.9
Risk
56+9
Water
23.8-34.2
Weather
47-9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$812/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,241/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.7

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
Compare Little River County with Shasta County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Shasta County
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Median income: $71,931
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Okaloosa County
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McHenry County
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Wabaunsee County
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St. Mary's County
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Median income: $114,580
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Jefferson County
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Kimball County
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Kingfisher County
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52.3

Nearby counties

Bowie County
Texas
34.5
Sevier County
Arkansas
50.4
Hempstead County
Arkansas
43.1
Howard County
Arkansas
53.6
Miller County
Arkansas
34.6
Cass County
Texas
47.9
McCurtain County
Oklahoma
41.7
Lafayette County
Arkansas
46.5

Deep Dives

Little River County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Little River County

via TaxByCounty

Little River taxes rank among nation's lowest

At 0.484%, Little River County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.90%, making it more affordable than roughly 85% of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is just $549 annually—a fraction of the national median of $2,690.

County ranks in bottom half statewide

Little River's 0.484% rate is notably lower than Arkansas's statewide average of 0.532%, placing the county among the more tax-friendly jurisdictions in the state. Residents pay $549 in median property taxes versus $705 statewide.

Cheaper than most regional peers

Among nearby counties, Little River offers competitive rates—its 0.484% effective rate undercuts Marion County (0.513%) and Mississippi County (0.558%). Only Monroe County (0.493%) comes close to Little River's tax burden in the region.

Median home costs $549 annually in taxes

A homeowner with the county's median property value of $113,400 pays approximately $549 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $637 when factoring in escrow and servicer costs.

Many homeowners could reclaim overassessed value

Property assessments aren't always accurate—many homeowners in Little River County may be paying taxes on inflated valuations. Filing a tax appeal with the county assessor is free and often successful, potentially reducing your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Little River County

via CostByCounty

Little River rents eat into paychecks

Renters in Little River County spend 18.6% of income on housing, slightly above the national average of roughly 18%. This is manageable by national standards, but reflects incomes here that lag national figures by about $22,500 per household.

Middle of the pack in Arkansas

Little River's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% ranks above the state average of 18.1%, placing it in the middle tier of Arkansas counties for affordability. The median rent of $812 exceeds the state median of $760, though household income is also below state averages.

Rents rise toward Little River

Little River's $812 median rent sits between neighboring Logan County ($721) and Marion County ($792), offering moderate costs relative to its region. The county's rent-to-income burden (18.6%) is lower than Marion County (20.2%) but higher than neighboring Logan County (15.9%).

Renters pay more than buyers

Renters spend $812 monthly ($9,744 annually) while homeowners pay $571, putting rent at 18.6% of the $52,241 median household income. Owner costs represent just 13.1% of income, making homeownership substantially more affordable for those able to purchase.

Consider Little River for balance

If you're weighing Arkansas counties, Little River offers moderate housing costs and a median home value of $113,400—affordable for first-time buyers. Compare your rent burden here against neighboring counties; renters may find better deals in Logan County, while homebuyers should explore the broader region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Little River County

via IncomeByCounty

Little River trails national income

Little River County's median household income of $52,241 sits 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. However, the county outperforms Arkansas's state average of $51,156 by roughly $1,100, showing relative stability within the state.

Middle of the pack in Arkansas

Among Arkansas's 75 counties, Little River ranks near the median for household income. The county's performance reflects a mixed economic base typical of southwest Arkansas, with modest but steady earnings across the region.

Similar to neighboring Miller County

Little River's $52,241 income closely mirrors nearby Miller County ($49,983), though it outpaces Marion County ($46,953). These three counties form a cluster of modest-income communities in the southwestern part of the state.

Housing costs well within reach

At 18.6%, Little River's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing remains affordable for renters. With a median home value of $113,400, homeownership is also accessible relative to local household income levels.

Build savings even on modest income

With affordable housing costs, Little River households have room to redirect savings toward emergency funds and retirement accounts. Consider consulting a financial advisor about employer 401(k) plans or low-cost IRA options designed for middle-income earners.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Little River County

via CrimeByCounty

Little River Outperforms National Safety Standards

Little River County earns an impressive safety score of 97.9, significantly higher than many regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,330.7 per 100K remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Arkansas Public Safety

The county's safety score exceeds the Arkansas state average of 96.3, marking it as one of the safer areas in the region. Three local reporting agencies contribute to this robust data set from 2022.

Lower Crime Rates than State Neighbors

While the Arkansas state average total crime rate is 2,326.8 per 100K, Little River reports a much lower rate of 1,330.7. This positioning makes it a quiet outlier compared to higher-activity areas nearby.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 1,147.7 incidents per 100K, which is the primary driver of local activity. Violent crime is remarkably low at 183.0 per 100K, less than half the national average of 369.8.

Staying Proactive in a Safe Environment

Even in safe counties, property crimes remain the most common threat to residents. Simple security measures like outdoor lighting and locked entries help maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Little River County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Specialized Educational Landscape

Little River County operates five public schools across two distinct districts, serving a total of 1,798 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This concentrated system ensures localized attention for the county's student population.

Graduation Rates Outpace State and National Averages

The county boasts an impressive 92.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 90.3%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,253, which is below the state's $6,160 average, the county maintains a 51.2 school score. This indicates efficient use of resources to achieve high-school completion results.

Ashdown and Foreman Drive Local Education

The Ashdown School District is the county's largest, enrolling 1,308 students across three schools. The Foreman School District serves the remaining 490 students through its two campuses. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, keeping all students within traditional local districts.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

Education here happens in three town-based schools and two rural settings, with an average school size of 360 students. Ashdown Elementary is the largest campus with 627 students, while Foreman High School offers a more intimate setting with 235 students. This variety allows families to choose between slightly larger or very small school environments.

Invest in a High-Completion School Community

With graduation rates exceeding national benchmarks, Little River County is an attractive option for families prioritizing educational outcomes. Consider exploring homes in the Ashdown or Foreman areas to give your children access to these high-performing districts. School quality remains a vital factor in local property values and community stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Little River County

via RiskByCounty

Little River's Risk Profile

With a composite risk score of 44.05, Little River County ranks as Relatively Low—about 20% safer than the U.S. average. The county's earthquake risk stands at 64.03, its highest hazard, while tornado risk at 55.22 remains near the national median.

Among Arkansas Counties

Little River's score of 44.05 sits well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the lower-risk counties in the state. The county avoids the extreme flood and tornado pressures facing eastern and central Arkansas regions.

Compared to Nearby Counties

Little River (44.05) is safer than Marion County (47.96) and Madison County (45.07), its western neighbors. All three counties maintain relatively low composite risk, but Little River's flood score of 44.12 is notably lower than both neighbors.

What Threatens Little River Most

Earthquakes (64.03) and tornadoes (55.22) present the county's primary hazards, though neither reaches critical levels. Flood risk at 44.12 remains manageable, giving residents more breathing room than counties in the Mississippi Delta region.

Safeguard Your Property

Homeowners should prioritize earthquake coverage in their policies, as the county's seismic risk exceeds the national average. A solid all-hazard umbrella policy protects against the tornado and flood exposure residents face.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Little River County

via WaterByCounty

Water Compliance Challenges in Little River County

Little River County receives a failing 'F' grade with 11 health violations recorded over the last five years. Despite the grade, its violation rate of 96.5 per 100,000 people remains significantly lower than the Arkansas state average of 172.5.

Impaired Waters Exceed State Averages

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 23.4% of assessed water bodies failed Clean Water Act standards, surpassing the state average of 17.8%. Primary causes for these impairments include pH imbalances, base flow turbidity, and critical dissolved oxygen levels.

Active Inorganics and Metals Monitoring

Six monitoring sites across the county have logged 1,525 water-quality measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on inorganics, metals, and nutrients to track localized environmental shifts.

Red River Flows Near Record Lows

The Red River at Fulton currently flows at 3,090 cfs, which is just 18% of its long-term mean. This significantly low discharge indicates potential stress on the local watershed's replenishment capacity.

Mitigating Risks from Low Flows and Turbidity

With a failing compliance grade and high watershed impairment, residents should monitor local alerts for turbidity and pH issues. Low streamflow in the Red River can concentrate pollutants, making home filtration a prudent precaution.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Little River County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Warmth Defines Little River County

Little River County averages 62.9°F annually, placing it high above the national median temperature. Its climate is overwhelmingly influenced by Gulf air and southern weather patterns.

Warmer and Wetter than the State Average

At 62.9°F, the county sits nearly two degrees above the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It also receives 53.7 inches of annual precipitation, slightly more than the state's typical 52.4 inches.

Extreme Heat Days Lead the Region

Little River County experiences 83 days of extreme heat over 90°F, one of the highest counts in the area. This intense summer heat is a defining characteristic compared to its neighbors.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

July is hot with an average of 82.2°F, contributing to the 83 extreme heat days each year. Winters are short and mild, with only 1.8 inches of average annual snowfall.

Ready Your Home for Summer Extremes

Excellent home insulation and high-capacity air conditioning are essential for the 83 days of 90°F+ weather. Maintenance of drainage systems is also key to handling the 53.7 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Little River County

via SoilByCounty

A Landscape Waiting to be Mapped

While specific soil taxonomic data is unavailable for Little River, the region generally features diverse alluvial soils. Local growers often test their own pH to see how it compares to the national median of 6.5.

Understanding Local Texture and Workability

Quantitative measurements for sand, silt, and clay are currently limited in this specific area. Identifying your unique soil texture is the first step toward managing drainage and workability in your own backyard.

Aiming for State Fertility Benchmarks

Detailed organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, but the Arkansas average organic matter sits at 4.15%. Local gardeners typically focus on soil health to match or beat this productive state-wide benchmark.

Observing Water Movement in the Field

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups aren't listed for this county in current datasets. Observing how your land sheds water after a heavy rain provides the best immediate insight for gardening or building projects.

Gardening in a Warm, Southern Climate

Little River sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, which offers a long and warm growing season. This climate supports heat-loving crops like okra and peppers, so get your seeds ready for an early start this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Little River County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the heat in Little River County

With a lawn difficulty score of 36.7, homeowners here face a significantly steeper challenge than the national median of 50.0. This region sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, where warm-season grasses typically thrive but require careful management to withstand the local climate.

High heat days demand consistent hydration

The county experiences 83 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 64 days. While the 53.7 inches of annual precipitation is slightly above the ideal range, the intense summer sun and 5,505 growing degree days can quickly dry out thirsty turf.

Testing is key for unknown soil profiles

Specific local soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this county. Local growers should conduct a soil test to determine if they need lime or specific nutrients before the peak growing season begins.

Severe drought impacts nearly the whole county

Currently, 95% of the area is under severe drought conditions, and the county has endured 11 weeks of drought over the past year. To protect your lawn, prioritize deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation.

Start your Zone 8b lawn this spring

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for this climate, as they tolerate heat better than cool-season varieties. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 24 but well before the first fall frost on November 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Little River County's county score?
Little River County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 52.3 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 Little River County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Little River County ranks #23 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 Little River County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Little River County is $549, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Little River County a tax score of 87.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Little River County?
The median household income in Little River County, Arkansas is $52,241 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Little River County earns an income score of 19.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Little River County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Little River County scores 52.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Little River 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 Little River 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.