With a composite score of 72.6 out of 100, Little River County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This strong overall livability score reflects affordable housing, low taxes, and reasonable healthcare access across the county.
2 / 5
Above-average livability for Arkansas
Little River scores 72.6, edging out Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 75 counties. The county punches above its weight on affordability and tax burden compared to similar-sized Arkansas communities.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and housing affordability shine
Little River excels in tax burden (88.7/100) with an effective tax rate of just 0.484%, and offers highly affordable housing with a median home value of $113,400 and median rent of $812/month. Health outcomes are solid at 63.6/100, supported by reasonable healthcare infrastructure for a rural county.
4 / 5
Income growth and risk factors need attention
The county's income score of 17.5/100 reflects a median household income of just $52,241, well below state and national averages, limiting economic mobility for residents. Risk factors score 56.0/100, suggesting moderate environmental or demographic vulnerabilities worth monitoring.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious retirees and families
Little River County suits people prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high wages—ideal for retirees on fixed incomes or families seeking maximum purchasing power. The stable, low-cost environment makes it attractive to those willing to trade economic dynamism for financial security.
With a composite score of 72.6 out of 100, Little River County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This strong overall livability score reflects affordable housing, low taxes, and reasonable healthcare access across the county.
Above-average livability for Arkansas
Little River scores 72.6, edging out Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 75 counties. The county punches above its weight on affordability and tax burden compared to similar-sized Arkansas communities.
Tax efficiency and housing affordability shine
Little River excels in tax burden (88.7/100) with an effective tax rate of just 0.484%, and offers highly affordable housing with a median home value of $113,400 and median rent of $812/month. Health outcomes are solid at 63.6/100, supported by reasonable healthcare infrastructure for a rural county.
Income growth and risk factors need attention
The county's income score of 17.5/100 reflects a median household income of just $52,241, well below state and national averages, limiting economic mobility for residents. Risk factors score 56.0/100, suggesting moderate environmental or demographic vulnerabilities worth monitoring.
Best for budget-conscious retirees and families
Little River County suits people prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high wages—ideal for retirees on fixed incomes or families seeking maximum purchasing power. The stable, low-cost environment makes it attractive to those willing to trade economic dynamism for financial security.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 71.8 years, Little River County residents live roughly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 78 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, a rate that exceeds most national benchmarks and signals ongoing health challenges in the county.
Below Arkansas average, but comparable
Little River's 71.8-year life expectancy falls 0.5 years short of Arkansas's 72.3-year state average. The county ranks in the middle tier among Arkansas counties, with room to improve health outcomes through better access and preventive care.
Stronger than some nearby counties
Little River slightly outperforms Logan County (71.2 years) and Miller County (71.4 years), but trails the healthier Lonoke County (74.1 years) by 2.3 years. These differences reflect disparities in healthcare resources and economic factors across the region.
Insurance gaps and limited providers
At 7.9%, Little River has a lower uninsured rate than the state average of 9.9%—a bright spot. But the county has only 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below what communities need for accessible, routine medical care.
Check your coverage options now
Nearly 8 in 100 Little River residents lack health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health programs that fit your needs.
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.