Lonoke's composite score of 67.6 crushes the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. The county offers a rare combination of relative affordability and higher incomes for a rural Arkansas community.
2 / 5
Just below Arkansas average but with upside
Lonoke scores 67.6, slightly below Arkansas's 70.3 average, but this masks its strongest asset: an income score of 30.0/100—highest among these eight counties. The county punches above its weight in economic opportunity and household wealth.
3 / 5
Higher incomes and improved health outcomes
Lonoke leads with a median household income of $71,449 and health score of 67.7/100, the strongest health metrics in this peer group. Tax efficiency at 84.3/100 and reasonable home costs ($184,100 median) support an emerging middle-class profile.
4 / 5
Growing costs and environmental risk exposure
Cost score of 75.2/100 reflects rising housing expenses compared to neighboring counties, with median rent at $961/month—notably higher than peers. Risk score of 24.9/100 suggests significant environmental or demographic vulnerabilities that warrant investigation.
5 / 5
Best for upwardly mobile families near metro areas
Lonoke County suits working families and professionals seeking higher incomes with manageable housing costs and better health infrastructure. Its proximity to opportunities and improving economic profile make it attractive to those building wealth while maintaining rural-town character.
Lonoke's composite score of 67.6 crushes the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. The county offers a rare combination of relative affordability and higher incomes for a rural Arkansas community.
Just below Arkansas average but with upside
Lonoke scores 67.6, slightly below Arkansas's 70.3 average, but this masks its strongest asset: an income score of 30.0/100—highest among these eight counties. The county punches above its weight in economic opportunity and household wealth.
Higher incomes and improved health outcomes
Lonoke leads with a median household income of $71,449 and health score of 67.7/100, the strongest health metrics in this peer group. Tax efficiency at 84.3/100 and reasonable home costs ($184,100 median) support an emerging middle-class profile.
Growing costs and environmental risk exposure
Cost score of 75.2/100 reflects rising housing expenses compared to neighboring counties, with median rent at $961/month—notably higher than peers. Risk score of 24.9/100 suggests significant environmental or demographic vulnerabilities that warrant investigation.
Best for upwardly mobile families near metro areas
Lonoke County suits working families and professionals seeking higher incomes with manageable housing costs and better health infrastructure. Its proximity to opportunities and improving economic profile make it attractive to those building wealth while maintaining rural-town character.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.640%, Lonoke County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.90%—wait, that's incorrect. At 0.640%, it remains below the national median, yet its median property tax of $1,178 is substantially higher than the national median of $2,690. Actually, Lonoke's rate places it around the 40th percentile nationally.
Lonoke taxes exceed state average
Lonoke County's 0.640% effective rate ranks above Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, making it one of the pricier counties for property taxes in the state. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,178 annually versus $705 statewide—a 67% premium.
Steepest rate among regional counties
Lonoke's 0.640% effective rate outpaces all nearby counties—it significantly exceeds Madison (0.445%), Little River (0.484%), and Marion County (0.513%). The county's higher median home value ($184,100) also contributes to steeper tax bills.
Median annual property tax reaches $1,178
Lonoke County's median home value of $184,100 combined with its 0.640% rate yields a median property tax of $1,178 per year. Mortgaged properties typically pay $1,298 when escrow is included.
Reassessment challenges pay off in Lonoke
Given Lonoke's higher tax burden, it's especially worthwhile to verify your property's assessed value—overassessments are common and appeal processes are free. A successful challenge could reduce your annual tax obligation by hundreds of dollars.
Lonoke County renters spend 16.1% of income on housing, below the national average of roughly 18%, but median household income here ($71,449) approaches national figures ($74,755). Higher earnings translate to stronger affordability despite elevated absolute rent costs of $961 monthly.
Lonoke ranks affordable statewide
At 16.1% of income, Lonoke's rent-to-income ratio sits below Arkansas's 18.1% state average, reflecting both strong local incomes and manageable rents. With a median household income above the state norm, Lonoke offers superior affordability despite higher absolute costs.
Lonoke costs more, earns more too
Lonoke's $961 median rent exceeds neighboring Madison County ($727) and most regional peers, yet the county's higher income ($71,449) offset these higher costs. The rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% remains favorable compared to Little River (18.6%) and Marion County (20.2%).
Income advantage eases burden
Renters pay $961 monthly (16.1% of the $71,449 household income), while homeowners pay $1,042—the highest monthly owner cost in the cohort. Despite steep absolute costs, Lonoke's higher income makes both renting and owning proportionally affordable.
Lonoke for those earning more
If your income exceeds county medians or you're relocating for a higher-paying job, Lonoke's stronger economy and reasonable rent burden make it attractive. Prospective homebuyers should note the elevated monthly costs ($1,042) but balanced against median values of $184,100 and solid affordability.
Lonoke County's median household income of $71,449 approaches the national median of $74,755, making it one of Arkansas's strongest-earning counties. At 96% of the U.S. median, Lonoke demonstrates economic vitality that rivals suburban and exurban communities nationwide.
Lonoke leads Arkansas counties
Lonoke County ranks among the top earners in Arkansas, with a median household income 40% above the state average of $51,156. This exceptional standing reflects the county's proximity to Little Rock's economic sphere and its growing population of higher-wage earners.
Clear income advantage over region
Lonoke County's $71,449 significantly exceeds neighboring Logan County ($54,237) and Madison County ($53,888), showing $17,000+ income advantages. This premium reflects Lonoke's position as an emerging commuter-belt county with access to Little Rock's job market.
Housing costs healthy despite home values
Despite median home values of $184,100—the highest in this group—Lonoke's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio remains excellent, indicating strong income relative to housing costs. This balance enables households to afford quality housing while maintaining savings capacity.
Maximize wealth-building opportunities
Lonoke County's above-average incomes and healthy affordability ratios position households to aggressively pursue wealth-building strategies like homeownership, retirement savings, and investment diversification. Work with a financial planner to develop a comprehensive strategy including tax-advantaged retirement accounts and college savings plans.
At 74.1 years, Lonoke County residents live longer than the Arkansas state average of 72.3 years and close to the U.S. average of 78 years. Just 19.7% report poor or fair health—the best rate among these eight counties—reflecting stronger overall wellness.
Among Arkansas's healthiest counties
Lonoke's 74.1-year life expectancy ranks in the top tier across Arkansas, beating the state average by 1.8 years. This positions Lonoke as a model county for health outcomes and community wellness initiatives.
Outperforms most regional peers
Lonoke's 74.1 years surpasses six of the seven other counties in this analysis, trailing only Madison County by 0.1 years. This consistency reflects Lonoke's access to quality healthcare and higher community health indicators.
Exceptional mental health resources
Lonoke offers 111 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—an exceptional resource for behavioral and cognitive health—though primary care sits at 15 per 100,000. The 8.6% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the region, supporting broad healthcare access.
Keep coverage continuous
With most Lonoke residents insured, maintaining that progress means ensuring continuous coverage for those without. Visit healthcare.gov during open enrollment or year-round to verify your plan or switch to better options.
Lonoke County's composite risk score of 75.10 significantly exceeds the U.S. average, making it one of the nation's higher-risk counties. Earthquake (92.75) and tornado (86.20) risks both rank in the 85th percentile nationally.
The Riskiest County in Arkansas
At 75.10, Lonoke County's composite risk score ranks highest among all Arkansas counties, sitting 35% above the state average of 55.51. This distinction reflects the county's exposure to seismic and severe storm hazards.
Lonoke Stands Apart
Lonoke County (75.10) far exceeds the risk levels of surrounding counties like Miller (70.83) and Madison (45.07). Its earthquake and tornado scores represent outlier hazards compared to most of central Arkansas.
Lonoke's Exceptional Hazards
Earthquakes (92.75) and tornadoes (86.20) make Lonoke the state's most seismically and storm-prone county. Flood risk at 69.34 presents an additional significant threat, particularly in riverside areas.
Critical Coverage for Lonoke
Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable for Lonoke County homeowners; the county's seismic risk ranks among the nation's highest. Comprehensive tornado and flood coverage are equally essential given the county's 86.20 tornado score and above-average flood exposure.