countyscore
40.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 70Property Tax 69.7Weather & Climate 60.8

County Report Card

About Lonoke County, Arkansas

Lonoke lags national livability standards

Lonoke County scores 40.2, placing it below the national median of 50.0 at approximately the 40th percentile. This suburban county faces meaningful challenges that offset its stronger income profile, making it a mixed-value proposition for residents.

Below-average livability within Arkansas

Lonoke ranks below the Arkansas state average of 47.9 with a score of 40.2, placing it in the lower half of the state's 75 counties. Despite higher incomes, the county struggles with affordability and safety metrics that drag down its overall livability.

Higher incomes and health outcomes stand out

Lonoke's income score of 70.0 reflects a median household income of $71,449, the highest among these eight counties and well above state averages. Health outcomes also score reasonably at 46.2, suggesting better access to medical services and preventive care.

Housing affordability crisis and safety concerns

With a median home value of $184,100 and median rent of $961/month, Lonoke's cost score of just 30.6 reflects a severe affordability squeeze. Safety (20.2) and risk (24.9) scores also trail badly, indicating crime and environmental hazards that undermine livability despite higher incomes.

Best for higher-income professionals near Little Rock

Lonoke suits affluent commuters and professionals whose salaries offset rising housing costs and who can afford private schools and security. Families on moderate or fixed incomes should weigh affordability concerns heavily, and those prioritizing safety should explore neighboring counties.

Score breakdown

Tax69.7Cost30.6Safety20.2Health46.2Schools34.3Income70Risk24.9Water39.8Weather60.8
🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.5
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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Nearby counties

Prairie County
Arkansas
51.1
Pulaski County
Arkansas
29.1
Faulkner County
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40
White County
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41.7
Monroe County
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Jefferson County
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Woodruff County
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Saline County
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Deep Dives

Lonoke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lonoke County

via TaxByCounty

Lonoke rates higher than most U.S. counties

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lonoke County

via CostByCounty

Lonoke: higher income, higher costs

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lonoke County

via IncomeByCounty

Lonoke nearly matches national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lonoke County

via CrimeByCounty

Lonoke County Secure Against National Trends

Lonoke County boasts a safety score of 96.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 2,076.9 per 100K. This is notably lower than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Above Average Safety for Arkansas

The county's safety score of 96.7 beats the state average of 96.3. Eight different reporting agencies work together to monitor and manage public safety across the county.

Consistently Safer Than State Peers

Lonoke's total crime rate of 2,076.9 per 100K is lower than the Arkansas average of 2,326.8. It remains a safer alternative to more urbanized neighbors in the central Arkansas corridor.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Violent crime in Lonoke stands at 401.1 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the state average of 517.8. Property crime represents the majority of incidents at ,1675.8 per 100K.

Home Security Remains a Priority

With property crime being the most common incident type, residents should remain vigilant with home security. Motion-activated lights and visible security cameras are proven deterrents against local property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lonoke County

via HealthByCounty

Lonoke's health advantage is real

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lonoke County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Suburban Educational Hub

Lonoke County features a large-scale education infrastructure with 24 public schools serving 13,624 students. The network includes 13 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 5 high schools. This is one of the more robust school systems in the region, reflecting the county's growth.

High Performance and Significant Suburban Enrollment

The county maintains a 91.1% graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 90.3%. While per-pupil spending of $5,760 is below the state average of $6,160, the system achieves a school score of 51.4. This indicates strong academic productivity given the large scale of the student population.

Cabot School District Dominates the Area

The Cabot School District is a regional powerhouse, managing 16 schools and 10,696 students, which is nearly 80% of the county's enrollment. Lonoke School District serves another 1,603 students. One charter school also operates here, offering a specialized alternative to the traditional public school model.

Suburban Focus with Large High School Campuses

With 14 schools in suburban locales, the average school size is 568 students, the largest in this group. Cabot High School is the massive center of gravity with 2,198 students, while middle schools like Cabot North enroll over 900. This environment offers a wide range of extracurriculars and specialized facilities due to its size.

Join a Growing Community Focused on Schools

The Cabot area is a premier destination for families looking for suburban amenities and large, well-resourced schools. High graduation rates and a variety of campus sizes make Lonoke County a top choice for Arkansas homebuyers. Explore the diverse residential options near these high-performing suburban campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lonoke County

via RiskByCounty

Lonoke's Above-Average Risk Profile

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lonoke County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic southern warmth and high humidity

Lonoke County averages 61.0°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. Its 51.9 inches of annual precipitation provides a humid environment typical of the American South.

The exact average of the Natural State

This county sits exactly at the state average of 61.0°F, representing the typical Arkansas climate profile. It serves as a thermal middle ground between the cooler mountains and the hotter southern border.

Consistent heat with moderate rainfall

Lonoke mirrors the statewide average temperature, staying drier than Monroe’s 53.1 inches of rainfall. It experiences 60 days of extreme heat, which is fewer than the 69 days seen in southern Nevada County.

Sixty days of extreme summer heat

Summer averages a warm 79.0°F, including 60 days where thermometers hit or exceed 90°F. Winters are manageable at 42.1°F, seeing only 2.5 inches of snow each year.

Manage humidity and prepare for rain

Homeowners should prioritize humidity control and HVAC maintenance to manage the two-month stretch of 90°F days. The consistent 42.1°F winter means heavy snow gear is rarely needed, but rain gear is essential for the 51.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lonoke County

via SoilByCounty

A Foundation for Arkansas Agriculture

Lonoke County's specific soil taxonomic data is currently missing from the central records. Residents generally manage soils that are more acidic than the national median of 6.5, reflecting the broader patterns of the Arkansas landscape.

Defining Your Soil's Physical Structure

Current data does not include exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay in this county. Knowing these ratios is vital for understanding workability, so consider a local soil test to unlock your land's specific potential.

Striving for High Organic Content

While specific organic matter figures are unavailable, the state averages of 4.15% and 0.148 in/in for water capacity serve as useful targets. Improving local soil through composting can help match these high state-wide production standards.

Planning for Local Water Management

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes are not currently specified for this area. Careful observation of local water runoff will help you decide where to place garden beds or plan new construction on your property.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8a

Lonoke County is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, a region known for its agricultural versatility. This climate supports everything from strawberries to soybeans, providing a warm and welcoming environment for any aspiring gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lonoke County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating tough conditions in Lonoke County

A lawn difficulty score of 32.5 indicates that this is one of the more challenging areas in the state for turf management. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, growers must contend with significant environmental pressures to keep grass green.

Standard rainfall meets high heat

Annual precipitation of 51.9 inches is just above the ideal threshold, helping to offset the 60 extreme heat days each year. The 5,074 growing degree days provide a long window for lawn activity, though the lack of specific growing season data requires monitoring local frost dates.

Local soil data requires personal testing

Comprehensive soil data for pH and drainage is not currently available for this specific county. We recommend testing your yard to identify if you are working with the heavy clays or sandy loams common to the Arkansas Delta.

Long-term drought challenges the landscape

The county has spent 30 weeks in drought over the last year, with nearly 70% currently in severe conditions. Implementing water conservation measures like drip irrigation for beds and mulch-mowing for lawns is essential for survival.

Plan around spring and fall frosts

Resilient warm-season grasses are your best bet to survive the prolonged dry periods common here. Your growing window typically opens after April 4 and closes around November 9, giving you plenty of time for establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lonoke County's county score?
Lonoke County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 40.2 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 Lonoke County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Lonoke County ranks #60 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 Lonoke County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Lonoke County is $1,178, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Lonoke County a tax score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lonoke County?
The median household income in Lonoke County, Arkansas is $71,449 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lonoke County earns an income score of 70/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lonoke County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Lonoke County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Lonoke 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 Lonoke 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.