countyscore
34.6
County Score
Property Tax 72.3Cost of Living 61.2Weather & Climate 43.4

County Report Card

About Miller County, Arkansas

Miller ranks well below national livability

Miller County's composite score of 34.6 falls substantially below the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 35th percentile. This county faces serious livability challenges across multiple dimensions, making it one of the weaker performers nationally.

Among Arkansas's least livable counties

With a score of 34.6, Miller ranks among the lowest in Arkansas's 75 counties, well below the state average of 47.9. The county struggles across nearly every livability dimension, presenting meaningful obstacles to quality of life.

Tax burden remains the primary advantage

Miller's tax score of 72.3 and effective tax rate of 0.618% offer modest relief for residents, and cost score of 61.2 provides some housing affordability at $148,200 median home value. These factors provide a thin foundation, though they cannot offset broader challenges.

Critical safety crisis and severe health gaps

Miller's safety score of 4.4 represents a crisis-level concern, indicating extremely high crime rates that severely threaten resident security. Health (25.1), schools (18.1), and risk (29.2) scores all lag drastically, combined with a median household income of just $49,983, creating a convergence of hardship.

Not recommended without critical mitigation

Miller County presents substantial livability challenges that would deter most families and individuals unless they have deep community roots. Those considering a move here should prioritize personal safety planning, seek private school options, and secure employment with strong income prospects.

Score breakdown

Tax72.3Cost61.2Safety4.4Health25.1Schools18.1Income14.5Risk29.2Water30.7Weather43.4
🏛72.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.2
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

Lafayette County
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46.5
Cass County
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Hempstead County
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Little River County
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Bowie County
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Columbia County
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Nevada County
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Deep Dives

Miller County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Miller County

via TaxByCounty

Miller rates remain well below national median

Miller County's 0.618% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.90%, ranking it in the lower two-thirds of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $916 annually is one-third the national median of $2,690.

Miller ranks above Arkansas state average

Miller County's 0.618% effective rate exceeds Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, placing it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. Homeowners pay a median of $916 in property taxes versus $705 statewide—a 30% premium.

Second-highest rate among regional counties

Miller County's 0.618% rate is exceeded only by Lonoke County (0.640%) in the region; it substantially exceeds Madison (0.445%), Little River (0.484%), and Monroe County (0.493%). The county's effective rate is notably steeper than most neighbors.

Median tax bill reaches $916 annually

With a median home value of $148,200, Miller County homeowners pay approximately $916 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage-related escrow, that figure rises to $1,222 for mortgaged properties.

Appeal process could lower your tax burden

Given Miller County's higher-than-average rates, it's especially important to verify your property's assessed value—many homeowners discover their homes are overvalued. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor is a straightforward way to potentially reduce your annual obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Miller County

via CostByCounty

Miller County rents strain wallets

Miller County renters spend 21.2% of income on housing, significantly above the national average of roughly 18%, creating notable affordability pressure. With a median household income of $49,983, the $882 median rent consumes a larger share of earnings than most Americans face.

Miller ranks least affordable here

Miller County has the highest rent-to-income ratio (21.2%) among the eight counties profiled and well above Arkansas's 18.1% state average, making it the least affordable. The median rent of $882 pairs with below-average income, creating the toughest renting climate in this group.

Miller rents bite deepest here

Miller County's $882 median rent and 21.2% rent-to-income ratio exceed all peer counties in this analysis, reflecting both high absolute costs and low relative income. Only Marion County (20.2%) comes close to Miller's affordability strain, though Miller remains the most burdened.

Renters face steeper burden

Renters pay $882 monthly (21.2% of the $49,983 household income)—the highest rent burden by ratio in this cohort—while homeowners pay $644 (12.9% of income). Ownership costs are roughly half the rent proportion, offering meaningful relief for those able to purchase.

Miller County: prioritize ownership

If relocating to Miller County, renting consumes over 21% of income, making homeownership pursuit critical for affordability; median home value of $148,200 is reachable for many buyers. Compare Miller carefully against neighboring counties; significant savings may be found by exploring adjacent areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Miller County

via IncomeByCounty

Miller faces steep national income gap

Miller County's median household income of $49,983 trails the national median of $74,755 by 33%, placing it among Arkansas's lower-income counties. The county falls slightly below the state average of $51,156, reflecting limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Lower-income tier in Arkansas

Miller County ranks in the bottom half of Arkansas counties by median household income, indicating economic challenges typical of southwestern rural communities. Job creation and wage growth remain priorities for improving household economic security.

Struggles in southwestern cluster

Miller County's $49,983 ranks in the middle of the group analyzed, exceeding only Marion County ($46,953) and Monroe County ($43,955). The $3,000–$6,000 income gap versus Little River and Logan suggests limited local economic advantages.

Housing costs stress household budgets

Miller County's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in this group, signaling that housing consumes a larger share of income than ideal. Median home values of $148,200 may be challenging for households at the county median income.

Build resilience before building wealth

With higher housing-cost ratios, Miller County households should prioritize debt reduction and emergency savings before aggressive investing. Investigate housing assistance programs, explore side-income opportunities, and take advantage of free community financial counseling services.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Miller County

via CrimeByCounty

Miller County Faces Higher Crime Rates

Miller County's total crime rate of 3,692.4 per 100K is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a local safety score of 94.2.

Below the Arkansas Safety Average

Miller County's safety score of 94.2 falls below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Two reporting agencies provide the data that tracks these local safety challenges.

Higher Activity Than State Peers

The total crime rate of 3,692.4 per 100K is well above the Arkansas average of 2,326.8. This makes Miller County more active for law enforcement than many of its neighbors.

Property and Violent Crimes Elevated

Property crime is high at 2,907.5 per 100K, exceeding the national average by nearly 900 points. The violent crime rate of 784.9 per 100K is also more than double the national rate.

Prioritizing Home and Asset Security

With elevated property crime rates, residents should invest in high-quality home security systems. Visible deterrents like cameras and alarms are essential for protecting property in this area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Miller County

via HealthByCounty

Miller struggles despite rich provider network

Miller County's life expectancy of 71.4 years trails the U.S. average by nearly 7 years, and 26.9% of residents report poor or fair health—the second-worst rate in this group. The county has paradoxically strong provider resources but weak health outcomes.

Below state average with mixed resources

At 71.4 years, Miller County lags the Arkansas average of 72.3 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. Despite this, Miller invests heavily in healthcare providers, suggesting structural or social barriers limit health improvement.

Paradox: great providers, poor outcomes

Miller's 71.4-year life expectancy lags Logan (71.2 years) and little River (71.8 years), and its 26.9% poor/fair health rate is nearly as high as Mississippi County's 29%. Yet Miller County has exceptional provider density—a disconnect that warrants investigation into access, affordability, or health behaviors.

Exceptional provider density nationwide

Miller County offers 68 primary care providers and 266 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—rates that rival major urban centers. Yet the uninsured rate of 8.9% and stubborn health outcomes suggest financial or behavioral barriers prevent optimal care utilization.

Insurance alone isn't enough

Miller County's excellent providers won't help if you lack coverage or can't afford out-of-pocket costs. Secure health insurance through healthcare.gov or Medicaid, then make regular appointments to benefit from the county's outstanding healthcare infrastructure.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Miller County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Network

Miller County manages 16 public schools across three districts, educating a total of 6,263 students. The county provides a wide range of facilities, including seven elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. This system supports a significant portion of the region's student population.

Balancing Expenditure with Academic Needs

Miller County's graduation rate is 83.8%, currently trailing both state and national averages. The county invests $6,123 per pupil, which is nearly identical to the Arkansas state average. The 48.4 composite school score suggests opportunities for targeted academic improvement.

Texarkana Schools Anchor the Region

The Texarkana School District is the largest in the county, serving 3,888 students across eight schools. Other major providers include the Genoa Central and Fouke districts, which each serve over 1,100 students. One charter school also operates in the county, representing about 6% of the local school options.

Suburban Reach with Significant High Schools

Nine schools are in suburban areas while seven are rural, resulting in an average school size of 391 students. Arkansas High School is the largest campus with 1,060 students, creating a classic big-school experience. Meanwhile, primary schools like Edward D. Trice serve about 476 students in more localized settings.

Find Your Home in a Diverse District

With a mix of large suburban campuses and smaller rural schools, Miller County offers options for every family's preference. Whether you want to be near the activity of Texarkana or the quiet of Fouke, the schools are a key part of the community fabric. Explore housing options that connect your family to these historic districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Miller County

via RiskByCounty

Miller County's Above-Average Risk

Miller County's composite risk score of 70.83 exceeds the U.S. average, making it one of the nation's higher-risk counties. Tornado risk (84.89) ranks in the 85th percentile nationally, while earthquake risk (68.61) presents secondary exposure.

Among Arkansas's Highest-Risk

At 70.83, Miller County ranks as the second-highest risk county in Arkansas, exceeded only by Lonoke (75.10) and well above the state average of 55.51. The county's tornado risk is particularly acute.

The Region's Risk Leader

Miller County (70.83) significantly outpaces neighboring Logan (48.19) and Madison (45.07) in overall risk. Its 84.89 tornado score stands as a regional outlier and a major distinguishing factor.

Tornadoes Dominate Miller's Risks

Tornado risk (84.89) is Miller County's dominant hazard, ranking among the nation's highest and reflecting the county's position in severe weather corridors. Earthquakes (68.61) and flood risk (57.28) present secondary concerns.

Tornado Coverage Is Critical

Miller County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive tornado and wind damage coverage; the county's 84.89 score demands serious protection. Adding earthquake and flood insurance ensures full coverage against the county's multiple significant hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Miller County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently hot and humid subtropical climate

Miller County is a hot spot, averaging 64.0°F annually, which is nearly ten degrees warmer than the national median. This climate stays warm year-round with almost no recorded snowfall.

Leading the state in high temperatures

Miller ranks among the hottest counties in Arkansas, exceeding the state average by three full degrees. It represents the warmest edge of the state near the Texas and Louisiana borders.

Hotter than the rest of Arkansas

At 64.0°F, Miller is significantly hotter than its northern neighbor Logan at 60.6°F. It endures 83 days of extreme heat, far outpacing the 60-day average found in central Arkansas.

Eighty-three days of extreme heat

Summers are intense with an 81.1°F average and nearly three months of temperatures above 90°F. Winter remains the warmest in the region at 46.4°F, and snowfall is exceptionally rare.

Invest in high-efficiency cooling

High-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity here to combat the 83 days of extreme heat. Winter preparation is minimal, but the 48.9 inches of rain require good drainage systems for the property.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Miller County

via SoilByCounty

Deep Southern Soil Potential

While comprehensive soil data is not currently available for Miller County, local soils typically follow regional trends. Gardeners often find pH levels near the state average of 5.56, which is more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Analyzing Your Garden's Foundation

Precise percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not part of the current dataset. Understanding your specific soil texture through a simple jar test can reveal how well your ground drains and holds onto vital nutrients.

Nurturing the Land's Productivity

Data for organic matter and water capacity is limited, but the state average organic matter stands at 4.15%. Local soil health initiatives help residents bridge the gap between their backyard dirt and high-production state benchmarks.

Adapting to Local Hydrology

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for this area in recent surveys. Observing how your landscape handles Arkansas rains is the most practical way to plan for successful building and planting projects.

Warm Weather Crops Thrive Here

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, Miller County enjoys a long growing season with mild winters. This zone is perfect for cultivating figs and heat-tolerant flowers, so don't hesitate to start your gardening journey today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Miller County

via LawnByCounty

Hot and humid hurdles in Miller County

Miller County's lawn difficulty score of 35.2 reflects the challenges of gardening in Hardiness Zone 8b. It is slightly more difficult to maintain a lawn here than the Arkansas state average.

Maximum heat requires smart watering

With 83 days of extreme heat annually, your lawn faces significant thermal stress. While the 48.9 inches of annual precipitation is near the ideal range, the high evaporation rates from 5,811 growing degree days mean you must water deeply.

Unknown soil variables require testing

Specific data on pH, clay, and sand percentages are currently unavailable for Miller County. A professional soil test is the best first step to determine what amendments your lawn needs to thrive.

Severe drought impacts most lawns

Over 70% of the county is experiencing severe drought, with 18 weeks of drought recorded in the past year. Focus on increasing your mowing height to 3 inches or more to help the soil retain moisture during these dry periods.

Take advantage of a long growing season

The window for growth is wide, with the last frost usually occurring on March 13 and the first frost not until November 13. This long season is perfect for establishing heat-loving grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miller County's county score?
Miller County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 34.6 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 Miller County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Miller County ranks #72 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 Miller County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Miller County is $916, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Miller County a tax score of 72.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Miller County?
The median household income in Miller County, Arkansas is $49,983 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Miller County earns an income score of 14.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Miller County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Miller County scores 34.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Miller 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 Miller 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.