Monroe's composite score of 71.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43% of American counties. The county delivers exceptional housing value despite limited income opportunities.
2 / 5
Solid performer within Arkansas rankings
Monroe scores 71.7, just above Arkansas's state average of 70.3, making it a dependable mid-tier option among the state's 75 counties. It represents reliable, stable rural-county living.
3 / 5
Unmatched housing affordability is the headline
Monroe boasts the highest cost score (90.3/100) in this entire peer group, with extraordinarily low housing costs: median home value of just $82,200 and median rent of $603/month. Tax score of 88.4/100 (effective rate: 0.493%) adds to the exceptional affordability profile.
4 / 5
Low incomes and concerning health and risk metrics
Income score of 12.1/100 with median household income of $43,955 is the lowest in this group, severely limiting household purchasing power and wealth accumulation. Health (53.0/100) and risk (63.5/100) scores both raise concerns about community resilience and quality of life beyond housing costs.
5 / 5
Suits only the most cost-constrained households
Monroe County appeals exclusively to retirees with fixed incomes, households receiving substantial government assistance, or those with supplemental remote income. Its rock-bottom housing costs are offset by serious income and health challenges that limit its appeal to working families.
Monroe's composite score of 71.7 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43% of American counties. The county delivers exceptional housing value despite limited income opportunities.
Solid performer within Arkansas rankings
Monroe scores 71.7, just above Arkansas's state average of 70.3, making it a dependable mid-tier option among the state's 75 counties. It represents reliable, stable rural-county living.
Unmatched housing affordability is the headline
Monroe boasts the highest cost score (90.3/100) in this entire peer group, with extraordinarily low housing costs: median home value of just $82,200 and median rent of $603/month. Tax score of 88.4/100 (effective rate: 0.493%) adds to the exceptional affordability profile.
Low incomes and concerning health and risk metrics
Income score of 12.1/100 with median household income of $43,955 is the lowest in this group, severely limiting household purchasing power and wealth accumulation. Health (53.0/100) and risk (63.5/100) scores both raise concerns about community resilience and quality of life beyond housing costs.
Suits only the most cost-constrained households
Monroe County appeals exclusively to retirees with fixed incomes, households receiving substantial government assistance, or those with supplemental remote income. Its rock-bottom housing costs are offset by serious income and health challenges that limit its appeal to working families.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Monroe County's 0.493% effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.90%, placing it in the nation's most tax-friendly 20% of counties. The median property tax of just $405 annually is less than one-sixth of the national median of $2,690.
Lower than Arkansas state average
Monroe County's 0.493% effective rate falls below Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties for property taxes. The median tax paid is $405 annually versus $705 statewide—a 43% savings.
Second-best rate in the region
Monroe County's 0.493% rate ranks only behind Madison County (0.445%) regionally and beats Little River (0.484%), Marion (0.513%), and all other nearby counties. The county offers one of the region's most favorable tax environments.
Median tax bill just $405 annually
Monroe County's median home value of $82,200 produces a notably low median property tax of just $405 per year. This combination of low values and low rates results in one of Arkansas's smallest tax burdens.
Even low assessments merit verification
While Monroe County's tax bills are already among Arkansas's lowest, it's still wise to confirm your property's assessed value is accurate—errors can occur anywhere. A free appeal with the county assessor ensures you're paying no more than you owe.
Monroe County renters spend 16.5% of income on housing, below the national average of roughly 18%, with the lowest median rent ($603) in this cohort. Despite having the lowest household income ($43,955) here, Monroe residents benefit from exceptionally affordable rent.
Monroe ranks among most affordable
Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits comfortably below Arkansas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the most affordable counties profiled. The median rent of $603 is 79% of the state median, offering substantial savings for budget-conscious renters.
Monroe delivers rock-bottom rents
Monroe County's $603 median rent and 16.5% ratio represent the best values in this entire group, substantially undercutting even Logan County ($721, 15.9%). The county's extremely low rent positions it as an affordability leader despite modestly lower household income.
Renting and owning both cheap
Renters pay just $603 monthly (16.5% of the $43,955 household income), while homeowners pay $493—the second-lowest owner cost in the cohort. Both renting and owning are exceptionally affordable here, with owner costs consuming just 13.4% of income.
Monroe County for budget-first movers
If keeping housing costs low is your top priority, Monroe County delivers: rents at 16.5% of income and homes valued at just $82,200. This county is ideal for first-time homebuyers or renters seeking maximum savings; consider Monroe your affordability benchmark.
Monroe County's median household income of $43,955 falls 41% short of the national median of $74,755, representing one of Arkansas's lowest-income counties. The county ranks roughly $7,200 below the state average, signaling significant economic challenges.
Bottom-tier income in Arkansas
Monroe County ranks among the lowest-earning counties in Arkansas, with household income well below state average levels. Limited employment opportunities and lower wage scales characterize the local economy.
Lowest earner in this group
Monroe County's $43,955 is the lowest median household income among the eight counties analyzed, trailing Marion County by $3,000 and Mississippi County by $9,500. This position reflects the most constrained economic conditions in the group.
Low home values ease entry barriers
Monroe County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, though the lowest median home value in the group ($82,200) reflects limited property appreciation potential. Homeownership is accessible but may offer fewer long-term wealth gains than in higher-income counties.
Focus on financial fundamentals first
Monroe County households facing the tightest income constraints should prioritize eliminating high-interest debt, building emergency reserves, and accessing free financial literacy programs. Explore all employer benefits, investigate income-boosting training programs, and seek assistance from nonprofit credit counseling services.
Monroe County's life expectancy of 68.8 years trails the U.S. average by nearly 9 years, placing it among America's lowest-performing counties. With 28.7% reporting poor or fair health, Monroe struggles with chronic diseases and preventable conditions.
Second-worst outcomes in Arkansas
At 68.8 years, Monroe County's life expectancy falls 3.5 years below the Arkansas average of 72.3 years. Only Mississippi County performs worse, placing Monroe among the state's most challenged communities for health outcomes.
Persistent struggles across rural region
Monroe's 68.8-year life expectancy exceeds only Mississippi County (67.9 years) among the eight counties, and its 28.7% poor/fair health rate is nearly as high. This reflects broader struggles in rural eastern Arkansas counties facing poverty and limited economic opportunity.
Highest uninsured rate compounds barriers
Monroe County's uninsured rate of 11.1% is the highest in this group and exceeds the state average by 1.2 percentage points. Combined with 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county has moderate healthcare capacity but faces a vulnerable, underinsured population.
Urgent: secure your coverage now
One in nine Monroe County residents lacks health insurance—a higher burden than any other county analyzed. Contact healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid or marketplace plans that could protect your family's health and finances.
Monroe County's composite risk score of 36.51 ranks Very Low and represents the safest profile among all 50 states' typical risks. Flood risk (28.40) and wildfire risk (20.32) are among the nation's lowest, though earthquake risk (89.03) remains significant.
Arkansas's Safest County
At 36.51, Monroe County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Arkansas, 34% below the state average of 55.51. The county's exceptional safety across flood and wildfire hazards distinguishes it statewide.
Notably Safer Than Peers
Monroe County (36.51) ranks significantly safer than nearby Mississippi (89.22) and Miller (70.83), making it a regional safety haven. Its flood and wildfire scores are among Arkansas's lowest across all counties.
Earthquake Stands Out
Earthquake risk (89.03) is Monroe County's primary concern, a reflection of its proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Tornado risk (63.61) presents a secondary hazard, while flood (28.40) and wildfire (20.32) risks remain exceptionally low.
Earthquake Coverage First Priority
Monroe County homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance despite the county's otherwise low-risk profile. Adding standard homeowner and tornado coverage completes comprehensive protection at minimal expense relative to risk.