countyscore
49.1
County Score
Cost of Living 95.8Property Tax 86.7Disaster Risk 63.5

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Arkansas

Monroe meets national livability median

Monroe County's composite score of 49.1 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 49th percentile. This rural county performs nearly in line with typical American counties, offering a balanced if unremarkable livability profile.

Slightly above Arkansas state average

With a score of 49.1, Monroe ranks just above the Arkansas state average of 47.9 in the middle tier of the state's 75 counties. It reflects the state's characteristic pattern of affordability balanced against income and health constraints.

Exceptional housing affordability and school quality

Monroe boasts a remarkable cost score of 95.8 with the lowest median home value in this group ($82,200) and lowest rent at $603/month, making it extraordinarily affordable. School score of 49.0 and tax score of 86.7 further enhance the county's livability foundation for budget-conscious families.

Critical income and health deficits

Monroe's income score of 6.0 reflects a median household income of just $43,955, among the lowest nationally and severely limiting economic mobility. Health (15.2) and safety (11.7) scores also trail critically, suggesting healthcare access and crime prevention require urgent attention.

Ideal for ultra-budget-conscious families only

Monroe County suits only those for whom absolute housing affordability and decent schools override concerns about income potential and healthcare access. Families should plan for healthcare outside the county and seek strong employment prospects, as the local economy offers limited advancement opportunities.

2040608010086.795.811.715.249663.59.959.8Tax86.7Cost95.8Safety11.7Health15.2Schools49Income6Risk63.5Water9.9Weather59.849.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Monroe County DNA

Foverall

How Monroe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Monroe County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.7+34.7
Cost
95.8+47.8
Safety
11.7-43.3
Health
15.2-34.8
Schools
49
Income
6-45
Risk
63.5+16.5
Water
9.9-48.1
Weather
59.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$82,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$603/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,955/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

44.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Prairie County
Arkansas
51.1
Lee County
Arkansas
42.1
St. Francis County
Arkansas
36.9
Phillips County
Arkansas
37.8
Woodruff County
Arkansas
57.6
Arkansas County
Arkansas
37.4
Lonoke County
Arkansas
40.2
Coahoma County
Mississippi
44.8

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe ranks among nation's most affordable

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County: budget-friendly rents

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe struggles with income gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Exceeds National Crime Averages

Monroe County has a total crime rate of 2,622.6 per 100K, slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.9.

Tracking Just Below the State Average

The county's safety score of 95.9 is close to, but slightly lower than, the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Three agencies report data for the county's public safety profile.

Higher Crime Density Than State Average

Monroe County's total crime rate of 2,622.6 per 100K is higher than the Arkansas average of 2,326.8. This indicates a more active crime environment than in several adjacent counties.

Property Crime as the Major Issue

Property crime sits at 2,224.8 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, violent crime is 397.8 per 100K, which is much closer to national norms.

Focused Protection Against Theft

Property crime drives the local statistics, making theft prevention the most important step for residents. Securing valuables and installing basic alarm systems can make a major difference.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate and Focused School Environment

Monroe County maintains a streamlined educational footprint with just four public schools serving 941 students. The system is split between two elementary and two high schools across two districts. This small scale ensures that the student population remains the central focus of the community.

Exceptional Graduation and School Scores

Monroe County shines with a 92.6% graduation rate, well above the state and national averages. The county's school score of 53.7 is the highest in the region, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $6,458. These numbers prove that this small system is delivering big results for its students.

Brinkley and Clarendon Split the County

The county's education is divided almost equally between the Clarendon School District (472 students) and the Brinkley School District (469 students). There are no charter schools, meaning all educational resources are concentrated into these two traditional community districts. This creates a very stable and predictable school landscape.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

With an average school size of only 235 students, Monroe County offers a highly personal learning environment. The largest campus is C.B. Partee Elementary with 277 students, while Brinkley High School is remarkably small with just 192 students. In these schools, every student receives significant individual attention.

Success in a Small-Town Setting

If you are looking for top-tier graduation rates and high school scores, Monroe County is a hidden gem. The small class sizes in Brinkley and Clarendon provide an educational intimacy that is hard to find elsewhere. Explore homes in these districts to secure a high-performing, personalized education for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County's Very Low Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Monroe County

via WaterByCounty

Extremely High Violation Rate in Monroe County

Monroe County has 24 health violations and a failing 'F' grade. Its violation rate of 334.6 per 100,000 people is nearly double the Arkansas state average of 172.5, indicating a high frequency of issues.

Watershed Health Aligns with State Norms

16.9% of assessed water bodies in Monroe County are impaired, closely matching the state average of 17.8%. Dissolved oxygen and turbidity are the primary causes cited in the 2022 federal reporting cycle.

Frequent Monitoring of Metals and Nutrients

Thirteen monitoring sites have recorded 2,882 measurements over the last five years. This data provides a steady look at inorganics, metals, and nutrient levels across the county's water bodies.

No Active Live Streamflow Data

Monroe County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage for live flow monitoring. Without real-time flow data, compliance history becomes the most vital signal for water safety.

Prioritize Filtration and Testing

The high drinking water violation rate of 334.6 per 100,000 people makes at-home water filtration and testing a high priority. Residents should also stay aware of local advisories regarding low dissolved oxygen in nearby surface waters.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

A wet and warm Southern climate

Monroe County’s 61.3°F average annual temperature is several degrees warmer than the U.S. national median. With 53.1 inches of precipitation, it is a wet and humid environment even by southern standards.

Warmer and wetter than state averages

Monroe stays slightly warmer and wetter than the Arkansas state averages of 61.0°F and 52.4 inches. It sits in the heart of the Delta, where moisture and heat converge.

Heavier rainfall than northern neighbors

Monroe is wetter than nearby Mississippi County, receiving over 4 inches more rain annually. Its 60 extreme heat days match Lonoke, providing a consistent summer heat profile across the central Delta.

Consistent heat and minimal snow

The 79.8°F summer features 60 days of 90-degree weather, creating a long season for outdoor activities. Winters are mild at 42.0°F, seeing only 2.7 inches of snow on average.

Prioritize drainage and mold prevention

The combination of 53.1 inches of rain and 60 heat days makes mold prevention and HVAC maintenance top priorities. Proper drainage is essential to handle the high annual rainfall totals.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Fertile Alfisols of the Plains

Monroe County features Alfisols, characterized by their naturally high fertility and an average pH of 5.72. This pH is slightly higher than the Arkansas average of 5.56 but remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Silt Loam's Superior Texture

The dominant texture is silt loam, created by a massive 62.1% silt content alongside 18.3% clay. This combination offers excellent workability and enough clay to hold onto vital plant nutrients throughout the season.

Top-Tier Water Storage Potential

The county excels in moisture storage with an available water capacity of 0.187 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.148. While organic matter is low at 1.49% compared to the state's 4.15%, the water storage remains a major asset.

Moderately Well-Drained Soil Management

These soils are moderately well-drained and belong to Hydrologic Group D. This suggests that while they manage standard rainfall well, they may experience slow drainage during heavy storms or in low-lying areas.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 8a

As part of USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, Monroe County is a prime location for rice and various row crops. Home gardeners can take advantage of the high silt loam quality to grow impressive yields of leafy greens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Tough turf trials in Monroe County

A difficulty score of 34.8 means local lawns require more effort than the state average of 37.3. Zone 8a conditions here can be taxing, especially during the peak summer months.

Ample rain faces high summer heat

The county sees 53.1 inches of rain annually, which is slightly more than the state average. However, 60 extreme heat days can still stress your grass, requiring a balance of natural rain and supplemental irrigation.

Silt loam provides a solid base

The soil is a silt loam with moderate drainage, which is generally good for moisture retention. The pH of 5.72 is slightly acidic, so a light application of lime may help optimize your lawn's health.

Extreme drought alert for the county

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought, and there have been 30 weeks of drought in the past year. Lawns here absolutely require supplemental water or a shift toward drought-resistant landscaping to survive.

Timing your Zone 8a planting

The best window for seeding starts after March 18 and runs through the long summer until the first frost on November 11. Focus on hardy, deep-rooted warm-season grasses that can withstand the current drought cycle.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 49.1 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Monroe County ranks #36 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 Monroe County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $405, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 86.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Arkansas is $43,955 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 49.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.