countyscore
52.1
County Score
Property Tax 81.8Cost of Living 71.3Disaster Risk 69.5

County Report Card

About Nevada County, Arkansas

Slightly above national average, modest gains

Nevada County's composite score of 52.1 edges just above the national median of 50.0, placing it near the middle of all U.S. counties. While a modest advantage, it signals this rural county holds its own in livability.

Performing near state average

At 52.1, Nevada County scores nearly in line with Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking it as a middle-tier performer statewide. The county offers a typical rural Arkansas experience without major standout advantages or deficits.

Affordability remains a consistent asset

Nevada County delivers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 71.3, median home values of $85,700, and monthly rents averaging $841. The tax score of 81.8 (effective rate 0.539%) also provides reasonable relief for residents' wallets.

Safety, health, and income lag significantly

The county faces notable headwinds with a safety score of just 47.0, health score of 33.5, and income score of only 4.1 paired with a median household income of $41,761. These gaps reflect limited economic opportunity and lower-than-average community health resources.

Right for those seeking quiet affordability

Nevada County appeals to retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those seeking minimal tax burdens in a low-cost rural setting. It's best for people who prioritize affordability over job prospects, healthcare access, or crime prevention.

2040608010081.871.34733.540.44.169.516.354.9Tax81.8Cost71.3Safety47Health33.5Schools40.4Income4.1Risk69.5Water16.3Weather54.952.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Nevada County DNA

Foverall

How Nevada County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nevada County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (81.8/100) but notably weak in Income (4.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.8+29.799999999999997
Cost
71.3+23.299999999999997
Safety
47-8
Health
33.5-16.5
Schools
40.4-13.600000000000001
Income
4.1-46.9
Risk
69.5+22.5
Water
16.3-41.7
Weather
54.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$85,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$841/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$85,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,761/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.2

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

Hempstead County
Arkansas
43.1
Clark County
Arkansas
43.8
Columbia County
Arkansas
49
Ouachita County
Arkansas
47
Lafayette County
Arkansas
46.5
Pike County
Arkansas
62.4
Miller County
Arkansas
34.6
Dallas County
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57.6

Deep Dives

Nevada County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nevada County

via TaxByCounty

Nevada County taxes far below U.S. average

Nevada County's effective tax rate of 0.539% results in a median property tax of $462, roughly one-sixth of the national median of $2,690. Even with lower home values ($85,700 median), Nevada County homeowners enjoy one of the country's lowest tax burdens.

Slightly above Arkansas average rate

Nevada County's 0.539% effective rate edges just above Arkansas's 0.532% statewide average, yet its median tax of $462 runs $243 below the state's $705 median due to lower property values. This makes Nevada County competitive on absolute tax dollars paid, despite a marginally higher rate.

Mid-range taxes in south Arkansas

Nevada County's 0.539% rate sits between Ouachita County (0.502%) to the north and Phillips County (0.656%) to the east. Among small, rural southern Arkansas counties, Nevada offers moderate tax exposure.

Lowest median tax among all eight counties

Nevada County's median home value of $85,700 paired with its 0.539% rate yields just $462 in annual property tax—the lowest median in this eight-county group. Residents without a mortgage pay around $484; those with one pay $396, reflecting the county's affordable housing stock.

Homeowners should verify assessments

Despite Nevada County's low overall tax rates, individual overassessments remain possible and worth challenging. A property tax appeal could free up hundreds in annual savings if your assessed value doesn't match current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nevada County

via CostByCounty

Nevada's affordability crisis looms

Nevada County residents spend 24.2% of their income on rent—a full 6 percentage points above the national average and well above the state's 18.1%. With a median household income of just $41,761 (44% below the U.S. average), Nevada faces a genuine affordability squeeze.

Among Arkansas's least affordable

Nevada ranks among the worst for housing affordability in Arkansas, with a rent-to-income ratio of 24.2% versus the state average of 18.1%. At $841 monthly rent on a median income below $42,000, Nevada residents struggle harder than most Arkansans to afford housing.

Nevada's housing costs exceed peers

Nevada's $841 rent is the highest among its neighbors—exceeding Phillips ($756), Montgomery ($734), and Ouachita ($714). Combined with the county's lowest median income in the region ($41,761), Nevada creates a particularly tight affordability challenge.

Nevada's housing burden by the numbers

Renters spend $841 monthly while homeowners pay $554, but both groups dedicate roughly a quarter of their $41,761 income to housing costs. This leaves limited room for healthcare, food, transportation, and savings—a structural affordability problem.

Nevada: approach with caution on income

Nevada's low rents ($841) attract budget-conscious movers, but the county's lowest median income in the region means housing still commands an outsized share of household budgets. Consider Nevada only if you have stable, above-average income or remote work flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nevada County

via IncomeByCounty

Nevada faces significant income challenge

Nevada County's median household income of $41,761 lags the national median of $74,755 by $32,994, or 44%—placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. This substantial gap reflects economic headwinds common in rural south-central Arkansas.

Below Arkansas average by $9,000

Nevada ranks among Arkansas's lowest-income counties at $41,761, roughly $9,400 below the state median of $51,156. The per capita income of $23,002 also trails the state average of $28,096, indicating systemic income constraints.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Nevada's $41,761 is the second-lowest in its region, above only Phillips County ($38,874) but significantly below Montgomery ($49,015) and Newton County ($47,395). The county faces steeper economic headwinds than most neighboring areas.

Housing costs strain budgets

Nevada's rent-to-income ratio of 24.2% approaches the affordability ceiling, meaning renters spend nearly a quarter of earnings on housing alone. The median home value of $85,700 is relatively low, but still represents a significant burden for households earning under $42,000 annually.

Stretch small earnings further

Nevada residents must prioritize budgeting and avoid high-interest debt to build wealth on limited incomes. Even modest contributions to employer 401(k) plans or emergency savings accounts create financial buffers and reduce vulnerability to economic shocks.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nevada County

via CrimeByCounty

Nevada County Maintains Strong Safety Metrics

The total crime rate of 1,193.9 per 100K residents is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.1 out of 100.

A Higher Standard of State Safety

Nevada County's safety score of 98.1 ranks well above the Arkansas state average of 96.3. This positioning highlights a local environment that is notably more secure than many of its state counterparts.

Comparative Safety in the Southwest Region

Nevada County's rate of 1,193.9 is higher than nearby Pike County's 725.1, but remains much safer than Ouachita County's 3,056.7. It serves as a middle ground for safety within the local cluster.

Property Crimes Lead the Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 952.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains relatively low at 241.2. Both metrics fall safely below the national thresholds for these categories.

Vigilance Against Property Crime Trends

Since property crime is the primary concern here, residents should focus on securing valuables and installing basic alarm systems. Staying alert to local trends helps keep Nevada County's safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nevada County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong School Infrastructure in Southwest Arkansas

Nevada County manages five public schools across two districts, supporting a total enrollment of 1,352 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This structured pathway provides clear transitions for students from their first day of kindergarten through high school graduation.

Beating State and National Graduation Averages

The county boasts an impressive 91.4% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,245, slightly higher than the Arkansas state average of $6,160. These investments yield a school score of 52.6, placing the county above the state median for academic performance.

Prescott School District Anchors the Community

Prescott School District is the county's largest educational provider, serving 938 students across three schools. The county maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools currently in operation. Nevada School District serves the remaining student population, hosting 414 students in its elementary and high school facilities.

A Mix of Town and Rural Campuses

While most schools are in rural settings, the Prescott campus provides a town locale, offering a slightly more central atmosphere. Schools maintain a manageable average size of 270 students, ensuring students are never just a number. Prescott Elementary is the largest campus with 378 students, while Nevada High School offers the most intimate setting with 184 students.

Find Your Future Near Top-Performing Districts

With graduation rates exceeding both state and national averages, Nevada County is an attractive destination for families. The mix of town and rural living allows home buyers to choose the specific neighborhood vibe that fits their lifestyle. Start your home search here to benefit from a school system that consistently delivers results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nevada County

via RiskByCounty

Nevada County sits well below national risk

Nevada County's composite risk score of 30.57 places it in the Very Low category, roughly 45% below the national average. This low score reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards affecting American counties.

Among Arkansas's safest counties

Nevada County's 30.57 score ranks it among the state's lowest-risk regions, falling 45% below Arkansas's average of 55.51. This strong position reflects the county's relative protection from the state's most significant natural hazards.

Lower risk than nearby Ouachita County

Nevada County's 30.57 score contrasts sharply with Ouachita County's higher 51.21 rating just to the north. This significant difference highlights how natural disaster exposure can vary notably across neighboring counties in the region.

Earthquake and hurricane concerns stand out

Nevada County faces elevated earthquake risk at 57.12 and hurricane risk at 56.95, both notably higher than its wildfire (29.48) and flood risks (24.01). Tornado risk at 47.30 remains moderate across the county.

Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage

Nevada County residents should ensure earthquake coverage supplements their standard homeowners policy, given the county's 57.12 earthquake risk score. Hurricane and flood insurance should also be reviewed to address these secondary but notable hazards in the area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nevada County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Faces Setbacks

Nevada County receives a failing grade with 10 recorded health violations over the past five years. At 176.1 per 100,000 residents, the violation rate sits just above the state average of 172.5. These numbers reflect persistent hurdles in maintaining consistent drinking water safety.

High Impairment Rates in Local Watersheds

Roughly 34.1% of the 182 assessed water bodies in Nevada County fail Clean Water Act standards, nearly doubling the state average. The 2022 assessments identify pH, lead, and mercury in fish tissue as the primary causes for these impairments. These findings suggest significant environmental stress across the county's river systems.

Nutrient Monitoring Across Limited Sites

Federal records show 4 monitoring sites in Nevada County with 473 measurements taken over the last five years. The data primarily tracks nutrients and physical water characteristics. This footprint provides a baseline, though it is less dense than many neighboring counties.

Limited Live Streamflow Monitoring Data

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge data for Nevada County. In the absence of live flow metrics, officials rely more heavily on drinking water compliance signals and periodic manual sampling. Residents should monitor local weather patterns as proxies for watershed volume.

Address Heavy Metal and pH Risks

Because over a third of local water bodies are impaired by lead and mercury, residents should follow fish consumption advisories closely. Home testing for pH and lead is recommended given the watershed health profile and the failing compliance grade. Awareness of these specific contaminants is the first step in household water safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nevada County

via WeatherByCounty

A very warm and wet environment

Nevada County averages a warm 61.9°F, placing it well above the national median. Its 56.6 inches of rainfall makes it one of the wetter counties in the southern United States.

Warmer than the Arkansas average

At 61.9°F, Nevada is warmer than the state average of 61.0°F. It also exceeds the state’s average rainfall by over 4 inches, marking it as a warm and wet corner of Arkansas.

More extreme heat than central counties

Nevada is noticeably warmer and wetter than Lonoke County to the north. It endures 69 days of extreme heat, which is significantly higher than the 60 days seen in the central Delta.

Long summers with nearly 70 heat days

Summers are long and hot with a 79.6°F average and 69 days exceeding 90°F. Winter stays mild at 43.6°F, though the county still sees about 2.6 inches of snow annually.

Energy efficiency for hot summers

Residents should prepare for over two months of 90-degree days with energy-efficient cooling. The 56.6 inches of rain require consistent gutter maintenance and flood planning in low-lying areas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nevada County

via SoilByCounty

Heavy Vertisols dominate the landscape

Nevada County is defined by its Vertisols, a taxonomic order known for high clay content and dramatic shrinking and swelling. The average pH of 5.34 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These characteristics contribute to a soil health score of 27.7, placing it below the Arkansas state average of 37.7.

Silty clay loam requires patience

The dominant texture is silty clay loam, comprised of 52.2% sand and 15.0% clay. This specific mix can become extremely hard when dry and sticky when wet, making the timing of cultivation critical for success. Despite the high sand percentage, the silty clay components dictate the overall workability and drainage patterns.

Modest organic matter and water storage

At 1.75%, the organic matter content is below both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 4.15%. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in nearly meets the state average of 0.148, offering decent drought resistance. To boost productivity, local farmers often incorporate cover crops to build up the thin organic layer.

Navigating somewhat poor drainage

The landscape is classified as somewhat poorly drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group D. This combination means that water often sits near the surface after rain, which can drown sensitive root systems. Raised beds are a highly effective solution for gardeners looking to bypass these drainage limitations.

Gardeners thrive in Zone 8a

Nevada County sits in Zone 8a, where the long summers are perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and melons. The acidic Vertisols are well-suited for timber production and specialized gardening of camellias and blackberries. Starting a garden here is rewarding if you focus on improving soil structure with consistent composting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nevada County

via LawnByCounty

A Demanding Environment for Nevada County Turf

With a lawn difficulty score of 34.1, Nevada County is more challenging for lawn care than the state average of 37.3. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region face obstacles that make maintenance harder than for 65% of the rest of the country.

Hot Summers and Heavy Rainfall

Nevada County endures 69 extreme heat days annually, surpassing the state average of 64 days. While 56.6 inches of rain provides plenty of moisture, the 5,262 growing degree days mean your grass will grow rapidly during the long humid summer.

Silty Clay Loam and Acidity Adjustments

The silty clay loam texture and a pH of 5.34 suggest that soil can become compacted and overly acidic. You will likely need to aerate regularly and apply lime to bring the pH closer to the preferred 6.0-7.0 benchmark.

Persistent Dry Spells and Recovery

The county faced 17 weeks of drought over the past year, and current conditions show 100% of the area is at least Abnormally Dry. Mulching your grass clippings can help retain soil moisture and protect roots during these recurring dry periods.

Capitalize on a Long Growing Season

Late March is the ideal window to start your lawn as the last frost typically hits around March 29. Centipedegrass or St. Augustinegrass are excellent choices for this climate, benefiting from the long stretch of warm weather before the November frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nevada County's county score?
Nevada County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Nevada County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Nevada County ranks #24 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 Nevada County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Nevada County is $462, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Nevada County a tax score of 81.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nevada County?
The median household income in Nevada County, Arkansas is $41,761 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nevada County earns an income score of 4.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nevada County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Nevada County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Nevada 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 Nevada 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.