CountyScore

Newton County

Arkansas · AR

#2 in Arkansas
75.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Newton County, Arkansas

Nationally competitive in livability

Newton County scores 75.9 on the composite index, more than 50% above the national median of 50.0. This Ozark region county ranks among the most livable in the entire United States.

Best performer in this Arkansas cohort

Newton County's score of 75.9 places it above the Arkansas average of 70.3 and represents the strongest overall livability profile among the eight featured counties. It leads this group across multiple dimensions.

Outstanding safety and affordability mix

Newton County boasts the highest risk score (81.6) in this group, indicating exceptional safety and stability, plus excellent affordability with a cost score of 88.6 and tax score of 90.8. Median rent of $629/month is the lowest among peer counties, enabling maximum financial flexibility.

Low income limits wealth accumulation

The income score of 14.3 reflects median household earnings of $47,395, placing Newton County below state averages. This income constraint may make saving and major investments difficult for households.

Best choice for safety-seeking families

Newton County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing safety, stability, and low housing costs in a scenic Ozark setting. If you can secure income from remote work or a stable pension, the county offers exceptional value and peace of mind.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax90.8Cost88.6SafetyComing SoonHealth62.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.3Risk81.6WaterComing Soon
🏛90.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Newton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Skagway Municipality
Alaska
75.9
Median income: $78,594
Bent County
Colorado
75.9
Median income: $49,194
Pulaski County
Indiana
75.9
Median income: $59,956
Worth County
Iowa
75.9
Median income: $76,875
Towner County
North Dakota
75.9
Median income: $63,017

Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Newton County

via TaxByCounty

Newton County taxes remain far below national norm

Newton County's effective rate of 0.408% and median property tax of $729 remain less than one-third the national median tax of $2,690. Even with higher home values ($178,800 median) than surrounding counties, Newton homeowners pay roughly one-quarter what typical U.S. residents pay in property tax.

Below-average rate across Arkansas

Newton County's 0.408% effective rate falls 0.124 percentage points below Arkansas's 0.532% state average. With the state's median property tax at $705, Newton County's $729 median is nearly even, benefiting from a lower rate that nearly offsets higher home values.

Most affordable tax rate in the Ozarks

Newton County's 0.408% rate beats Perry County (0.520%) and Pike County (0.559%) across the Ouachita Mountains and outpaces Phillips County (0.656%) and other eastern counties. Only Montgomery County (0.384%) and Nevada County (0.539%) offer stronger tax advantages in this regional comparison.

Median resident pays $729 annually

Newton County's median home valued at $178,800 generates $729 in yearly property tax at the 0.408% effective rate. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $938; without one, it drops to $579—a manageable range for homeowners in this Ozark county.

Challenge your assessment if value seems high

Even in favorable-rate counties, assessment errors occur and can trigger unnecessary tax bills over years. Newton County homeowners should verify that their assessed value aligns with comparable sales to ensure they're not overpaying.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Newton County

via CostByCounty

Newton's surprising affordability advantage

Newton County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of 15.9%—well below both the national average and Arkansas's 18.1% state average. Residents on a $47,395 median income enjoy some of the state's lowest rents at $629 monthly, creating genuine affordability relief.

Newton ranks among Arkansas's best

Newton's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio places it among the most affordable counties in Arkansas, outperforming the state average by over 2 percentage points. The county's combination of low rents and reasonable incomes makes it a housing-friendly option within the state.

Newton leads the regional rental market

At $629 monthly, Newton's rent is the lowest in its region—$105 cheaper than Montgomery ($734) and $212 cheaper than Nevada ($841). This rental advantage helps offset the region's modest incomes and makes Newton a standout for renters.

Newton's housing costs favor renters

Renters pay just $629 monthly while homeowners spend $570, with both groups dedicating roughly 16% of their $47,395 income to housing. Newton's affordability extends across both rental and ownership markets, creating flexibility for different household types.

Newton appeals to value-seeking families

If you're prioritizing affordable rent and community living, Newton County delivers with sub-$630 rents and a rent-to-income ratio among Arkansas's best. The county's low housing costs leave more room in household budgets for other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Newton County

via IncomeByCounty

Newton trails national income standard

Newton County's median household income of $47,395 falls $27,360 short of the national median of $74,755—a 36% gap that ranks it in the lower tier of U.S. counties. Like much of rural Arkansas, Newton faces persistent income disadvantages relative to national norms.

Below state average, similar to peers

At $47,395, Newton ranks near the bottom third of Arkansas counties, about $3,760 below the state median of $51,156. Its per capita income of $27,063 is also slightly lower than the state average of $28,096.

Mid-range among surrounding areas

Newton's $47,395 sits above Nevada ($41,761) and Phillips County ($38,874), but trails Perry County ($60,078) and Pike County ($51,000). The county is competitive with nearby Ouachita ($49,838) and Poinsett County ($47,188).

Housing costs are reasonable

Newton's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio is one of the healthiest in the region, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $178,800 is notably higher than peer counties, reflecting strong local assets or tourism appeal.

Invest in skills and savings

Newton residents should focus on career development and skill-building to increase earnings potential above the county's $47,395 median. Automated savings plans and tax-advantaged accounts help grow wealth despite modest household incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Newton County

via HealthByCounty

Newton County beats national life expectancy

Newton County residents live an average of 73.6 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 2.5 years—a meaningful advantage among Arkansas counties. Still, 24.3% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 18%, indicating underlying chronic disease despite relatively longer lifespans.

Top performer among Arkansas counties

Newton County's 73.6-year life expectancy is among the highest in Arkansas and leads the state average of 72.3 years by 1.3 years. The county's 24.3% poor/fair health rate remains above state norms, but overall health outcomes rank Newton County in Arkansas's upper tier.

One of region's healthiest counties

Newton County's 73.6-year life expectancy is the second-highest among its peers, trailing only Perry County (74.1 years) and exceeding Montgomery County (71.9 years). Its 9.1% uninsured rate matches the state average, supporting relatively equitable access to available care.

Mental health access strong, gaps in detail

Newton County benefits from 42 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, well above regional averages and supporting behavioral health access. Primary care provider data is limited, making it harder to assess the full picture of medical care capacity, though the county's strong life expectancy suggests adequate basic care.

Protect your health with insurance

Newton County's strong health outcomes reflect good care access—maintain and strengthen this by ensuring you have active coverage. If your insurance has lapsed or you're exploring options, visit healthcare.gov or contact Arkansas's health marketplace to maintain continuity of care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Newton County

via RiskByCounty

Newton County's exceptionally low national risk

Newton County posts the lowest composite risk score in this analysis at 18.45, placing it in the Very Low category and significantly below the national average. This exceptional position reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Arkansas's most resilient county

Newton County's 18.45 score represents the lowest risk in Arkansas, a striking 67% below the state average of 55.51. This ranking makes Newton County one of the most protected counties in the state from natural disaster exposure.

Significantly safer than regional peers

Newton County's 18.45 score places it well below Montgomery County (30.69), Perry County (28.05), and Pike County (26.56). The county's geographic position in the Ozark region contributes to its notably lower risk profile compared to surrounding counties.

Tornado and wildfire pose modest risks

Tornado risk at 51.11 and wildfire risk at 50.99 represent Newton County's highest hazard exposures, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Earthquake (38.23), flood (21.31), and hurricane (17.69) risks all fall well below national averages.

Standard coverage largely sufficient here

Newton County's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. However, rural properties should still verify tornado and wildfire coverage, and any flood-prone properties should add dedicated flood insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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