countyscore
65.3
County Score
Property Tax 94.3Cost of Living 90.7Disaster Risk 81.6

County Report Card

About Newton County, Arkansas

Top-tier livability for rural America

Newton County's composite score of 65.3 sits 31% above the national median of 50.0, marking it as one of the stronger-performing rural counties across the country. This places it well into the upper quartile of U.S. counties by livability.

Arkansas's most livable county here

Newton County leads Arkansas with a composite score of 65.3, significantly outpacing the state average of 47.9. Its 36% advantage over other Arkansas counties makes it the standout performer in this dataset.

Low taxes, safe communities, strong schools

Newton County excels across multiple dimensions: tax score of 93.5 (0.408% effective rate), safety score of 63.8, cost score of 90.8 with median rent of just $629/month, and a notably strong school score of 60.6. Risk mitigation also scores well at 81.6, indicating natural disaster preparedness.

Income and health remain modest

The county's income score of 10.0 and median household income of $47,395 reflect limited wage-earning opportunities typical of rural Ozark communities. Health score of 33.8 suggests room for improvement in healthcare access and population wellness.

Perfect for families seeking educational quality

Newton County is ideal for families with school-age children, retirees seeking safety and low taxes, and those building remote careers. Its strong schools, affordability, and disaster resilience make it the best choice in this sample for families willing to accept lower incomes in exchange for community stability.

2040608010094.390.763.833.860.61081.64.774.9Tax94.3Cost90.7Safety63.8Health33.8Schools60.6Income10Risk81.6Water4.7Weather74.965.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Newton County DNA

D+overall

How Newton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Newton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (4.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.3+42.3
Cost
90.7+42.7
Safety
63.8+8.799999999999997
Health
33.8-16.200000000000003
Schools
60.6
Income
10-41
Risk
81.6+34.599999999999994
Water
4.7-53.3
Weather
74.9+18.900000000000006
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Compare mortgage rates in Newton County

Whether buying or refinancing in Newton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$617/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,986/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Counties with similar scores

Montgomery County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,906
65.3
Bear Lake County
Idaho
Median income: $75,260
65.3
Johnson County
Illinois
Median income: $62,528
65.3
Ripley County
Indiana
Median income: $70,573
65.3
Edmonson County
Kentucky
Median income: $54,937
65.3
Pope County
Minnesota
Median income: $76,220
65.3
Wheatland County
Montana
Median income: $49,489
65.3
Grayson County
Virginia
Median income: $47,730
65.3

Nearby counties

Madison County
Arkansas
57.9
Johnson County
Arkansas
53.1
Boone County
Arkansas
53.7
Searcy County
Arkansas
64.6
Carroll County
Arkansas
45
Pope County
Arkansas
45.6
Marion County
Arkansas
50
Franklin County
Arkansas
52.3

Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Newton County

via CrimeByCounty

Newton County Safety Ratings Beat National Averages

Newton County reports a total crime rate of 842.2 per 100K, which is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a high safety score of 98.7, though data comes from a single reporting agency.

Newton Ranks High Among Arkansas Counties

With a safety score of 98.7, Newton County significantly outperforms the Arkansas average of 96.3. It stands as a rural stronghold for public safety within the state's northern region.

Comparing North Arkansas Safety Profiles

Newton's crime rate of 842.2 per 100K is notably higher than Montgomery County's 163.7, yet it remains one of the safer zones in the state. Local figures suggest a generally quiet environment for residents.

Understanding the Local Crime Distribution

The violent crime rate is 303.7 per 100K, while property crimes are reported at 538.5. Both numbers are substantially below national averages, reflecting a lower overall risk of victimization.

Securing Homes in Single-Agency Regions

Because data relies on one agency, residents should stay active in community watch programs to ensure full coverage. Simple home security improvements can further mitigate the risk of property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Newton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Enclave in the Ozarks

Newton County’s average annual temperature of 55.2°F sits just above the national median of approximately 54°F. This humid subtropical climate is notably milder than the hot, humid conditions found throughout much of the Deep South.

One of Arkansas’s Coolest Counties

While the Arkansas state average annual temperature is 61.0°F, Newton County remains significantly cooler at just 55.2°F. Its high elevation makes it a frequent outlier compared to the much warmer lowland regions of the state.

Cooler and Wetter than Neighboring Pope

Newton County receives 56.3 inches of annual precipitation, surpassing the state average of 52.4 inches. While neighboring Pope County endures 73 extreme heat days, Newton only experiences about 9 days per year hitting 90°F.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

The county records a substantial 9.7 inches of snowfall annually, far exceeding the state norm. July averages remain a comfortable 75.0°F, while January temperatures dip to a chilly average of 33.8°F.

Prepare for Winter Weather

Residents should invest in snow removal equipment and heavy-duty insulation to handle the 36.0°F winter average. HVAC systems here work hardest in the winter, as the mild summer requires less intensive cooling than elsewhere in Arkansas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Newton County

via SoilByCounty

Highly organic but very acidic

Newton County features a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.23, nearly a full point and a half below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is not specified, the county maintains a soil score of 37.2, which is almost even with the state average. This balance suggests that high nutrient potential offsets the challenging acidity.

A balanced sand and silt mix

The soil consists of 41.6% sand and 32.7% silt, though no dominant texture class is officially assigned. With only 13.4% clay, the soil is less prone to the heavy compaction seen in other parts of Arkansas. This composition provides a breathable environment for plant roots but may require more frequent watering.

Exceptional organic matter levels

Newton County boasts a remarkable 10.20% organic matter content, more than double the state average of 4.15%. This rich carbon store acts as a powerhouse for nutrient exchange, even though the available water capacity is low at 0.104 in/in. This unique combination makes the soil highly fertile but prone to drying out quickly.

Slow infiltration in the Ozarks

Belonging to Hydrologic Group D, these soils have a very slow rate of water infiltration. In the rugged terrain of Newton County, this often leads to rapid runoff during the heavy rains common in the Ozarks. Gardeners on slopes should use terraces or contour planting to keep their high-quality organic matter from washing away.

Cooler growing in Zone 7b

Newton County is slightly cooler than its neighbors, falling into Hardiness Zone 7b. The high organic matter is perfect for heavy feeders like leafy greens, garlic, and berries. If you are ready to garden, the rich soil provides a fantastic foundation for both native ornamentals and vegetable patches.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Newton County

via LawnByCounty

Newton County: An Oasis of Easier Lawn Care

Newton County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 56.4, making it significantly easier to maintain than both the state and national averages. Its location in Zone 7b offers a more temperate environment for a variety of grass types.

Cooler Summers and Moderate Growth

Unlike most of Arkansas, Newton County only sees 9 extreme heat days per year, far below the state average of 64. This cooler climate results in 3,722 growing degree days, allowing for a more manageable mowing schedule compared to southern neighbors.

Addressing High Soil Acidity

Despite the favorable climate, the soil pH of 5.23 is quite low and requires active management. With 41.6% sand, the soil provides decent drainage, but you must monitor nutrient levels closely as they can leach away in the 56.3 inches of annual rain.

Managing 20 Weeks of Drought

The area experienced 20 weeks of drought in the past year, with 72.2% currently in Severe Drought. Even in this cooler climate, installing a rain barrel can help you maintain your lawn during these extended dry periods.

Versatile Options for Zone 7b

The cooler summer allows for transitional grasses like Tall Fescue alongside warm-season varieties. Plan your seeding around the April 7 spring frost date to ensure your lawn takes root before the fall frost arrives in early November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newton County's county score?
Newton County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Newton County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Newton County ranks #2 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 Newton County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Newton County is $649, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Newton County a tax score of 94.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Newton County?
The median household income in Newton County, Arkansas is $48,986 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Newton County earns an income score of 10/100 on CountyScore.
Is Newton County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Newton County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Newton 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 Newton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.