countyscore
45.5
County Score
Property Tax 83Cost of Living 79.8Weather & Climate 49.1

County Report Card

About Ouachita County, Arkansas

Slightly below national average livability

Ouachita County's composite score of 47.0 falls modestly below the national median of 50.0, placing it just under the midpoint of U.S. county livability. The gap is small but signals areas where improvement would boost overall community vitality.

Near middle of the pack statewide

With a score of 47.0 compared to Arkansas's state average of 47.9, Ouachita County ranks as a typical Arkansas county. It offers neither major competitive advantages nor significant disadvantages relative to its peers in the state.

Affordability and reasonable taxes

Ouachita County provides solid housing affordability with a cost score of 84.3, median home values of $99,600, and monthly rents of $714. The tax score of 85.6 (0.502% effective rate) offers reasonable relief, and water score of 31.2 is the highest among these counties.

Safety and risk present real concerns

The county faces a severe safety score of just 7.4, reflecting higher crime rates that significantly detract from livability. Risk score of 48.8 and health score of 28.4 also indicate vulnerability to natural hazards and limited healthcare resources.

Best for those prioritizing low cost of living

Ouachita County suits budget-conscious individuals and retirees seeking minimal expenses in a rural setting. However, prospective residents should carefully weigh the county's safety challenges and natural disaster risk before relocating families.

204060801008379.87.428.443.110.548.831.249.1Tax83Cost79.8Safety7.4Health28.4Schools43.1Income10.5Risk48.8Water31.2Weather49.145.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Ouachita County DNA

Foverall

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

Ouachita County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (79.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (7.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83+31
Cost
79.8+31.799999999999997
Safety
7.4-47.6
Health
28.4-21.6
Schools
43.1-10.899999999999999
Income
10.5-40.5
Risk
48.8
Water
31.2-26.8
Weather
49.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Ouachita County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$102,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$764/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$102,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,268/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.3

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
Compare Ouachita County with Dale County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $54,963
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Grant County
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Dubuque County
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McCracken County
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Oxford County
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Lincoln County
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Lincoln County
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Nearby counties

Calhoun County
Arkansas
57.6
Union County
Arkansas
39.6
Dallas County
Arkansas
56
Nevada County
Arkansas
52.8
Columbia County
Arkansas
49.7
Bradley County
Arkansas
53.1
Cleveland County
Arkansas
55.4
Clark County
Arkansas
42.7

Deep Dives

Ouachita County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ouachita County

via TaxByCounty

Ouachita County taxes well below U.S. median

Ouachita County's effective tax rate of 0.502% and median property tax of $500 represent only about one-fifth the national median property tax of $2,690. Residents here enjoy one of the lowest property tax burdens in the nation, even compared to other low-tax states.

Below-average rate statewide

Ouachita County's 0.502% effective rate runs 0.030 percentage points below Arkansas's 0.532% state average. The median property tax of $500 is $205 lower than the state's $705 median, reflecting both rate and value advantages.

Among the most tax-friendly in southern Arkansas

Ouachita County's 0.502% rate compares favorably to Nevada County (0.539%), Perry County (0.520%), Pike County (0.559%), and Phillips County (0.656%). Only Montgomery County (0.384%) and Newton County (0.408%) offer lower rates in the eight-county region.

Median homeowner pays $500 yearly

A typical Ouachita County home valued at $99,600 translates to roughly $500 in annual property tax under the 0.502% rate. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $568; without, it drops to $417—among the lowest in the state.

Appeal if your assessment exceeds market value

Ouachita County homeowners should review their assessed values against recent comparable sales to catch potential overassessments. A successful appeal could reduce your annual bill by tens or even hundreds of dollars over the life of homeownership.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ouachita County

via IncomeByCounty

Ouachita's income significantly below national

Ouachita County's median household income of $49,838 trails the national median of $74,755 by $24,917, or 33%. This income gap reflects broader economic patterns in rural Arkansas where wage growth lags national averages.

Slightly below Arkansas median

Ouachita ranks near the middle of Arkansas counties with a median household income of $49,838, roughly $1,300 below the state median of $51,156. Per capita income of $26,339 is lower than the state average of $28,096, suggesting wealth concentration issues.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Ouachita's $49,838 ranks above Nevada ($41,761), Phillips ($38,874), and Poinsett County ($47,188), but below Pike ($51,000) and Perry County ($60,078). The county is tightly clustered with Montgomery County ($49,015) in regional income standings.

Affordable housing landscape

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.2%, Ouachita offers reasonable housing affordability for renters and buyers. The median home value of $99,600 is among the lowest in the region, creating entry points for first-time homeowners.

Build assets in Ouachita

Ouachita households earning $49,838 should prioritize down payments on affordable homes and employer retirement benefits to build long-term wealth. The low median home price creates an opportunity to build home equity without overleveraging.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ouachita County

via CrimeByCounty

Ouachita County Faces Higher Crime Pressures

The county's total crime rate of 3,056.7 per 100K exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.2, indicating more frequent incidents than the national norm.

Below the Arkansas Safety Average

Ouachita's safety score of 95.2 falls below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. This ranking suggests that the county experiences higher crime activity than many other parts of the state.

Ouachita Crime Rates vs. Regional Neighbors

At 3,056.7 crimes per 100K, Ouachita is significantly less safe than neighboring Nevada County, which reports just 1,193.9. Local authorities are working across four agencies to address these higher figures.

Breakdown of Violent and Property Crimes

Property crime is the primary driver at 2,410.9 per 100K, surpassing the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime also sits above the national mark, recorded at 645.8 per 100K.

Enhanced Home Security is Recommended

Given the elevated property crime rates, residents should invest in robust security systems and motion-activated lighting. Keeping doors locked and being aware of surroundings is essential for local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ouachita County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Climate Profile

With an annual average temperature of 62.4°F, Ouachita County is significantly warmer than the national median of 54°F. The region experiences a classic humid subtropical climate characterized by long, hot summers.

Above the Arkansas Average

Ouachita County’s 62.4°F average temperature exceeds the state average of 61.0°F. This makes it part of the warmer southern tier of counties where heat is a defining weather feature.

Consistent Heat Across the Region

Ouachita matches the high-heat profile of neighbors like Phillips County, averaging 82 days of extreme heat per year. It is slightly drier than the state average, receiving 53.1 inches of rain compared to the 52.4-inch baseline.

Persistent Heat and Mild Winters

Summer dominates the calendar with a July average of 81.5°F and over 80 days above 90°F. Winters are brief and mild, seeing only 1.5 inches of snow and a January average of 42.3°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

High-efficiency air conditioning is essential given the 80.1°F summer average. Outdoor activities should be planned for the mornings to avoid the 82 days of extreme heat that occur annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ouachita County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols on the coastal plain

Ouachita County is dominated by Entisols, which are young soils with little profile development and an average pH of 5.16. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, contributing to a soil score of 17.9. These acidic, undeveloped soils present unique challenges for traditional row-crop agriculture.

Loamy sand means rapid drainage

The soil is classified as loamy sand, containing a high 56.4% sand and only 11.7% clay. This texture is very easy to work with tools but offers poor nutrient retention because water moves through it so quickly. Silt accounts for 31.9% of the mix, providing just enough structure to keep the soil from being pure sand.

Low organic matter and water capacity

Organic matter is quite low at 1.58%, falling well behind the Arkansas state average of 4.15%. The available water capacity of 0.133 in/in is also below the state benchmark, meaning plants may stress quickly during dry spells. Successful growing requires frequent, light irrigation and regular additions of compost to build soil life.

Excessive drainage in Group A

This county belongs to Hydrologic Group A, characterized by high infiltration rates and low runoff potential. The soil is considered somewhat excessively drained, which is excellent for building foundations but difficult for moisture-loving plants. It is the opposite of the 'heavy' soils found elsewhere in the state, offering superior aeration for roots.

Zone 8a favors deep-rooted perennials

Hardiness Zone 8a allows for a long growing season that supports heat-loving crops like watermelons and sweet potatoes. Perennials with deep root systems, such as pine trees and certain fruit trees, are particularly well-suited for these sandy Entisols. With some supplemental nutrients, you can cultivate a thriving Southern landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ouachita County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Heat and Challenging Turf Conditions

Ouachita County presents a tough environment with a lawn difficulty score of 31.6, well below the state average of 37.3. This Zone 8a county is one of the more demanding regions in Arkansas for maintaining a green lawn.

Extreme Heat Dominates the Calendar

The county faces a staggering 82 extreme heat days per year, nearly 20 days more than the state average. This heat, combined with 5,402 growing degree days, puts immense stress on turf and requires aggressive irrigation during the peak of summer.

Sandy Soils and Excessive Drainage

The loamy sand texture and 56.4% sand content mean water moves through the soil very quickly. With a low pH of 5.16, you will need to add organic matter and lime to help the soil hold onto both water and essential nutrients.

Severe Drought in a Sandy Landscape

Currently, 84.2% of the county is in Severe Drought, and the sandy soil makes this even harder on plants. To survive 17 weeks of drought, use drought-tolerant species and avoid mowing too short during the hottest months.

Tough Grasses for a Tough Climate

Bermudagrass is the top recommendation here for its heat and drought tolerance. Start your lawn after the early frost date of March 21 to take full advantage of the long growing season that lasts until November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ouachita County's county score?
Ouachita County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 45.5 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 Ouachita County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Ouachita County ranks #45 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 Ouachita County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Ouachita County is $525, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Ouachita County a tax score of 83/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ouachita County?
The median household income in Ouachita County, Arkansas is $49,268 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ouachita County earns an income score of 10.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ouachita County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Ouachita County scores 45.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Ouachita 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 Ouachita 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.