countyscore
62.4
County Score
Cost of Living 90.7Property Tax 79.4Disaster Risk 73.5

County Report Card

About Pike County, Arkansas

Solid performance above national baseline

Pike County's composite score of 62.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 25%, positioning it well into the upper half of U.S. county livability rankings. This advantage reflects balanced strengths across affordability, safety, and schools.

Among Arkansas's best performers

With a score of 62.4 versus Arkansas's state average of 47.9, Pike County ranks notably above its peers across Arkansas. Its 30% advantage makes it one of the state's top-tier counties for overall livability.

Affordable housing and strong safety record

Pike County excels with a cost score of 90.7 offering median rent of just $671/month and median home values of $115,400, plus a solid safety score of 69.1 reflecting relatively low crime. School score of 57.5 and risk score of 73.5 further demonstrate community stability and resilience.

Income growth and health care access lag

The county's income score of 16.8 and median household income of $51,000 indicate limited wage-earning opportunities typical of rural areas. Health score of 26.1 suggests inadequate healthcare resources relative to community needs.

Perfect for families seeking safe, affordable communities

Pike County suits families prioritizing school quality, affordable housing, and safe neighborhoods over career advancement and urban amenities. Remote workers, small-business owners, and retirees will find it particularly attractive given its combination of affordability and community stability.

Score breakdown

Tax79.4Cost90.7Safety69.1Health26.1Schools57.5Income16.8Risk73.5Water7.3Weather65
🏛79.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧7.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Howard County
Arkansas
53.6
Clark County
Arkansas
43.8
Hempstead County
Arkansas
43.1
Montgomery County
Arkansas
63.3
Sevier County
Arkansas
50.4
Nevada County
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52.1
Hot Spring County
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Polk County
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51.5

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike County taxes well below national median

Pike County's effective tax rate of 0.559% and median property tax of $645 represent roughly one-quarter the national median property tax of $2,690. Even with moderate home values ($115,400 median), Pike County homeowners enjoy a tax burden far below the typical U.S. resident.

Slightly above Arkansas's statewide average

Pike County's 0.559% effective rate runs 0.027 percentage points above Arkansas's 0.532% state average. The median property tax of $645 falls $60 below the state's $705 median, putting Pike County near the statewide midpoint.

Mid-to-higher range in south-central region

Pike County's 0.559% rate exceeds Newton County (0.408%), Montgomery County (0.384%), and Ouachita County (0.502%), but trails Phillips County's 0.656% rate. Among the eight-county cohort, Pike falls in the upper-middle tier for tax burden.

Median homeowner pays $645 yearly

A Pike County home valued at $115,400 generates roughly $645 in annual property tax at the 0.559% effective rate. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $781; without one, it drops to $534—a modest but notable expense for county residents.

Appeal assessments that seem excessive

Pike County homeowners should compare their assessed values to recent comparable sales in their area to identify potential overvaluation. Submitting a property tax appeal could save you hundreds over time if your assessment exceeds market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike balances income and rent well

Pike County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% beats both the national average and Arkansas's 18.1% state average. At $671 monthly rent on a $51,000 median income, Pike delivers solid affordability for a lower-income region.

Pike ranks among Arkansas's affordable

Pike's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 18.1%, positioning the county among Arkansas's better affordability options. The county's $671 monthly rent—among the lowest regionally—supports this advantage.

Pike offers competitive regional rents

Pike's $671 rent undercuts most neighbors, trailing only Newton ($629) while beating Montgomery ($734), Nevada ($841), and Ouachita ($714). Combined with a solid $51,000 median income, Pike creates attractive affordability for regional renters.

Pike's housing remains manageable

Renters pay $671 monthly while homeowners spend $536, with both dedicating roughly 16% of their $51,000 income to housing. Pike's balanced burden allows households to manage other expenses without extreme financial strain.

Pike offers solid rental affordability

Pike County delivers low rents ($671) and below-average rent-to-income ratios alongside reasonable median income. If you're seeking an affordable, stable housing market in rural Arkansas, Pike merits serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike's income below but closer to national

Pike County's median household income of $51,000 trails the national median of $74,755 by $23,755, or 32%—a gap that's smaller than most rural Arkansas peers. Pike performs reasonably well in regional context while remaining below national averages.

Right at Arkansas median

Pike County's $51,000 median household income nearly matches the Arkansas state median of $51,156, positioning it as representative of typical state earnings. Per capita income of $29,522 outpaces the state average of $28,096, suggesting more equitable wealth distribution.

Second in regional income

Pike's $51,000 ranks second only to Perry County ($60,078) and exceeds Montgomery ($49,015), Ouachita ($49,838), Newton ($47,395), and all lower-earning peers. The county maintains solid competitive standing within its region.

Healthy housing affordability

Pike's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is one of the region's best, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $115,400 is accessible to households earning $51,000, supporting both rental and ownership pathways.

Pike residents ready to invest

Earning at the state median of $51,000, Pike households have solid capacity to build wealth through home equity, retirement contributions, and diversified investments. Targeting 10-15% of income toward savings and investing can meaningfully close the national income gap over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pike County

via CrimeByCounty

Pike County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Pike County reports a total crime rate of 725.1 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. A safety score of 98.9 makes it one of the more secure places to live in the United States.

Superior Safety Performance in Arkansas

Pike County's safety score of 98.9 far exceeds the Arkansas state average of 96.3. This ranking cements its reputation as a safe haven within the state.

Local Comparisons Favor Pike County Safety

Pike's crime rate of 725.1 is much lower than Nevada County’s 1,193.9, though it is higher than Montgomery County’s 163.7. It remains a regional leader in keeping crime rates suppressed.

Low Incidence of Both Crime Types

Violent crime is very low at 117.6 per 100K, while property crime is 607.5. These numbers indicate that both people and property are statistically much safer here than the national average.

Maintaining Peace in a Quiet County

Low crime rates are best maintained through continued community vigilance and reporting suspicious activity. Keeping properties tidy and well-lit can help discourage opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pike County

via HealthByCounty

Pike County's health trails national average

Pike County residents live an average of 71.6 years, nearly 4.5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (23.2%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 18% and indicating significant chronic disease burden.

Below Arkansas state health average

Pike County's 71.6-year life expectancy falls short of Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. Its 23.2% poor/fair health rate matches the state burden of chronic disease, reflecting typical struggles across rural Arkansas.

Mid-range health among peers

Pike County's 71.6-year life expectancy ranks near the middle of this regional sample—better than Ouachita County (70.8 years) but worse than Newton County (73.6 years). Its 10.7% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, suggesting modest access barriers that may contribute to delayed care-seeking.

Moderate provider access, uninsured gap

Pike County has 40 primary care providers and 49 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—moderate but below some regional peers. The county's 10.7% uninsured rate is the second-highest in this sample, meaning roughly 1 in 10 residents delay or avoid care due to cost, potentially worsening health outcomes.

Close Pike County's coverage gap

Pike County's uninsured rate of 10.7% is the highest concern; health outcomes improve when residents have active coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to compare plans and subsidies, or call 211 to find free or low-cost clinics and discuss coverage options with a navigator today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pike County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Big Results in Pike County

Pike County operates seven public schools through three districts, serving a total student body of 2,077. The county’s infrastructure is focused on three elementary schools and four high schools. This distribution ensures that older students have specialized facilities as they prepare for life after graduation.

High Graduation Rates and Robust Funding

Pike County excels with a 94.9% graduation rate, nearly eight points higher than the national average. This success is fueled by a per-pupil expenditure of $6,689, which significantly exceeds the Arkansas state average. These investments are reflected in a school score of 55.4, placing the county well above state norms.

Centerpoint Leads a Thriving Educational Scene

Centerpoint School District is the largest in the county, educating 974 students across three schools. The county features one charter school, Centerpoint High, which represents about 14% of the total local school inventory. South Pike County and Kirby districts provide additional strong options, serving 655 and 448 students respectively.

A Dedicated Rural Learning Environment

All seven schools in Pike County are classified as rural, offering students a peaceful and focused setting for their studies. The average school size is 297 students, though Centerpoint High is notably larger with 514 students. Kirby Elementary provides a smaller alternative with 250 students, ensuring a range of environment sizes within the county.

Secure a Home in a Top-Tier School System

Pike County is an ideal destination for families who prioritize high academic standards and rural living. With graduation rates among the best in the state, your home investment here is backed by a proven school system. Explore real estate near Murfreesboro or Kirby to find a community where your children can excel.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County's strong low-risk position

Pike County scores 26.56, placing it in the Very Low risk category and significantly below national averages. This favorable position reflects relatively modest exposure to major natural hazards across all threat types.

Among Arkansas's safest counties

Pike County's 26.56 score ranks it among the state's lowest-risk counties, falling 52% below Arkansas's average of 55.51. This strong safety profile positions Pike as one of the most protected counties in the state.

Lower risk than most regional peers

Pike County's 26.56 score places it among the safest in its region, comparable to Perry County (28.05) and below Montgomery County (30.69). Only Newton County's 18.45 rating surpasses Pike's low-risk position in this rural area.

Wildfire and earthquake pose modest risks

Wildfire risk at 49.90 and earthquake risk at 52.51 represent Pike County's highest hazard exposures, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornado (43.07), hurricane (49.65), and flood (39.95) risks all fall below state averages.

Standard coverage provides solid protection

Pike County's very low composite risk score means standard homeowners insurance typically offers adequate protection for most residents. Rural and forest-adjacent properties should verify wildfire coverage, and any flood-prone areas should maintain dedicated flood insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pike County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild and Very Wet Climate

Pike County’s annual average of 60.1°F is higher than the national median of 54°F. Its climate is characterized by significant rainfall and moderate temperature swings compared to the national average.

Just Below the State Average

At 60.1°F, Pike County is slightly cooler than the 61.0°F Arkansas average. However, it is one of the wettest spots in the state, recording 58.4 inches of rain annually.

Wetter than Most Neighbors

Pike County receives six more inches of rain per year than the state average of 52.4 inches. It sees 54 extreme heat days, which is fewer than the 82 days seen in Ouachita County.

Warm Summers and Soft Winters

The July average reaches 79.1°F, complemented by 54 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Winters are mild with only 1.4 inches of snow and a January average of 40.0°F.

Focus on Moisture Management

With 58.4 inches of annual precipitation, residents must prioritize gutter maintenance and proper drainage. The 77.7°F summer average requires consistent cooling but is less extreme than in the Delta.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pike County

via SoilByCounty

Stony Alfisols of the uplands

Pike County features Alfisols, a taxonomic order known for being naturally fertile and found primarily in humid regions. The average pH is 5.50, which is acidic compared to the national median of 6.5 but typical for the state. With a soil score of 29.4, these soils provide a solid foundation for both forestry and local agriculture.

Stony loam offers unique texture

The dominant texture is stony loam, characterized by 48.3% sand and 36.5% silt. The presence of stones and 15.0% clay creates a soil that is well-aerated but can be physically challenging to till. This mix is ideal for deep-rooted plants that can navigate around the rocky fragments to find nutrients.

Moderate moisture and organic matter

At 1.71%, organic matter in Pike County is slightly below the national average and trails the Arkansas state average of 4.15%. The available water capacity is 0.139 in/in, which is just below the state benchmark of 0.148. Gardeners should focus on adding organic amendments to improve the soil's ability to support thirsty plants.

Reliable drainage in Group C

Pike County's soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group C. This group has a slow infiltration rate when wet but generally prevents water from ponding on the surface. These conditions are excellent for preventing root rot and provide a stable base for various construction projects.

Thriving in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, Pike County is well-suited for heat-hardy vegetables and native Ozark flora. Fruit trees like peaches and plums often do well in these well-drained, stony loams. If you're looking to start a garden, focusing on hardy perennials will yield the best results with the local soil structure.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pike County

via LawnByCounty

Slightly Easier Care in Pike County

Pike County offers a lawn difficulty score of 41.5, which is notably better than the state average of 37.3. While it is still below the national median of 50.0, it is one of the more manageable areas in Southwest Arkansas for gardeners.

High Rainfall and Significant Heat

Pike County sees 58.4 inches of rain annually, making it one of the wettest counties in the state. Paired with 54 extreme heat days, this moisture creates a humid environment that can lead to rapid, lush growth but also potential disease.

Managing Stony Loam and Acidity

The stony loam texture provides good drainage, but a pH of 5.50 means the soil is too acidic for most popular grasses. You should plan on adding lime and potentially clearing smaller stones before seeding to ensure even coverage.

Resisting Universal Severe Drought

Currently, 100% of Pike County is in Severe Drought (D2+), and the area has seen 14 weeks of drought recently. It is essential to choose drought-resistant grass varieties to avoid total lawn loss during these increasingly common dry spells.

Early April Planting Window

With the last frost typically occurring on April 5, you can start your lawn as the ground warms in mid-April. Bermudagrass and Zoysia are robust choices that will take advantage of the 4,756 growing degree days available.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pike County's county score?
Pike County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Pike County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Pike County ranks #5 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 Pike County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Pike County is $645, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Pike County a tax score of 79.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pike County?
The median household income in Pike County, Arkansas is $51,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pike County earns an income score of 16.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pike County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Pike County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Pike 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 Pike County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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