countyscore
43.7
County Score
Cost of Living 88.3Property Tax 84.6Weather & Climate 66.7

County Report Card

About Poinsett County, Arkansas

Below-average livability, but not by much

Poinsett County's composite score of 43.7 falls 13% below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. county livability. The gap is moderate, suggesting specific problem areas rather than pervasive decline.

Slightly below Arkansas state average

At 43.7, Poinsett County scores 9% below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, making it a below-average performer relative to other Arkansas counties. It ranks among the state's more challenged communities.

Affordability and water quality stand out

Poinsett County offers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 88.3, median rent of just $647/month, and median home value of $101,200. Water score of 64.1 indicates good water quality, and tax score of 84.6 provides reasonable tax relief.

Safety, health, schools, and risk pose serious concerns

The county faces a critical safety score of 6.0 reflecting high crime, health score of 19.2 indicating limited healthcare access, school score of 25.1 suggesting educational system challenges, and risk score of just 27.5 showing vulnerability to natural hazards. These compounding issues significantly undermine overall livability.

Only suitable for cost-conscious individuals with ties

Poinsett County appeals primarily to retirees with minimal incomes and deep family or community roots willing to accept higher crime and weaker schools. Families with school-age children and those seeking community stability should consider more robust alternatives.

2040608010084.688.3619.225.19.727.564.166.7Tax84.6Cost88.3Safety6Health19.2Schools25.1Income9.7Risk27.5Water64.1Weather66.743.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Poinsett County DNA

Foverall

How Poinsett County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Poinsett County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.6+32.599999999999994
Cost
88.3+40.3
Safety
6-49
Health
19.2-30.8
Schools
25.1-28.9
Income
9.7-41.3
Risk
27.5-19.5
Water
64.1
Weather
66.7+10.700000000000003
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Many homeowners in Poinsett County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$101,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$647/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$101,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,188/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.0

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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Counties with similar scores

Crawford County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,362
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Median income: $86,172
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Talbot County
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Boone County
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Clarke County
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Oakland County
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Anoka County
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Olmsted County
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Median income: $93,494
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Nearby counties

Cross County
Arkansas
41.4
Craighead County
Arkansas
38.8
Jackson County
Arkansas
42.3
Crittenden County
Arkansas
32.3
St. Francis County
Arkansas
36.9
Greene County
Arkansas
41.3
Lawrence County
Arkansas
51.8
Mississippi County
Arkansas
38.3

Deep Dives

Poinsett County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Poinsett County

via TaxByCounty

Poinsett County taxes rank among nation's lowest

Poinsett County's effective tax rate of 0.513% and median property tax of $519 sit well below the national median of $2,690. Residents here pay roughly one-fifth what the typical American household pays in property tax, placing Poinsett among the nation's most tax-friendly counties.

Slightly below Arkansas's statewide average

Poinsett County's 0.513% effective rate edges 0.019 percentage points below Arkansas's 0.532% state average. The median property tax of $519 is $186 lower than the state's $705 median, delivering real savings relative to typical Arkansas homeowners.

Competitive rate among eastern Arkansas counties

Poinsett County's 0.513% rate falls between Nevada County (0.539%) to the south and Ouachita County (0.502%) to the west. It significantly undercuts Phillips County's 0.656% rate while remaining above the lowest-tax counties like Montgomery (0.384%) and Newton (0.408%).

Median homeowner pays $519 yearly

Poinsett County's median home valued at $101,200 generates approximately $519 in annual property tax under the 0.513% rate. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $645; without, it drops to $450—an affordable range for the county.

Verify your assessment for potential savings

Poinsett County homeowners should review their assessed values against recent neighborhood sales to catch overassessments. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax bill if your property is valued higher than comparable homes in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Poinsett County

via CostByCounty

Poinsett's affordability beats expectations

Poinsett County residents spend 16.4% of their income on rent—below both the national average and Arkansas's 18.1% state average. On a $47,188 median income, Poinsett's $647 monthly rent creates genuine affordability relief compared to national standards.

Poinsett ranks solidly in Arkansas

Poinsett's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% outperforms the state average of 18.1%, placing the county among Arkansas's more affordable communities. At $647 monthly rent, Poinsett offers one of the state's lowest rents while maintaining reasonable incomes.

Poinsett delivers strong rental value

Poinsett's $647 rent ranks second-lowest regionally after Newton ($629), while its $47,188 income exceeds Nevada ($41,761) and Phillips ($38,874). This combination of low rents and competitive incomes makes Poinsett a regional affordability standout.

Poinsett's housing burden is light

Renters pay $647 monthly while homeowners spend $595, with both dedicating roughly 16% of their $47,188 income to housing. Poinsett's balanced costs create room for other household priorities without excessive financial stress.

Poinsett combines low rent and value

Poinsett County offers the region's second-lowest rents alongside below-state-average rent-to-income ratios and solid income levels. If you're relocating for affordability without sacrificing economic opportunity, Poinsett delivers genuine value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Poinsett County

via IncomeByCounty

Poinsett income lags nation substantially

Poinsett County's median household income of $47,188 trails the national median of $74,755 by $27,567, or 37%. This income gap is typical of rural Arkansas counties competing in a national economy increasingly shaped by technology and service sectors.

Below Arkansas average

At $47,188, Poinsett ranks below the Arkansas state median of $51,156 by approximately $3,970. Per capita income of $25,587 also falls below the state average of $28,096, indicating limited individual earning capacity.

Lower-middle standing regionally

Poinsett's $47,188 ranks above Nevada ($41,761) and Phillips County ($38,874) but below most peers including Ouachita ($49,838), Montgomery ($49,015), Newton ($47,395), and Pike County ($51,000). The county occupies the lower-middle of its regional income distribution.

Reasonable housing costs

Poinsett's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio is healthy and affordable, allowing households to allocate most earnings to other needs. The median home value of $101,200 is accessible to local incomes, supporting homeownership and wealth building.

Start small, build steady

Poinsett residents earning $47,188 should establish automated savings through employer plans and modest investment accounts to compound wealth over time. Even $100 monthly directed to a diversified fund can create meaningful financial security over 20-30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Poinsett County

via CrimeByCounty

Poinsett County Exceeds National Crime Averages

The county's total crime rate is 3,252.6 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, its safety score is 94.9, the lowest among this group.

Safety Ranking Falls Below State Levels

Poinsett County’s safety score of 94.9 is below the Arkansas average of 96.3. This indicates that residents face a higher statistical risk of crime than in many other Arkansas counties.

Crime Pressure in Northeast Arkansas

Poinsett's crime rate of 3,252.6 is higher than Phillips County's 2,858.4. Eight different reporting agencies are utilized to manage and track these high local crime volumes.

High Rates of Property and Violent Crime

Property crime is very high at 2,535.1 per 100K, and violent crime stands at 717.5. Both categories are well above national averages, signifying a higher-than-average risk for residents.

Urgent Need for Home Security Measures

Residents are encouraged to use comprehensive home security systems and stay connected with local law enforcement. Active community involvement is key to reversing these elevated crime trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Poinsett County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-District Network for Poinsett County

Poinsett County manages a large network of 13 public schools across four districts, supporting 3,814 students. The county offers a comprehensive mix of six elementary schools, five high schools, one middle school, and one specialized campus. this broad infrastructure provides students with specialized learning environments at every stage of their education.

Dedicated Funding for Student Success

Poinsett County invests $6,459 per pupil, which is higher than the Arkansas state average of $6,160. Currently, the graduation rate stands at 85.2%, slightly below the national benchmark of 87%. With a composite school score of 49.8, the county's four districts are continuously working toward reaching state-level performance targets.

Trumann and Harrisburg Drive Enrollment

The Trumann School District is the county's largest, educating 1,573 students across four campuses. Harrisburg School District also plays a major role with 1,074 students in its three schools. There are no charter schools in Poinsett County, as the community relies on its four established traditional public districts to serve its youth.

A Blend of Small-Town and Rural Schools

The county features nine rural schools and four town-based schools, providing families with a variety of neighborhood feels. Schools maintain an average size of 293 students, though Cedar Park Elementary is the largest at 722 students. This variety allows for both larger campus experiences and more intimate, small-school settings.

Find Your Home in a Diverse Educational Hub

Poinsett County offers a wealth of choice for families, with 13 different schools located in both town and rural settings. The county's above-average per-pupil spending indicates a strong local commitment to improving educational outcomes. Start your home search near Trumann or Harrisburg to join a community that is investing heavily in its future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Poinsett County

via RiskByCounty

Poinsett County faces elevated national risks

Poinsett County scores 72.52, placing it in the Relatively Low category but notably above the national average for composite risk. This elevation reflects particularly acute exposure to earthquakes and tornadoes.

Arkansas's highest-risk county profiled

At 72.52, Poinsett County ranks well above Arkansas's average of 55.51, positioning it among the state's riskiest counties. The county's profile is dominated by extreme earthquake risk and severe tornado exposure.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Poinsett County's 72.52 score substantially exceeds nearby Phillips County (61.67) and far surpasses the low-risk counties to the south and west. This elevated risk position reflects the county's geographic vulnerability to multiple significant natural hazards.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate risks

Poinsett County faces extreme earthquake risk at 95.17 and severe tornado risk at 83.87, making these overwhelmingly the county's primary natural hazard concerns. Flood (37.28) and hurricane (44.26) risks remain secondary, while wildfire risk is minimal at 7.44.

Earthquake and tornado coverage mandatory

Poinsett County residents must obtain earthquake insurance immediately given the county's extreme 95.17 risk score, and tornado coverage is equally critical at 83.87. Every property should carry comprehensive coverage across these two dominant hazards, with additional flood insurance for vulnerable locations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Poinsett County

via WaterByCounty

Poinsett County Maintains Strong Water Grade

Poinsett County earns a 'B' grade for drinking water, with only one health violation recorded in the last five years. Its violation rate of 4.1 per 100,000 residents is far below the state average of 172.5. This indicates a high level of reliability and safety in the public water supply.

Turbidity Challenges in Local Waterways

Roughly 21.6% of the 236 assessed water bodies in Poinsett County are impaired, according to 2022 data. The leading causes are turbidity during both base and storm flows, along with low dissolved oxygen. These factors reflect the challenges of managing water quality in a high-intensity agricultural region.

Physical and Nutrient Levels Tracked Weekly

Eleven monitoring sites have captured 3,481 measurements in Poinsett County over the past five years. Analysts prioritize physical characteristics and nutrient levels to monitor the impact of land use on water quality. This data is critical for addressing the turbidity issues identified in the watershed.

Real-Time Discharge Data Currently Unavailable

The USGS gauge on the L'Anguille River near Whitehall is not currently reporting live discharge or flow percentage data. While the drainage area covers 183 square miles, the lack of real-time metrics makes it harder to assess current drought or flood risks. Reliance on drinking water safety and turbidity trends is necessary for current assessments.

Address Turbidity and Agricultural Runoff

Residents should be aware that while drinking water is safe, the local environment suffers from high turbidity. Managing soil erosion and runoff on private property can help improve the health of local rivers. Continue to support the water systems that have kept the county's compliance record strong.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Poinsett County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures in the Delta

Poinsett County’s average annual temperature of 59.6°F is about five degrees warmer than the national median. This region balances southern heat with slightly cooler winter lows than the state’s southern border.

Slightly Cooler than the State Average

The county's 59.6°F average is just below the 61.0°F state benchmark. It experiences 46 extreme heat days per year, placing it in the middle tier for Arkansas heat intensity.

Rainfall Patterns in Line with State

Poinsett receives 51.2 inches of rain, very close to the Arkansas average of 52.4 inches. It is notably cooler than Phillips County to the south, which averages 62.2°F annually.

A Balanced Subtropical Cycle

Summer temperatures average 78.1°F, while January cools down to 37.4°F. While specific annual snowfall data is currently limited, the 40.0°F winter average suggests occasional frozen precipitation.

Prepare for Variable Winter Conditions

The January average of 37.4°F requires reliable heating systems to manage frequent freezes. Summer cooling remains a priority for the 46 days that exceed 90°F annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Poinsett County

via SoilByCounty

Ultisols of the Crowley's Ridge region

Poinsett County sits on acidic Ultisols with an average pH of 5.82, which is closer to the national median of 6.5 than many other parts of the state. This helps the county achieve a high soil score of 50.1, reflecting its significant agricultural value. These soils are weathered but remain highly productive when managed correctly.

Silt loam provides excellent structure

The dominant texture is silt loam, featuring a high silt content of 58.4% and 24.5% clay. With only 17.2% sand, this soil is exceptionally good at holding nutrients and providing a smooth, workable surface for planting. It is the classic soil of the Arkansas Delta, prized for its ability to sustain massive crop yields.

Superior water holding capacity

The available water capacity in Poinsett County is 0.189 in/in, one of the highest in the state and well above the average of 0.148. While organic matter is 1.72%, the fine-textured silt and clay do an excellent job of retaining moisture. This makes the county exceptionally resilient during the peak heat of the summer.

Well-drained and stable in Group B

The county's soils are primarily well-drained and fall into Hydrologic Group B. This indicates moderate infiltration rates, allowing water to move through the profile without causing significant runoff or erosion. It is an ideal setup for a wide range of uses, from large-scale rice and soybean farming to residential landscaping.

Abundant harvests in Zone 8a

Poinsett County is a gardener's dream in Zone 8a, perfectly suited for everything from rice to heirloom tomatoes. The high water capacity means your garden will be more drought-tolerant than those in sandier neighboring counties. There has never been a better time to tap into this Delta fertility and start your own backyard farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Poinsett County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Care in Poinsett County

Poinsett County’s lawn difficulty score of 42.2 is well above the Arkansas average of 37.3. This Zone 8a region provides a relatively stable foundation for homeowners compared to many of its state neighbors.

Steady Moisture and Moderate Heat

The county receives 51.2 inches of rain, which is very close to the ideal lawn range. With 46 extreme heat days, the summer stress is less intense than in southern Arkansas, allowing for a slightly more forgiving maintenance schedule.

Productive Silt Loams with Good Drainage

The well-drained silt loam soil and a pH of 5.82 are very close to the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. While some light liming might be required, the soil texture is excellent for sustaining a healthy, deep root system.

Defending Against Long Drought Cycles

Poinsett County faced 29 weeks of drought over the past year, and 80.3% of the area is currently in Severe Drought. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and keep your turf resilient during these long dry periods.

Seeding for a Long Growing Season

Establish your lawn after the March 28 frost date to ensure it is ready for the summer. The local climate supports high-quality warm-season grasses, which will remain active until the first frost in early November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Poinsett County's county score?
Poinsett County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Poinsett County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Poinsett County ranks #53 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 Poinsett County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Poinsett County is $519, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Poinsett County a tax score of 84.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Poinsett County?
The median household income in Poinsett County, Arkansas is $47,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Poinsett County earns an income score of 9.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Poinsett County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Poinsett County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Poinsett 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 Poinsett 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.