countyscore
51.5
County Score
Property Tax 91.3Cost of Living 89.4Weather & Climate 70.5

County Report Card

About Polk County, Arkansas

Polk County edges past national median

With a composite score of 51.5, Polk County performs slightly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the middle of the American livability spectrum. This score reflects a county that meets baseline expectations for overall quality of life but faces room for improvement in several key areas.

Above-average livability within Arkansas

Polk County ranks above the Arkansas state average composite score of 47.9, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. This positioning suggests residents enjoy better overall conditions than much of rural Arkansas.

Tax burden and affordability shine here

Polk County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 91.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.441%, among the lowest in the state. Housing remains genuinely affordable, with a median home value of $122,600 and median rent of just $699 per month, making this county attractive to cost-conscious families.

Income and health need attention

The county struggles with a low income score of 13.1, reflected in a median household income of $49,252 that trails state and national norms. Health outcomes (26.0) and safety (27.0) also lag, suggesting residents may face barriers to preventive care and feel less secure in their communities.

For retirees and frugal families seeking peace

Polk County suits budget-conscious households and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes or urban amenities. The trade-off is clear: you gain financial breathing room but accept lower wages, modest health infrastructure, and moderate safety concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax91.3Cost89.4Safety27Health26Schools35Income13.1Risk53.9Water14.8Weather70.5
🏛91.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.2
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

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Deep Dives

Polk County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Polk County

via TaxByCounty

Polk County taxes far below national average

Polk County's effective tax rate of 0.441% is less than one-fifth the national median property tax burden. The median household here pays just $541 annually, compared to $2,690 nationally—placing Polk in roughly the bottom 10% of U.S. counties by tax burden.

Among Arkansas's lowest-tax counties

Polk County ranks near the bottom of Arkansas's 75 counties, with an effective rate of 0.441% versus the state average of 0.532%. Homeowners here pay roughly $164 less per year than the typical Arkansan.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Polk County's 0.441% rate beats neighboring Saline County (0.631%) and Pulaski County (0.783%), though it slightly exceeds nearby Scott County (0.411%). Among the eight-county sample, Polk ranks fourth-lowest in effective tax burden.

What you'll pay on a median home

A home valued at $122,600 in Polk County generates an estimated annual property tax of $541 without mortgage-related exemptions, rising to $589 with them. Over a typical 30-year mortgage, that's roughly $16,230 in taxes.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Arkansas homeowners pay taxes on inflated assessments and never know it. If your assessed value seems high relative to recent sales, filing a formal appeal with the county assessor's office could lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Polk County

via CostByCounty

Polk renters fare better than US average

Polk County renters spend 17.0% of their income on housing, beating the national norm and placing the county in affordable territory. This is notably better than the typical American household, which dedicates a larger share of earnings to rent in costlier metros.

Polk ranks comfortably in Arkansas

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.0%, Polk County outperforms the state average of 18.1%, making it one of the more affordable corners of Arkansas. The county's median rent of $699 stays well below the state average of $760.

Cheaper than most neighbors nearby

Polk's $699 median rent undercuts nearby Pope County ($855) and Saline County ($980), though it trails the very affordable Prairie County ($637). Among similar-sized counties, Polk offers solid value for renters seeking stability without breaking the bank.

Housing consumes modest income share

Polk County households earn a median $49,252 annually, with renters paying $699/month and homeowners $520/month—totaling just 17% and 12.6% of income respectively. This leaves breathing room for other necessities compared to counties where housing demands exceed 20% of earnings.

Consider Polk for affordable living

If you're relocating to Arkansas, Polk County delivers below-state-average rents ($699 vs $760) and manageable homeowner costs ($520/month) on incomes around $49,000. Compare these numbers to nearby Pope ($1,036 rent) to see where your paycheck stretches furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Polk County

via IncomeByCounty

Polk County earnings lag far behind U.S.

The median household in Polk County earns $49,252 annually—34% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural northwestern Arkansas compared to more prosperous metros nationwide.

Below-average income within Arkansas

Polk County ranks below the state average, with households earning $49,252 versus Arkansas's $51,156 median. The county's per capita income of $32,243 exceeds the state average of $28,096, suggesting uneven wealth distribution.

Polk outperforms some rural neighbors

Polk County's $49,252 median household income edges out Scott County ($45,955) and Searcy County ($41,978), but trails Pope County ($54,606) and Saline County ($76,534) in the region. Proximity to Saline County's stronger economic center explains some of this variance.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Polk County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing. The median home value of $122,600 is accessible for homebuyers with stable income.

Build financial security in Polk County

With moderate housing costs, Polk County households have breathing room to save and invest for retirement. Local credit unions and financial advisors can help residents develop wealth-building strategies tailored to $49,000-range household budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Polk County

via CrimeByCounty

Polk County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Polk County earns an impressive safety score of 97.2, positioning it as a secure outlier compared to many U.S. regions. Its total crime rate of 1774.7 per 100K residents sits comfortably below the national average of 2385.5.

A Leader in Arkansas Public Safety

The county outperforms the Arkansas average safety score of 96.3 with its own 97.2 rating. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is significantly lower than the state average of 2326.8.

Outperforming Neighbors in West Arkansas

Polk County is safer than neighboring Scott County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2319.9 per 100K. This regional advantage highlights Polk's effectiveness in managing local public safety.

Property Crimes Lead Local Incidents

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 495.3 per 100K, while property crime is more common at 1279.4. While property incidents are lower than national averages, residents should remain aware of their surroundings.

Maintaining a Secure Polk County Home

With property crime representing the majority of local reports, simple precautions go a long way. Installing motion-activated lighting and securing entry points helps maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Polk County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags national average

Polk County residents live to an average of 72.2 years, falling short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years by nearly 7 years. With 23.4% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county mirrors national patterns of persistent health challenges in rural areas.

Slightly below Arkansas median

Polk County's 72.2-year life expectancy places it just below Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's 75 counties. The county's health profile reflects broader statewide trends rather than exceptional struggle or success.

Healthcare access varies locally

Polk County offers 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than neighboring Prairie County's 12 but fewer than Pulaski County's 118. Mental health support is available with 108 providers per 100,000, suggesting moderate access to behavioral health services across the region.

One in nine residents uninsured

An estimated 11.2% of Polk County residents lack health insurance, slightly above Arkansas's 9.9% uninsured rate. Limited primary care availability outside county seat areas means many residents travel for routine checkups and chronic disease management.

Explore coverage options today

If you're among the 11.2% uninsured in Polk County, Arkansas's marketplace and Medicaid expansion programs may offer affordable plans. Visit your local health department or healthcare.gov to compare options and enrollment deadlines.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Polk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Education Network in Polk County

Polk County manages a focused education system of 11 public schools across four districts, serving 3,149 students. The infrastructure is evenly balanced with five elementary schools, five high schools, and one middle school.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

Polk County achieves an impressive 91.2% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 90.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,801 is below the state average, the county maintains a 51.6 school score, nearly matching the state median.

Mena School District Leads the Region

The Mena School District is the county's largest, overseeing five schools and 1,745 students. The county also features one charter school, which represents roughly 9% of its total educational facilities.

Rural Roots and Intimate Learning Environments

Education here is deeply rural, with nine schools in rural settings and two in town locales. The average school size is just 315 students, ranging from the 498-student Mena High School down to smaller community campuses.

Relocate Near High-Achieving Rural Schools

Polk County offers a tight-knit educational environment with graduation rates that lead the state. Families looking for high school performance in a quiet, rural setting should explore homes within the Mena and Cossatot River districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Polk County

via RiskByCounty

Polk County's risk picture

With a composite risk score of 46.12, Polk County sits comfortably below the national average and carries a Relatively Low overall risk rating. This means your county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most of America, though localized hazards still deserve attention.

Below average for Arkansas

Polk County's score of 46.12 ranks it well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the safer counties in the state. You're in a stronger position than most of your state's neighbors when it comes to natural disaster exposure.

Compared to nearby counties

Scott County (26.84) and Searcy County (27.74) are even safer, while Saline County (77.64) faces notably higher risks. Your risk profile puts you in the middle of this western Arkansas cluster, benefiting from mountainous terrain that reduces some hazards but not others.

Wildfire is your top threat

Wildfire risk in Polk County stands at 82.44, making it your most significant hazard—well above the state average. Tornado risk (63.49) and earthquake risk (55.47) are moderate concerns, but your lower flood risk (53.37) reflects the county's elevated terrain.

Insurance essentials for Polk

Prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wildfire damage, including ember intrusion and defensible space requirements. Consider earthquake coverage as a supplement, and maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Polk County

via WeatherByCounty

The Rainiest Corner of the Region

Polk County’s annual average temperature of 59.3°F is warmer than the national median of 54°F. However, its most defining feature is its high annual precipitation of 60.9 inches.

Cooler and Wetter than the State

Polk County is cooler than the 61.0°F Arkansas average and much wetter than the 52.4-inch state rain average. This combination creates a unique, lush environment in the Ouachita Mountains.

A Local High-Precipitation Peak

Polk receives 60.9 inches of rain, far outpacing neighbor Pope County’s 49.6 inches. It also enjoys more temperate summers, with only 37 extreme heat days compared to 73 in Pope.

Mild Extremes with Moderate Snow

July averages 78.3°F, while winters bring 2.6 inches of snow and a January average of 39.2°F. The 76.7°F summer average is one of the mildest in the state outside the Ozarks.

Invest in Rain Gear and Drainage

With over 60 inches of rain, high-quality waterproofing and drainage are essential for all residents. Heating and cooling needs are balanced, as the county avoids the most extreme heat and cold.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Polk County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soil in the Ouachita Mountains

Polk County features an average pH of 5.44, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While data for the taxonomic order is limited, the acidic profile suggests a landscape shaped by heavy weathering. This pH level falls slightly below the Arkansas state average of 5.56.

A gritty sand and silt mixture

The soil contains 43.5% sand and 38.6% silt, creating a texture that balances grit with fine particles. With only 15.3% clay, these soils are relatively easy to work but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. The high sand content promotes initial water entry but requires careful management to prevent leaching.

Healthy organic matter with low water storage

At 2.73%, the organic matter content exceeds the national average of 2.0% but remains below the state average of 4.15%. The available water capacity is 0.122 in/in, which is lower than the state benchmark of 0.148. This suggests that while the soil is biologically active, it may dry out quickly during Arkansas summers.

Challenging runoff and high water tables

The county belongs to hydrologic group D, indicating soil with a very slow infiltration rate and high runoff potential. This classification often points to a permanent high water table or a clay layer that restricts downward movement. Gardeners should consider raised beds to avoid saturated roots during the rainy season.

Diverse planting in hardiness zone 8a

Located in USDA hardiness zone 8a, Polk County is ideal for growing acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. The soil score of 31.7 reflects the challenges of acidity and drainage, but proper amendments can lead to a productive harvest. Start your garden today by testing your specific plot to tailor your fertilization strategy.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Polk County

via LawnByCounty

A Manageable Challenge in the Ouachitas

Polk County earns a lawn difficulty score of 43.2, making it significantly easier to maintain than the Arkansas average of 37.3. While it remains more difficult than the national median of 50.0, the USDA Hardiness Zone 8a climate supports a variety of resilient grass types. Homeowners here face fewer obstacles than their neighbors in lower-scoring counties.

Abundant Rain and Moderate Heat

The county receives a generous 60.9 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With only 37 extreme heat days per year, Polk stays cooler than the state average of 64 days. This combination reduces the need for constant irrigation but requires vigilant mowing during the 4,563 growing degree day season.

Acidic Soil Requires Proper Balancing

At 5.44, the soil pH is notably more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. The soil composition is roughly 43.5% sand and 15.3% clay, suggesting a texture that may require organic matter to hold nutrients. Regular lime applications are often necessary to neutralize the acidity and unlock soil nutrients.

Brief But Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent 16 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 21.7% of the area faces severe conditions. While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, the rainfall total provides a decent buffer. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain moisture during these shorter dry windows.

Start Growing After the April Frost

Wait until after the last spring frost on April 5th to begin seeding or sodding your lawn. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia thrive in Zone 8a and can handle the local humidity. Preparing your site now ensures your turf establishes before the first fall frost arrives around November 12th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polk County's county score?
Polk County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 51.5 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 Polk County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Polk County ranks #26 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 Polk County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Polk County is $541, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Polk County a tax score of 91.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Polk County?
The median household income in Polk County, Arkansas is $49,252 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Polk County earns an income score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Polk County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Polk County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Polk 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 Polk 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.