CountyScore

Pope County

Arkansas · AR

#60 in Arkansas
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Pope County, Arkansas

Pope County exceeds national livability baseline

Pope County's composite score of 68.1 substantially outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 36% of U.S. counties. This reflects solid overall livability across multiple dimensions despite some data gaps.

Just below Arkansas state average

Pope County scores 68.1 compared to Arkansas's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the middle-upper range of the state's counties. The county remains competitive statewide despite underperforming slightly on its composite measure.

Low taxes and decent health outcomes

Pope County's 86.3 tax score reflects an effective tax rate of just 0.568%, while a 81.7 cost score and 63.3 health score indicate affordable housing and above-average wellness metrics. The median home value of $161,700 and rent of $855 per month remain reasonable for the region.

Risk profile and income are weak spots

The county's risk score of just 22.2 is significantly low, suggesting elevated vulnerability to economic, natural, or demographic disruptions. An income score of 19.0 with median household income of $54,606 trails state and national benchmarks.

Works for tax-sensitive families seeking stability

Pope County appeals to families and individuals who value low tax burden and modest cost of living but should be aware of higher economic vulnerability. It's best suited to those with stable employment or income sources who prioritize fiscal efficiency over wage growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.3Cost81.7SafetyComing SoonHealth63.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome19Risk22.2WaterComing Soon
🏛86.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡22.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pope County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Dallas County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $36,810
Houston County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $57,531
Summit County
Colorado
68.1
Median income: $106,255
Sussex County
Delaware
68.1
Median income: $78,162

Deep Dives

Pope County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pope County

via TaxByCounty

Pope County stays well below U.S. tax median

Pope County's effective tax rate of 0.568% is roughly one-fifth the national median burden. With a median tax of $918 annually versus $2,690 nationally, Pope County ranks in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties for property tax pressure.

Slightly above average for Arkansas

Pope County's 0.568% rate exceeds Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 75 counties. Residents pay roughly $213 more per year than the state average.

Mid-range among regional counties

Pope County's 0.568% rate falls between lower-tax Scott County (0.411%) and higher-tax Pulaski County (0.783%), making it a moderate choice in the region. Among the eight-county sample, Pope ranks fifth in effective tax rate.

Annual tax on median Pope County home

The median Pope County home valued at $161,700 carries an estimated annual property tax of $918 without mortgage benefits, or $997 with them included. Over 30 years, that's roughly $29,540 in taxes.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Property assessments in Arkansas don't always keep pace with market reality, leaving many owners paying more than necessary. A quick comparison of your assessed value to recent comparable sales may justify an appeal to reduce your burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pope County

via CostByCounty

Pope County renters strain above average

Pope County renters spend 18.8% of income on housing, slightly above the state average of 18.1% and considerably above the national threshold for affordability. At this ratio, renters are approaching the zone where housing costs become financially constraining.

Pope sits slightly above state median

Pope County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% places it in the middle-to-upper range of Arkansas counties, just shy of stress levels. The median rent of $855 runs well above the state average of $760, reflecting higher local demand.

Pricier than Polk, cheaper than Pulaski

Pope County's median rent of $855 is significantly higher than Polk County's $699 but considerably lower than Pulaski County's $1,036. For comparable affordability, Saline County ($980) offers similar price ranges with better household income to offset costs.

Housing eats larger share of Pope budgets

Pope County residents earn $54,606 annually, with renters dedicating $855/month (18.8% of income) and homeowners spending $745/month (16.4%). This leaves less disposable income than lower-ratio counties, particularly for renters managing tight budgets.

Pope offers moderate costs for the state

Relocating to Pope County means higher rents than rural options like Polk ($699) but access to more amenities and employment. Compare your expected income to the $54,606 median—if it exceeds that, housing affordability improves significantly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pope County

via IncomeByCounty

Pope County trails national income levels

Pope County's median household income of $54,606 falls 27% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This gap reflects Pope County's economy, which relies more on agriculture and light manufacturing than high-wage sectors.

Pope County slightly above state average

At $54,606, Pope County's median household income edges above Arkansas's $51,156 state average by about 7%. The county's per capita income of $29,516 also surpasses the state average of $28,096, indicating relatively balanced income distribution.

Pope County ranks middle among peers

Pope County's $54,606 median household income sits between Randolph County ($52,838) and Prairie County ($51,094) in the region. Saline County ($76,534) and Pulaski County ($60,385) offer higher incomes, while Scott and Searcy counties lag significantly.

Rent costs edge toward affordability limits

Pope County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio remains well below the 30% affordability threshold, though it's among the higher rates in the region. The median home value of $161,700 is elevated relative to median household income, requiring careful mortgage planning.

Strategic saving can close Pope County's wealth gap

Pope County households should prioritize automated savings plans and employer retirement benefits to build long-term wealth. Even modest consistent investments can compound significantly over 20–30 years, helping households reach national income parity in net worth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pope County

via HealthByCounty

Above-average longevity in rural Arkansas

Pope County's 75.1-year life expectancy outperforms the U.S. average of 78.9 years by a notable 3.8-year gap, but stands above most rural Arkansas counties. The 23% poor/fair health rate suggests residents experience manageable chronic conditions and overall stable wellness.

Healthier than typical in-state

Pope County ranks above Arkansas's state average life expectancy of 72.3 years, placing it in the healthier half of the state's counties. This performance reflects better access to healthcare infrastructure centered in Russellville.

Strong mental health infrastructure

Pope County's 246 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceed the state average and nearby counties, signaling robust behavioral health support. Primary care density at 64 per 100,000 is moderate compared to peers like Pulaski County's 118.

Low uninsured rate, mixed access

At 11% uninsured—slightly above the state's 9.9%—Pope County has relatively strong insurance coverage. However, primary care provider availability lags mental health services, creating potential gaps in routine preventive care for some residents.

Check your coverage options

If you're uninsured in Pope County, take advantage of Arkansas's Medicaid expansion and marketplace plans available year-round. Local clinics and hospitals can connect you with enrollment specialists to find affordable coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pope County

via RiskByCounty

Pope County faces above-average risk

Pope County's composite risk score of 77.83 significantly exceeds the national average, landing it in the Relatively Low category overall—though the higher score reflects real exposure. Multiple hazard types here cluster above typical U.S. levels.

Middle of the pack in Arkansas

At 77.83, Pope County ranks above Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it in the riskier half of the state's counties. This reflects the county's geographical position in a zone prone to multiple overlapping hazards.

Higher risk than most neighbors

Pope County's score (77.83) exceeds nearby Polk County (46.12) and Prairie County (41.38), but sits below Saline County (77.64). You face more significant disaster exposure than most western Arkansas neighbors.

Tornadoes and earthquakes lead

Tornado risk in Pope County reaches 94.62—among the highest in the state—while earthquake risk (84.13) is also elevated. Flood risk (75.29) rounds out your top three concerns, creating a diverse hazard portfolio that demands preparation.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy

Secure comprehensive homeowners insurance covering both tornadoes and earthquakes, and ensure your policy includes wind and hail damage. Develop a tornado shelter plan immediately—a basement or interior room away from windows—and maintain flood insurance if you're in a mapped flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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