countyscore
44.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 78.3Cost of Living 56.4

County Report Card

About Pope County, Arkansas

Pope County falls short of national baseline

Pope County's composite score of 44.9 sits below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower half of American counties for overall livability. This gap reflects specific vulnerabilities that prospective residents should understand before relocating.

Below-average livability in Arkansas

At 44.9, Pope County scores below Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking among the less livable counties statewide. This positioning indicates residents face greater challenges compared to typical Arkansas communities.

Water quality and schools offer solid ground

Pope County stands out with a water score of 86.0, far exceeding state and national norms for water quality and availability. Schools score a respectable 47.8, and health outcomes (36.8) are among the better performing dimensions, providing families with educational and healthcare resources.

Safety and housing costs are real concerns

The county faces a critically low safety score of 14.2, one of the poorest in the state, and housing costs are rising relative to affordability (56.4 cost score). Income levels lag at 24.3, with median household income at $54,606, limiting purchasing power and long-term wealth building.

For families valuing schools and water quality

Pope County appeals to families prioritizing school quality and clean water over broad economic opportunity or low crime rates. You'll find a quieter, water-rich landscape with decent schools, but expect to navigate higher safety concerns and moderate housing expense.

Score breakdown

Tax78.3Cost56.4Safety14.2Health36.8Schools47.8Income24.3Risk22.2Water86Weather55.6
🏛78.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.5
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

Johnson County
Arkansas
52.7
Conway County
Arkansas
49.5
Yell County
Arkansas
50.9
Van Buren County
Arkansas
56.7
Perry County
Arkansas
56.3
Newton County
Arkansas
65.3
Searcy County
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64.2
Logan County
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48.5

Deep Dives

Pope County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Pope County

via CrimeByCounty

Pope County Aligns with National Crime Trends

Pope County reports a total crime rate of 2441.9 per 100K, which is slightly higher than the national average of 2385.5. Despite this, it maintains a strong safety score of 96.1 out of 100.

Matching the Arkansas Safety Average

The county's safety score of 96.1 sits just below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 2441.9 is roughly 5% higher than the statewide average of 2326.8.

Contrasting Safety Profiles with Polk County

Pope County experiences more frequent incidents than nearby Polk County, where the crime rate is much lower at 1774.7. Local officials manage a higher volume of cases across eight reporting agencies.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Risks

The violent crime rate stands at 433.2 per 100K, while property crimes reach 2008.7. These figures suggest that roughly one in 50 residents may be affected by property-related incidents annually.

Vigilance Against Property Theft in Pope

Because property crime drives the local statistics, home security remains a top priority. Residents should consider smart doorbell cameras to deter package theft and unauthorized entry.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Pope County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Academic Coverage in Pope County

Pope County supports 23 public schools and 10,327 students across six distinct school districts. The system features a robust elementary foundation with 10 schools, complemented by six middle and six high schools.

Strong Outcomes and Efficient Investment

The county boasts a 93.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. With $6,243 spent per pupil, Pope County invests more than the state average and achieves a composite school score of 53.5.

Russellville District Drives Enrollment

The Russellville School District dominates the local landscape, serving 5,602 students across 10 different schools. Other significant districts include Pottsville, which manages four schools and 1,856 students without any charter schools in the county.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

Students attend schools in 14 rural areas and nine town locales, with an average school size of 469 students. Russellville High School is the largest campus with 1,227 students, providing a more comprehensive high school experience.

Education Excellence in the Heart of Pope County

With graduation rates exceeding 93%, Pope County is a prime destination for families prioritizing academic success. Explore properties near the top-rated Russellville and Pottsville schools to secure a place in these high-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Pope County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Humid Subtropical Climate

Pope County averages 61.4°F annually, significantly higher than the national median of 54°F. This results in long, humid summers and relatively short, mild winters.

Right in Line with Arkansas Norms

The county's average temperature of 61.4°F closely mirrors the state average of 61.0°F. Its precipitation of 49.6 inches is slightly below the state benchmark of 52.4 inches.

Hotter and Drier than Polk

Pope County sees 73 days of extreme heat, nearly double the 37 days experienced in neighboring Polk County. It is also considerably drier, receiving about 11 inches less rain annually than Polk.

Long Summers and Brief Winters

July averages 81.8°F, fueled by 73 days where temperatures exceed 90°F. Winter is mild with only 1.8 inches of snow and a January average of 40.0°F.

Plan for High Heat Resilience

The 80.3°F summer average makes efficient cooling systems a top priority for residents. Homeowners should also prepare for occasional winter ice, given the 42.0°F average winter temperature.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pope County

via SoilByCounty

Highly weathered Ultisols define the land

Pope County is dominated by Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils characterized by an acidic pH of 5.53. This measurement sits well below the national median of 6.5 but aligns closely with the Arkansas state average. These soils typically require lime applications to neutralize acidity for most vegetable crops.

Classic fine sandy loam texture

The soil composition is 44.6% sand and 39.7% silt, resulting in a dominant texture of fine sandy loam. This mix offers excellent workability for farmers and gardeners alike. The 15.7% clay content provides just enough structure to assist with nutrient retention without becoming overly heavy.

Moderate water capacity with low organic levels

Organic matter stands at 1.84%, which is lower than both the national 2.0% average and the state average of 4.15%. However, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in is nearly on par with the state average of 0.148. Improving organic content through composting will significantly boost both fertility and moisture retention.

Reliable moderately well-drained soils

Pope County soils are generally moderately well-drained and fall into hydrologic group C. This means the soil has a slow rate of water transmission, which can lead to occasional pooling after heavy rain. It is a solid middle-ground for building foundations and most agricultural uses.

Warm winters favor zone 8a crops

The 8a hardiness zone supports a long growing season for heat-tolerant crops like peppers, tomatoes, and okra. With a soil score of 31.9, success depends on managing the acidic Ultisol profile through consistent soil care. Now is the perfect time to prep your garden beds for a bountiful Arkansas summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pope County

via LawnByCounty

Better Than Average Arkansas Growing Conditions

Pope County scores a 39.5 on the lawn difficulty index, outperforming the state average of 37.3. Though it sits below the national benchmark of 50.0, the Zone 8a environment is conducive to standard Southern lawn care. Residents can expect a more predictable growing season than many other parts of the state.

Hot Summers and Balanced Rainfall

The county experiences 73 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 64. Annual precipitation of 49.6 inches sits perfectly at the top of the ideal range for healthy turf growth. However, the high 5,204 growing degree days mean your mower will stay busy throughout the long summer.

Fine Sandy Loams Provide Good Structure

The soil is classified as a moderately well-drained fine sandy loam with a 5.53 pH level. While the texture is excellent for root growth, the acidity still falls short of the 6.0 target for optimal grass health. You will likely need to supplement with lime to prevent nutrient lockout in your lawn.

Severe Drought Demands Water Efficiency

Pope County currently has 100% of its area in severe drought, following 21 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. These persistent conditions make deep, infrequent watering essential to encourage deep root systems. Avoiding mid-day irrigation prevents water loss to evaporation during these intense dry spells.

Plant Early to Beat the Heat

With the last spring frost typically occurring by March 29th, you can get an early start on your lawn projects. Heat-tolerant varieties like St. Augustine or Bermuda are excellent choices for the 73 days of intense sun. Aim to have new sod established before the first frost returns on November 2nd.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pope County's county score?
Pope County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 44.9 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 Pope County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Pope County ranks #48 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 Pope County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Pope County is $918, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Pope County a tax score of 78.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pope County?
The median household income in Pope County, Arkansas is $54,606 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pope County earns an income score of 24.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pope County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Pope County scores 44.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Pope 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 Pope 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.