countyscore
51.1
County Score
Cost of Living 86Property Tax 72.5Disaster Risk 58.6

County Report Card

About Prairie County, Arkansas

Prairie County slightly exceeds national average

Prairie County's composite score of 51.1 edges past the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the middle tier of American livability. This slender margin reflects a county with mixed strengths and weaknesses across different quality-of-life dimensions.

Above Arkansas average, solid state performer

Prairie County outperforms the Arkansas state average composite score of 47.9, ranking among the better-performing counties statewide. Residents enjoy conditions superior to much of rural Arkansas despite modest overall scores.

Affordability and school systems excel

Prairie County shines in housing affordability with a cost score of 86.0 and a median home value of just $87,500—the lowest among these eight counties. Schools perform well too, scoring 52.8, and the risk profile is manageable at 58.6, offering relative stability for families.

Income and water quality lag behind

The county struggles with an income score of 16.8 and median household income of $51,094, limiting economic mobility for residents. Water quality is also a concern with a score of only 8.6, the lowest among these counties, warranting investigation before relocating.

For school-focused families on tight budgets

Prairie County suits families seeking excellent housing affordability and decent schools willing to accept lower incomes and investigate water quality issues. It's the most budget-friendly option here, making it ideal for families who prioritize school access and home ownership over wage prospects.

Score breakdown

Tax72.5Cost86Safety28.4Health29.5Schools52.8Income16.8Risk58.6Water8.6Weather51.6
🏛72.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.7
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Prairie County?

Many homeowners in Prairie County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Prairie County with Greene County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Georgia
Median income: $84,530
51.1
Heard County
Georgia
Median income: $62,907
51.1
Laurel County
Kentucky
Median income: $56,999
51.1
Norfolk County
Massachusetts
Median income: $126,497
51.1
Wood County
Ohio
Median income: $73,124
51.1
Chester County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $123,041
51.1
Mercer County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $60,614
51.1
Pike County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $79,318
51.1

Nearby counties

Lonoke County
Arkansas
40.2
Monroe County
Arkansas
49.1
Woodruff County
Arkansas
57.6
White County
Arkansas
41.7
St. Francis County
Arkansas
36.9
Arkansas County
Arkansas
37.4
Jefferson County
Arkansas
33.8
Pulaski County
Arkansas
29.1

Deep Dives

Prairie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Prairie County

via TaxByCounty

Prairie County taxes remain modest nationally

Prairie County's effective tax rate of 0.616% sits well below the national median, with residents paying just $539 annually versus $2,690 nationally. This places Prairie County in roughly the bottom 20% of U.S. counties for property tax burden.

Above-average taxes by Arkansas standards

Prairie County's 0.616% effective rate tops the state average of 0.532%, ranking it in the upper third of Arkansas's 75 counties. The median tax of $539 reflects relatively high rates applied to lower home values.

Highest rate among similar peers

Prairie County's 0.616% rate is the highest in the eight-county sample, exceeding even Saline County (0.631%) on a percentage basis—though Saline's higher home values mean larger dollar bills. Prairie stands out as an outlier in the regional tax-rate comparison.

Tax bill on median Prairie home value

A home valued at $87,500 in Prairie County pays approximately $539 annually in property taxes without mortgage deductions, or $550 with them. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $16,170 in taxes on that median-value property.

Review your assessment details closely

Prairie County's above-average tax rate makes it especially important to verify your assessed value is accurate and fair. Requesting a formal assessment review or appeal could reveal discrepancies that lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Prairie County

via CostByCounty

Prairie offers exceptional national affordability

Prairie County renters spend just 15.0% of income on housing, well below the national average and among the most affordable in the country. This ratio indicates genuine housing security for renters, with substantial income left for other essentials and savings.

Prairie is Arkansas's affordability leader

At 15.0%, Prairie County significantly underperforms the state average of 18.1%, making it the most affordable option among these eight counties. The median rent of $637 is the lowest in this dataset, nearly $130 below the Arkansas state average.

Lowest rents in the entire region

Prairie County's $637 median rent beats every peer—Polk ($699), Randolph ($671), Searcy ($596 owner-only, rental data comparable), and all others. This rural setting delivers unmatched value for renters willing to trade urban amenities for financial breathing room.

Housing costs remain minimal here

Prairie County households earn $51,094 annually, with renters paying just $637/month (15.0% of income) and homeowners $636/month (14.9%). The near-parity between rent and ownership costs makes both pathways equally accessible for average residents.

Prairie County: Arkansas's affordability champion

If cost of living is your priority, Prairie County delivers unbeatable rents ($637) and ownership costs ($636/month) on an average income of $51,094. Weigh these figures against more expensive neighbors like Pope ($855 rent) to understand the savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prairie County

via IncomeByCounty

Prairie County income trails U.S. by 32%

Prairie County households earn a median of $51,094 annually, roughly 32% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap is typical for rural Arkansas counties with limited access to high-wage employment centers.

Prairie County holds near-average Arkansas income

Prairie County's $51,094 median household income sits virtually even with Arkansas's $51,156 state average. The county's per capita income of $31,979 notably exceeds the state average of $28,096, suggesting concentrated wealth among some households.

Prairie County middle of the pack regionally

Prairie County ranks third among peer counties at $51,094, ahead of Randolph County ($52,838) and just above Polk County ($49,252), but behind Pope County and the wealthier Saline and Pulaski counties. Geographic isolation from urban job markets explains much of this variation.

Best affordability ratio in the region

Prairie County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among surveyed counties, giving renters substantial breathing room. The median home value of $87,500 is highly accessible, making homeownership within reach for most households.

Low housing costs unlock savings opportunities

Prairie County's exceptional affordability frees up 50–75% of typical household budgets for savings and investment beyond basic expenses. Residents should leverage this advantage by establishing emergency funds, retirement accounts, and diversified investments early.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prairie County

via CrimeByCounty

Prairie County Boasts Exceptional Safety Ratings

With a safety score of 97.3, Prairie County is one of the more secure areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1728.1 per 100K is 27% lower than the national average.

A Top-Tier Safety Performer in Arkansas

Prairie County exceeds the state average safety score of 96.3 with its 97.3 rating. It maintains a significantly lower crime footprint than the Arkansas average of 2326.8 per 100K.

A Quiet Alternative to Urban Neighbors

The county is remarkably quieter than neighboring Pulaski County, which has a massive crime rate of 6014.3. Five local agencies work together to keep Prairie County significantly safer than its metropolitan neighbor.

Lower Violent Crime Than National Standards

The violent crime rate of 316.4 per 100K is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1411.7 incidents per 100K, reflecting a generally peaceful environment.

Preserving the Peace at Home

Even in high-safety areas like Prairie County, opportunistic property crime can occur. Basic measures like locking vehicles and using outdoor timers for lights help keep these low numbers stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Prairie County

via HealthByCounty

Healthcare access crisis in rural county

Prairie County's 72.8-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average by 6.1 years, while 26% of residents report poor or fair health. The county's extreme shortage of primary care providers—just 12 per 100,000—ranks among Arkansas's most underserved regions.

Critical provider shortage statewide

With only 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Prairie County faces a severe healthcare desert compared to Arkansas's median. Residents must often travel 30+ miles to reach consistent primary care, creating barriers to preventive treatment and chronic disease management.

Isolated from regional healthcare hubs

Prairie County's 12 primary care providers per 100,000 contrast sharply with neighboring Pulaski County's 118 and Saline County's 39. Mental health support is equally sparse at 25 providers per 100,000, among the lowest in the state.

Uninsured rate near state average

Prairie County's 9% uninsured rate is actually below the state average of 9.9%, yet residents struggle to use coverage due to provider scarcity. Telehealth and partnerships with distant hospitals are becoming lifelines for routine care and specialist referrals.

Insurance alone isn't enough—find care

Even insured Prairie County residents face long waits and travel distances for appointments. Check if you qualify for Arkansas Medicaid, and ask your enrollment counselor about telehealth options and transportation assistance programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Prairie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Big Results in Prairie County

Prairie County operates a streamlined education system with just four public schools serving 1,192 students. The county is divided into two main districts, each managing one elementary and one high school.

Elite Graduation Rates in Local Schools

Prairie County reaches an exceptional 95.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the 87.0% national average. The 54.4 school score reflects strong performance, supported by per-pupil spending of $6,193.

Des Arc and Hazen Lead the Way

The Des Arc School District is the larger of the two, educating 636 students across its two campuses. The Hazen School District follows closely with 556 students, and notably, there are no charter schools within the county.

A Purely Rural School Experience

Every school in Prairie County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and intimate learning environment. With an average size of 298 students, even the largest campus, Des Arc Elementary, hosts only 382 students.

Find Your Home in a 95% Graduation District

Prairie County's small-town atmosphere is paired with some of the best graduation metrics in Arkansas. Homebuyers looking for high-accountability schools in a rural setting should focus on the Des Arc and Hazen areas.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prairie County

via RiskByCounty

Prairie County is very safe

Prairie County's composite risk score of 41.38 places it well below the national average with a Very Low risk rating. You live in one of the safer natural disaster zones in the country.

Arkansas's safer counties

At 41.38, Prairie County sits nearly 14 points below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it one of the state's least threatened counties. This low exposure gives you a significant advantage in disaster preparedness costs and worry.

Among the safest in the region

Prairie County's score (41.38) sits between Scott County (26.84) and Searcy County (27.74) on the low end, and well below Randolph County (66.98). Your eastern Arkansas location provides natural protection that much of the state doesn't enjoy.

Earthquakes and tornadoes matter most

Despite overall low risk, Prairie County shows elevated earthquake risk (87.02) and moderate tornado risk (65.36)—reflecting its position near the Wabash Seismic Zone. Wildfire risk is remarkably low at 20.42, one of your key advantages.

Focus on earthquakes and storms

Ensure your homeowners policy includes earthquake coverage, which is often excluded by default and costs remarkably little in low-risk areas. Secure your heavy furniture and water heaters to prevent movement during tremors, and keep tornado awareness high during spring.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prairie County

via WeatherByCounty

Prairie County Exceeds National Median Temperatures

Prairie County's annual average temperature of 62.7°F is significantly warmer than the national median. This reflects a humid subtropical climate typical of the American South.

Warmer Than the Arkansas Average

The county's average temperature of 62.7°F sits nearly two degrees above the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. While warmer than average, its 50.0 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state mark of 52.4 inches.

Hotter and Drier Than Regional Neighbors

Prairie is noticeably warmer than nearby Pulaski County, which averages 61.8°F. It also receives about two inches less annual rainfall than the state capital region.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Residents face 70 days of extreme heat per year with July temperatures averaging 82.7°F. Winters are manageable, featuring a January average of 40.8°F and a light annual snowfall of 2.3 inches.

Planning for Heat and Humidity

Heavy-duty cooling systems are a necessity to manage the 70 days of temperatures over 90°F. Landowners should plan for 50 inches of rain, though winter road salt is rarely needed for the minimal 2.3 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Prairie County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the mysteries of Prairie soil

Prairie County currently has limited digital data regarding its specific taxonomic order and average pH levels. While the state average pH is 5.56, local conditions can vary significantly across the Grand Prairie region. Understanding your local soil starts with a professional test to determine your specific acidity levels.

A unique mix of Delta sediments

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable in the current digital survey for this county. Historically, this region is known for its silty deposits that supported vast native grasslands. These silts usually provide a smooth texture that is highly productive when moisture is managed correctly.

Potential for high agricultural productivity

While specific organic matter data is missing, the surrounding region often mirrors the state average of 4.15%. High organic matter is a hallmark of the fertile prairie lands that give the county its name. Local growers should focus on maintaining this natural heritage through sustainable till practices.

Navigating the hydrology of the plains

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently listed for the county's dominant soil units. Many areas in this region feature a clay pan that can restrict drainage, making water management essential for farming. Observing how water moves on your property after a storm is the best way to assess local drainage.

Lush growth in hardiness zone 8a

Prairie County sits in hardiness zone 8a, offering a warm climate that supports everything from rice and soybeans to home vegetable gardens. Despite the gaps in data, the region's agricultural history proves its potential. Grab a shovel and start exploring the unique soil in your own backyard today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Prairie County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Hardship in Prairie County

Maintaining a lawn in Prairie County is a challenge, reflected in its low difficulty score of 29.7. This is significantly tougher than both the state average of 37.3 and the national average of 50.0. Success here requires a more technical approach to lawn care than in neighboring counties.

Intense Heat and High Growth Rates

The climate is characterized by 70 extreme heat days and a high 5,606 growing degree days. While the 50 inches of annual precipitation is ideal, the heat intensity can quickly stress even the hardiest grasses. Efficient irrigation is the most critical factor for survival during the long, hot growing season.

Navigate Local Soil Information Gaps

While specific soil composition data is currently unavailable for this area, regional trends suggest acidic conditions typical of the Delta. Local growers should conduct a private soil test to determine their specific pH and nutrient needs. Identifying your specific drainage capacity is the first step toward improving your lawn's health.

Bracing for Persistent Severe Drought

Prairie County has endured 30 weeks of drought in the past year, with 97.5% of the county currently in severe drought or worse. These conditions are among the most difficult in the state for maintaining green space. Prioritize drought-resistant species and maintain a higher mowing height to shade the soil.

Long Growing Season Offers Opportunity

The last spring frost passes early on March 11th, providing an exceptionally long window for lawn development. Given the severe drought conditions, choosing a highly resilient grass like Bermuda is your best bet for Zone 8a. You have until the first frost on November 14th to establish a strong root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prairie County's county score?
Prairie County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 51.1 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 Prairie County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Prairie County ranks #28 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 Prairie County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Prairie County is $539, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Prairie County a tax score of 72.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prairie County?
The median household income in Prairie County, Arkansas is $51,094 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prairie County earns an income score of 16.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prairie County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Prairie County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Prairie 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 Prairie 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.