With a composite score of 71.8, Prairie County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43% of U.S. counties. This solid performance indicates above-average livability and community quality across multiple metrics.
2 / 5
Edges ahead of Arkansas average
Prairie County's 71.8 score slightly exceeds the Arkansas state average of 70.3, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The county demonstrates competitive livability despite incomplete data on schools and public safety.
3 / 5
Affordability and tax efficiency shine
Prairie County's 87.5 cost score and 84.9 tax score highlight exceptional affordability: median home values are $87,500 (among the state's lowest), rents average just $637 per month, and the effective tax rate is 0.616%. This combination makes Prairie County one of Arkansas's most budget-friendly options.
4 / 5
Income levels constrain household wealth
An income score of 16.7 reflects a median household income of $51,094, trailing state and national averages. Health outcomes, while moderate at 60.6, could also benefit from improvement to boost overall community wellness.
5 / 5
Perfect for frugal households prioritizing low costs
Prairie County is ideal for retirees, young families, or anyone seeking the lowest possible cost of living without sacrificing basic community infrastructure. The exceptional affordability makes it attractive to those working remotely or with portable income sources.
With a composite score of 71.8, Prairie County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43% of U.S. counties. This solid performance indicates above-average livability and community quality across multiple metrics.
Edges ahead of Arkansas average
Prairie County's 71.8 score slightly exceeds the Arkansas state average of 70.3, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The county demonstrates competitive livability despite incomplete data on schools and public safety.
Affordability and tax efficiency shine
Prairie County's 87.5 cost score and 84.9 tax score highlight exceptional affordability: median home values are $87,500 (among the state's lowest), rents average just $637 per month, and the effective tax rate is 0.616%. This combination makes Prairie County one of Arkansas's most budget-friendly options.
Income levels constrain household wealth
An income score of 16.7 reflects a median household income of $51,094, trailing state and national averages. Health outcomes, while moderate at 60.6, could also benefit from improvement to boost overall community wellness.
Perfect for frugal households prioritizing low costs
Prairie County is ideal for retirees, young families, or anyone seeking the lowest possible cost of living without sacrificing basic community infrastructure. The exceptional affordability makes it attractive to those working remotely or with portable income sources.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛84.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.