countyscore
29.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 54.7Weather & Climate 54.3

County Report Card

About Pulaski County, Arkansas

Pulaski County lags far behind national median

Pulaski County's composite score of 29.1 trails the national median of 50.0 by more than 20 points, ranking it among the least livable counties nationally. This significant gap reflects serious structural challenges affecting multiple dimensions of quality of life.

Worst performer in Arkansas cohort

Pulaski County ranks well below the Arkansas state average of 47.9, making it the lowest-scoring county among these eight Arkansas communities. Residents face notably worse conditions across most livability metrics compared to typical Arkansas counties.

Income and water quality are bright spots

Pulaski County boasts the highest income score among these eight counties at 40.5, with a median household income of $60,385 reflecting Little Rock's economic draw. Water quality (86.0) and health infrastructure (42.8) also score respectably, supporting residents with jobs and services.

Safety and schools are crisis points

The county faces a catastrophic safety score of just 1.3—by far the worst among these counties—and a similarly dire school score of 17.9. Housing is expensive (cost score 26.0) with a median home value of $199,600, pricing out families seeking affordable neighborhoods while crime concerns mount.

For high-wage earners accepting urban tradeoffs

Pulaski County (home to Little Rock) suits professionals earning above-average incomes who accept or navigate urban crime rates and school quality challenges. This is a county where wallet and career prospects outweigh traditional quality-of-life measures.

Score breakdown

Tax54.7Cost26Safety1.3Health42.8Schools17.9Income40.5Risk3.2Water86Weather54.3
🏛54.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓17.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.1
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

Saline County
Arkansas
44
Faulkner County
Arkansas
40
Lonoke County
Arkansas
40.2
Perry County
Arkansas
56.3
Grant County
Arkansas
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Conway County
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49.5
Garland County
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38.6
Prairie County
Arkansas
51.1

Deep Dives

Pulaski County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pulaski County

via TaxByCounty

Pulaski County taxes competitive nationally

Pulaski County's effective tax rate of 0.783% is roughly three times lower than the national median, with residents paying $1,562 annually versus $2,690 nationally. Despite the state's lowest tax burden, Pulaski ranks in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties.

Arkansas's highest-tax county

Pulaski County's 0.783% effective rate is the highest in Arkansas, substantially exceeding the state average of 0.532%. Homeowners pay roughly $857 more per year than the typical Arkansan, reflecting Little Rock's urban tax base and services.

Significantly higher than all peers

Pulaski County's 0.783% rate far exceeds every other county in the eight-county sample, nearly double Polk County's 0.441% and 40% higher than Saline County's 0.631%. Its urban infrastructure and dense population drive the regional tax-rate premium.

What Pulaski homeowners actually pay

A median Pulaski County home valued at $199,600 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,562 before mortgage benefits, rising to $1,702 with them included. Over 30 years, that's roughly $50,880 in cumulative property taxes.

Don't assume your assessment is correct

High-value properties in Pulaski County benefit most from verification of assessed values, as even small percentage reductions yield significant savings. Contact the county assessor to request a reassessment if you believe your home's value is overstated relative to recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pulaski County

via CostByCounty

Pulaski renters face above-average strain

Pulaski County renters spend 20.6% of income on housing, exceeding both the state average (18.1%) and approaching the national threshold where affordability becomes precarious. This elevated ratio reflects Little Rock's position as the state's economic hub and most expensive market.

Pulaski is Arkansas's most expensive county

With a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio, Pulaski County ranks among the highest-cost counties statewide, driven by median rent of $1,036—the highest in this dataset. The median home value of $199,600 also leads the group, reflecting urban demand and infrastructure.

Rents spike in the central core

Pulaski County's $1,036 rent towers over Saline County ($980) and nearly doubles Pope County ($855), reflecting Little Rock's metro status. This premium positions Pulaski as a regional economic center, but at a real cost to renters and first-time buyers.

Housing dominates Pulaski budgets

Pulaski County residents earn $60,385 annually, but renters spend $1,036/month (20.6% of income) and homeowners $1,060/month (21.0%)—the highest burden in this analysis. More than one-fifth of household income vanishes to housing, constraining savings and discretionary spending.

Pulaski offers opportunity with cost tradeoff

Little Rock's Pulaski County delivers urban job markets and amenities, but expect to pay $1,036/month for median rent versus $637 in Prairie County. If your prospective income exceeds the $60,385 median, the affordability ratio improves—otherwise, compare to surrounding counties first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pulaski County

via IncomeByCounty

Pulaski County narrows the national gap

Pulaski County's median household income of $60,385 is closer to the U.S. median of $74,755, trailing by 19%—a smaller gap than most Arkansas counties. As the state's largest urban center, Pulaski County (Little Rock) has stronger wage growth and job diversity than rural peers.

Pulaski County leads state income rankings

At $60,385, Pulaski County's median household income substantially exceeds Arkansas's $51,156 state average by 18%. The county's per capita income of $39,780 is the highest among surveyed counties, nearly 42% above the state average of $28,096.

Pulaski County income peak in region

Pulaski County's $60,385 median household income is second only to Saline County ($76,534) in the region. The county's strong showing reflects Little Rock's role as Arkansas's economic engine, supporting professional services, government, and healthcare jobs.

Higher incomes offset steeper housing costs

Pulaski County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the survey, reflecting urban demand and the median home value of $199,600. However, higher median household income of $60,385 makes these housing costs manageable despite the elevated percentage.

Pulaski County positioned for wealth building

Higher incomes in Pulaski County create stronger capacity for 401(k) contributions, home equity building, and investment portfolios. Residents should maximize retirement plan matching and explore real estate investing to capitalize on the county's economic momentum.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pulaski County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Challenges in Pulaski County

Pulaski County faces a total crime rate of 6014.3 per 100K, which is more than double the national average. This leads to a safety score of 90.5, the lowest among the reviewed Arkansas counties.

Pulaski Trailing State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 90.5 is significantly below the Arkansas state average of 96.3. With 18 reporting agencies, the county manages a crime volume much higher than the state average of 2326.8.

Comparing Pulaski and Saline Safety

Pulaski's crime rate of 6014.3 is nearly triple that of neighboring Saline County's 2279.2. This sharp divide highlights the specific safety challenges faced by the state's most populous county.

High Rates of Violent and Property Crimes

The violent crime rate is 1423.0 per 100K, nearly four times the national average. Property crime is even more prevalent at 4591.3, making security a primary concern for all residents.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Home Security

Given the high property crime rates, professional monitoring and alarm systems are highly recommended. Residents should also participate in neighborhood watch programs to increase collective security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pulaski County

via HealthByCounty

State's healthiest county profile

Pulaski County's 73.8-year life expectancy and 20.2% poor/fair health rate represent Arkansas's best outcomes, though still trailing the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's robust healthcare infrastructure—118 primary care and 528 mental health providers per 100,000—drives this regional advantage.

Clearly outperforms statewide average

Pulaski County's 73.8-year life expectancy exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, making it the healthiest county measured by longevity. Its provider density far surpasses every other county, reflecting Little Rock's role as the state's medical and economic hub.

Healthcare hub for entire region

Pulaski County's 118 primary care providers per 100,000 residents dwarf neighboring Prairie County's 12 and Saline County's 39. With 528 mental health providers per 100,000, it anchors behavioral health access for a multi-county region relying on Little Rock's medical centers.

Lowest uninsured rate, broadest access

At 9% uninsured—below Arkansas's 9.9% average—Pulaski County residents enjoy both strong coverage and abundant providers. However, healthcare costs and transportation challenges still limit access for low-income residents in the county's rural periphery.

Take advantage of local resources

Pulaski County's dense network of clinics, hospitals, and specialists makes enrollment and care navigation easier than most Arkansas counties. Visit your local health department or explore marketplace plans to ensure you're enrolled in the coverage that fits your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pulaski County

via SchoolsByCounty

The State's Largest Educational Hub

Pulaski County hosts a massive network of 127 public schools and 19 districts, serving over 61,000 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 65 elementary schools, 27 high schools, and 3 special education facilities.

Academic Challenges and High Spending

Despite the highest per-pupil spending in the region at $6,536, the county struggles with a 79.1% graduation rate, which is below the 87.0% national average. The composite school score of 46.8 also trails the state average of 51.9.

Little Rock District and Charter Diversity

The Little Rock School District is the largest provider, educating 21,456 students across 40 schools. Charter schools play a massive role here, making up 29.1% of all schools with 37 active campuses.

Urban Intensity and Massive Campuses

The school experience is largely urban, with 84 schools in city settings and 24 in suburbs. Large campuses define the area, headlined by Central High School with 2,338 students and Little Rock Southwest with 2,014.

Navigate the Complex Pulaski School Market

With a wide variety of charter, traditional, and special education options, Pulaski County offers unparalleled choice. Homebuyers should carefully research specific districts like Pulaski County Special School District to find the best fit for their needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pulaski County

via RiskByCounty

Pulaski County faces high risk

Pulaski County's composite risk score of 96.79 ranks it among the highest-risk counties in the nation, with a Relatively High rating that demands serious attention. Nearly every major hazard type tests well above average here.

Arkansas's riskiest county

Pulaski County's 96.79 score far exceeds Arkansas's state average of 55.51, making it the state's highest-risk county by a significant margin. This concentration of hazards is unmatched elsewhere in Arkansas.

Dramatically riskier than neighbors

Pulaski County (96.79) dwarfs nearby Saline County (77.64) and Randolph County (66.98) in risk exposure. Your location in central Arkansas's largest urban area creates a unique hazard density that surrounding rural counties don't face.

Tornadoes top a critical list

Tornado risk stands at 99.17—nearly the highest possible score—while earthquake risk (98.16) and flood risk (96.76) are equally alarming. Wildfire risk (71.82) and hurricane risk (71.76) round out a comprehensive hazard profile.

Maximum protection required

Invest immediately in a reinforced safe room or basement shelter rated for EF3+ tornadoes—non-negotiable in Pulaski County. Combine comprehensive homeowners and flood insurance, secure earthquake coverage, and maintain 30-day emergency supplies including water, medications, and cash in case infrastructure fails.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pulaski County

via WeatherByCounty

Pulaski County Trends Above National Averages

With an annual average temperature of 61.8°F, Pulaski County is consistently warmer than the national median. The region's 52.2 inches of annual rainfall also puts it well above the national precipitation average.

A Typical Arkansas Climate Profile

Pulaski County closely tracks the state average of 61.0°F with its own 61.8°F annual mark. Its precipitation of 52.2 inches is almost identical to the Arkansas statewide average of 52.4 inches.

Matching the Central Arkansas Pattern

Pulaski is slightly warmer than neighboring Saline County but features less annual rainfall. It experiences 73 extreme heat days, which is higher than most counties to its immediate west.

Dominant Summers and Damp Winters

Summer brings 73 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, peaking with a July average of 81.4°F. Winters are generally wet and mild, seeing only 2.9 inches of annual snowfall on average.

Preparing for Central Arkansas Weather

Reliable HVAC maintenance is critical to handle the 73 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should also invest in quality rain gear to manage the 52.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pulaski County

via SoilByCounty

Silty soils in the heart of Arkansas

Pulaski County features an average pH of 5.59, which is nearly identical to the state average of 5.56. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime for many garden favorites. The soil identity is defined by its position at the transition between the Ouachita Mountains and the Delta.

A silty profile with moderate clay

The soil is comprised of 48.4% silt and 32.6% sand, giving it a smooth, floury feel when dry. With 19.0% clay, this soil has a higher capacity for nutrient storage than sandier neighbors. This balanced silt-heavy mix provides a stable base for both urban development and agriculture.

Excellent water capacity despite low organic matter

The available water capacity is 0.155 in/in, which surpasses the state average of 0.148. However, organic matter is quite low at 1.58%, falling well below the state benchmark of 4.15%. This means the soil holds water well but needs supplemental compost to improve its biological health.

Variable drainage across the metro area

While a dominant drainage class is not specified, the county's high silt content often leads to moderate drainage speeds. In urban areas like Little Rock, compacted soils can behave like hydrologic group D, increasing runoff during storms. Proper landscaping can help manage this water and prevent local erosion.

Gardening in the zone 8a climate

The 8a hardiness zone allows Pulaski County residents to enjoy a long growing season with mild winters. A soil score of 34.0 indicates that while the soil is functional, it benefits greatly from active management. Whether you are planting a backyard garden or landscaping a park, this soil is ready for growth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pulaski County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Turf Conditions

Pulaski County poses a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 32.1, trailing the Arkansas state average of 37.3. While its Zone 8a status allows for diverse grass choices, the environmental factors make it harder than the national median of 50.0. Urban lawn care here requires extra attention to soil and water management.

High Heat and Significant Humidity

The county faces 73 days of extreme heat annually, well above the state average of 64 days. Although the 52.2 inches of annual rainfall is slightly higher than ideal, the 5,287 growing degree days fuel aggressive turf growth. Managing these factors requires a balance between sufficient watering and frequent mowing.

Acidic Soils with Significant Clay

Pulaski soil has a pH of 5.59 and a clay content of 19.0%, which can lead to compaction and drainage issues. The 32.6% sand content helps slightly, but regular aeration is recommended for heavy clay areas. Adding lime is essential to bring the acidic soil closer to the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range.

Protracted Drought Impacts Central Arkansas

With 30 weeks of drought in the last year and 95.9% of the county in severe drought, water conservation is vital. Smart controllers and drip irrigation can help maintain lawn health without excessive waste. Drought conditions have become a near-constant factor for local gardeners over the last 12 months.

Strategic Planting for Capital Lawns

The growing season begins after the final frost on March 21st, giving you plenty of time to establish warm-season grasses. Varieties like Zoysia and Bermuda are well-suited to handle the 73 days of extreme heat. Ensure your lawn is well-rooted before the first autumn frost hits on November 16th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pulaski County's county score?
Pulaski County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 29.1 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 Pulaski County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Pulaski County ranks #75 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 Pulaski County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Pulaski County is $1,562, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Pulaski County a tax score of 54.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pulaski County?
The median household income in Pulaski County, Arkansas is $60,385 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pulaski County earns an income score of 40.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pulaski County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Pulaski County scores 29.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Pulaski 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 Pulaski County with other counties side by side.

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