countyscore
51
County Score
Property Tax 91.3Cost of Living 90.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Randolph County, Arkansas

Randolph County meets national baseline

Randolph County's composite score of 51.0 essentially matches the national median of 50.0, positioning it squarely in the middle of American livability rankings. This balance reflects a county with offsetting strengths and weaknesses.

Above-average Arkansas livability

Randolph County scores above the Arkansas state average of 47.9, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. This places residents in better conditions than much of rural Arkansas.

Exceptional tax and housing affordability

Randolph County ties for the lowest effective tax rate at 0.440% with a tax score of 91.3, and cost housing affordability is exceptional at 90.8. A median home value of $118,100 and median rent of $671 per month make this an outstanding option for budget-conscious households.

Health and income need serious improvement

The county faces a low health score of 24.0, the second-worst among these eight counties, and safety concerns are moderate at 15.0. Income (20.5) trails significantly, with median household income at $52,838, limiting economic opportunity for working families.

For retirees and frugal families seeking stability

Randolph County appeals to retirees and cost-conscious families prioritizing minimal taxes and ultra-affordable housing over robust healthcare or high wages. It's an excellent financial choice if you have income from sources outside the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax91.3Cost90.8Safety15Health24Schools38.6Income20.5Risk33Water86Weather61.5
🏛91.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
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

Lawrence County
Arkansas
51.8
Ripley County
Missouri
49.8
Sharp County
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65.6
Oregon County
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Craighead County
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Clay County
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Carter County
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Deep Dives

Randolph County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Randolph County

via TaxByCounty

Randolph County among lowest U.S. tax burdens

Randolph County's effective tax rate of 0.440% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, with residents paying just $519 annually versus $2,690 nationwide. This places Randolph alongside the most tax-favorable counties across the country.

Second-lowest taxes in Arkansas

Randolph County's 0.440% rate edges out most Arkansas peers, landing just above Scott County (0.411%) as the state's second-lowest effective tax rate. Homeowners pay roughly $186 less annually than the state average of 0.532%.

Nearly tied with lowest-tax peer

Randolph County's 0.440% rate virtually matches Scott County's 0.411%, making both counties the region's tax champions. Only Polk County (0.441%) comes close in the eight-county sample, creating a tight cluster of low-tax options.

Annual taxes on median Randolph home

A Randolph County home with a median value of $118,100 generates an estimated annual property tax of $519 without mortgage deductions, or $581 with them. Over 30 years, that amounts to roughly $15,570 in property taxes.

Verify you're getting fair market treatment

Even in low-tax counties, some assessments lag behind market reality or include errors that inflate your bill unnecessarily. Pull recent comparable sales in your neighborhood and file an appeal if your assessed value appears out of line.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Randolph County

via CostByCounty

Randolph renters enjoy solid affordability

Randolph County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing, comfortably below both the state average (18.1%) and well below the national level where affordability becomes strained. This ratio signals reliable housing security for typical renter households.

Randolph outperforms most of Arkansas

At 15.2%, Randolph County ranks among Arkansas's most affordable counties, beating the state average by nearly 3 percentage points. The median rent of $671 stays modestly above Prairie County's $637 but undercuts most peers.

Affordable rural gem with moderate rents

Randolph's $671 median rent trails only Prairie County ($637) among these eight counties, sitting well below Polk ($699), Pope ($855), and all urban options. For rural dwellers seeking services without urban price tags, Randolph delivers balanced value.

Housing remains manageable for residents

Randolph County households earn $52,838 annually, with renters paying $671/month (15.2% of income) and homeowners $533/month (12.1%). Both pathways consume minimal income, freeing substantial resources for other needs and financial stability.

Randolph delivers rural affordability

Consider Randolph County if you want rural living with strong affordability: median rent of $671 and homeowner costs of $533/month on $52,838 income. Compare these numbers to pricier Pope County ($855 rent) to see the rural cost advantage clearly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Randolph County

via IncomeByCounty

Randolph County earnings 29% below nation

Randolph County households earn a median of $52,838 annually, roughly 29% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects the county's rural economy and limited connection to major metropolitan job centers.

Randolph County slightly above state average

Randolph County's $52,838 median household income edges 3% above Arkansas's $51,156 state average. However, the per capita income of $27,416 falls below the state average of $28,096, suggesting income concentration among fewer households.

Randolph County in middle tier regionally

Randolph County's $52,838 median household income ranks fourth among the eight surveyed counties, above Polk, Prairie, and Scott/Searcy but below Pulaski and Saline. The county's stable agricultural base provides income consistency despite modest wage levels.

Excellent rent affordability supports saving

Randolph County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the region, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $118,100 is quite accessible, allowing most households to move into homeownership without financial strain.

Build rural wealth through steady investing

Randolph County's low housing costs create space for consistent savings and long-term wealth building. Residents should prioritize automatic transfers to savings accounts and low-cost index funds to compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Randolph County

via CrimeByCounty

Randolph County Mirrors National Averages

Randolph County reports a total crime rate of 2390.0 per 100K, nearly identical to the national average of 2385.5. It holds a solid safety score of 96.2.

Typical Public Safety for Arkansas

The county's safety score of 96.2 is almost perfectly aligned with the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 2326.8.

Safety Comparison with Nearby Counties

Randolph County experiences more crime than Searcy County, which has a much lower rate of 837.5. Three reporting agencies manage the county's public safety efforts across the region.

A Closer Look at Local Crime Types

Violent crime in Randolph County sits at 440.4 per 100K, while property crime is 1949.6. This property crime rate is slightly below the national average of 2015.7.

Smart Security for Randolph Residents

Since property crime is the primary concern, ensuring all windows and doors have sturdy locks is essential. Adding a visible security sign can act as a simple but effective deterrent for intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Randolph County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy and health at risk

Randolph County residents live to 72.1 years on average, nearly 7 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in four residents (26%) report poor or fair health, signaling significant chronic disease burden in this rural community.

Below Arkansas average, struggling

Randolph County's 72.1-year life expectancy places it slightly below Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, cementing its position among the state's less healthy counties. Its 26% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state median, indicating concentrated health challenges.

Moderate provider access locally

Randolph County's 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed Prairie County's critical shortage but fall well below Pulaski County's 118. Mental health services at 116 providers per 100,000 suggest reasonable behavioral health support for a rural county.

One in ten lack health insurance

An estimated 10.4% of Randolph County residents remain uninsured, slightly above Arkansas's 9.9% rate. Limited primary care capacity forces many to delay preventive care and rely on emergency services for acute illness.

Don't delay getting covered

If you're among the 10.4% uninsured in Randolph County, Arkansas Medicaid expansion and marketplace insurance can provide essential coverage. Contact your county health department or visit healthcare.gov to explore plans and enrollment support.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Randolph County

via SchoolsByCounty

Randolph County's Rural School Framework

Randolph County serves 2,587 students through seven public schools managed by three districts. The landscape includes a balanced mix of two elementary, two middle, and three high schools.

Solid Performance Above State Benchmarks

The county maintains a strong 91.7% graduation rate, outperforming both state and national averages. With a school score of 52.3 and spending of $6,013 per pupil, the county provides competitive educational quality.

Pocahontas District Anchors the County

The Pocahontas School District is the primary educator, serving 2,004 students across four schools. The remaining students are largely within the Maynard School District, and there are currently no charter schools in the county.

A Traditional Town and Country Feel

Education is split between five rural schools and two town locales, with an average enrollment of 431 students. Alma Spikes Elementary is the largest school with 645 students, providing a central hub for early education.

Settle Near Top-Performing Rural Districts

Randolph County offers a stable, high-performing educational environment with graduation rates nearly five points above the national average. Look for homes in the Pocahontas area to take advantage of the county's largest and most established district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Randolph County

via RiskByCounty

Randolph County above average

Randolph County's composite risk score of 66.98 exceeds the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating overall. The score reflects significant exposure to certain hazards, particularly earthquakes and tornadoes.

Moderate risk for Arkansas

At 66.98, Randolph County ranks above Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it in the riskier half of state counties. However, it remains well below Pulaski County's extreme exposure.

Higher risk in northeast cluster

Randolph County (66.98) exceeds Prairie County (41.38) but trails Pulaski County (96.79) and Saline County (77.64). Your northeastern Arkansas location puts you between safer western counties and the state's highest-risk urban center.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Earthquake risk reaches 92.40, the county's critical vulnerability, while tornado risk (77.80) presents significant spring threat. Flood risk (45.52) and wildfire risk (40.04) are notably lower, giving you some relief on those fronts.

Earthquake and storm protection

Prioritize earthquake coverage in your homeowners policy and secure all furniture and appliances to walls to prevent collapse during shaking. Establish a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter area, and consider a weather radio that alerts you to both earthquake and severe weather warnings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Randolph County

via WeatherByCounty

Randolph County Offers a Cooler Subtropical Climate

Randolph County’s 58.5°F average annual temperature is closer to the national median than many of its southern neighbors. It maintains a humid climate with over 51 inches of annual precipitation.

One of the State's Cooler Counties

At 58.5°F, Randolph County is significantly cooler than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. This northern location results in more winter activity, including 6.3 inches of annual snow compared to the state's typical light dusting.

Cooler and Snowier Than Central Arkansas

Compared to Pulaski County, Randolph is over three degrees cooler on average and receives more than double the snowfall. It also sees far fewer extreme heat days, totaling just 51 per year.

Pronounced Winters and Shorter Heat Waves

January temperatures average a chilly 35.7°F, contributing to the 6.3 inches of annual snowfall. Summer heat is less oppressive than elsewhere in the state, with 51 days reaching 90°F.

Winter Preparedness is Key

Homeowners should prioritize insulation and heating efficiency to handle the 35.7°F January lows. While heat is still a factor, the focus here is more balanced between summer cooling and winter snow management.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Randolph County

via SoilByCounty

Resilient Ultisols of the Ozark foothills

Randolph County's soil is defined by the Ultisols order and a pH of 5.67, which is the highest in this regional group. While still more acidic than the national 6.5 median, it is slightly more alkaline than the Arkansas state average. The dominant texture is a gravelly fine sandy loam, indicating a rocky but productive landscape.

Silty loam with a gravelly kick

This soil contains a high silt content of 49.2%, paired with 28.1% sand and 15.9% clay. The presence of gravel provides natural macropores that allow for air and water movement. This composition creates a soil that is easy to till and resistant to excessive compaction.

Superior organic matter and water storage

Randolph County boasts an impressive 6.46% organic matter, far exceeding the state average of 4.15%. Its available water capacity of 0.150 in/in also beats the state benchmark, making it one of the most fertile areas in the region. This high organic content acts as a natural sponge and fertilizer for crops.

Well-drained land for diverse uses

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This group is characterized by moderate infiltration rates, making the land ideal for farming and stable for building foundations. It effectively manages rainfall, reducing the risk of standing water and root rot.

Thriving in hardiness zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone is slightly cooler than southern Arkansas, making it perfect for cool-season crops and hardy perennials. With a high soil score of 53.3, this is some of the best land in the state for a thriving home garden. Your local soil has the organic power to grow a legendary harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Randolph County

via LawnByCounty

A Strong Start in Zone 7b

Randolph County enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 40.9, making it easier to maintain than the state average of 37.3. As one of the few Zone 7b counties in this group, it faces a slightly cooler climate that many grasses prefer. While still tougher than the national median, it offers a relatively favorable environment for Arkansas.

Moderate Heat and Consistent Rainfall

With only 51 extreme heat days, Randolph is much cooler than the state average of 64 days. The 51.5 inches of annual precipitation is just above the ideal range, supporting steady growth without the stress of extreme temperatures. Mowing needs are driven by a healthy 4,579 growing degree days throughout the season.

Well-Drained Gravelly Loam Soils

The county features well-drained gravelly fine sandy loam, which provides an excellent physical foundation for turf roots. However, the pH of 5.67 remains acidic, requiring soil amendments to optimize nutrient uptake. The mix of 28.1% sand and 15.9% clay allows for superior drainage compared to heavier state soils.

Severe Drought Despite Better Drainage

Every acre of Randolph County is currently in severe drought after 30 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. Because well-drained soils lose moisture quickly, consistent watering is crucial during these prolonged dry spells. Focus on soaking the soil deeply once or twice a week rather than light daily misting.

Maximize the Zone 7b Window

The spring frost usually clears by March 31st, signaling the start of the primary growing window. Zoysia and Bermuda remain top choices, though some transition-zone cool-season grasses may survive with proper care. Aim to finish major seeding projects before the first frost arrives on November 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Randolph County's county score?
Randolph County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 51 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 Randolph County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Randolph County ranks #30 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 Randolph County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Randolph County is $519, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Randolph County a tax score of 91.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Randolph County?
The median household income in Randolph County, Arkansas is $52,838 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Randolph County earns an income score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Randolph County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Randolph County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Randolph 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 Randolph 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.