countyscore
44
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 79.4Property Tax 70.8

County Report Card

About Saline County, Arkansas

Saline County undershoots national median

Saline County's composite score of 44.0 falls below the national median of 50.0, though the gap is smaller than some peers. This score reflects a county with specific strengths that don't fully compensate for other weaknesses.

Below-average livability within Arkansas

Saline County scores below the Arkansas state average of 47.9, ranking among the less livable counties statewide. Residents face greater overall livability challenges than typical Arkansas communities.

Income and health stand out strongly

Saline County boasts the highest income score among these eight counties at 79.4, with a median household income of $76,534—substantially above state and national norms. Health outcomes also perform well at 59.0, and water quality (86.0) supports resident wellbeing.

Housing costs and safety lag significantly

Housing affordability is strained with a cost score of just 29.8 and a median home value of $211,700, the highest among these eight counties. Safety (16.5) and risk (22.4) are concerning, offsetting the financial advantages of high incomes.

For affluent families seeking suburban comfort

Saline County suits higher-earning professionals and families who can afford its expensive housing and don't require the cheapest cost of living. You're paying more for established neighborhoods, good health services, and proximity to economic opportunity, though safety remains a consideration.

Score breakdown

Tax70.8Cost29.8Safety16.5Health59Schools40.6Income79.4Risk22.4Water86Weather59.1
🏛70.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.8
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

Pulaski County
Arkansas
29.1
Perry County
Arkansas
56.3
Garland County
Arkansas
38.6
Grant County
Arkansas
56.2
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
51
Faulkner County
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Conway County
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49.5
Lonoke County
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Deep Dives

Saline County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Saline County

via TaxByCounty

Saline County taxes modest by U.S. standards

Saline County's effective tax rate of 0.631% remains well below the national median, with residents paying $1,335 annually versus $2,690 nationally. This ranks Saline in roughly the bottom 20% of U.S. counties for property tax pressure.

Above-average but not extreme for Arkansas

Saline County's 0.631% rate exceeds Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 75 counties. Residents pay roughly $630 more per year than the typical Arkansan.

Second-highest rate in regional sample

Saline County's 0.631% rate trails only Pulaski County's 0.783% in the eight-county sample, making it the second-most expensive option by tax rate. However, its higher median home value of $211,700 means dollar bills that reflect both rate and property wealth.

Tax bill on typical Saline home

A Saline County home valued at $211,700 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,335 without mortgage benefits, or $1,422 with them. Over 30 years, that's roughly $40,050 in cumulative property taxes.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

High-value properties like those common in Saline County can accumulate significant tax savings through successful reassessment appeals. If recent comparable sales suggest your home's assessed value is too high, file a formal challenge with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Saline County

via CostByCounty

Saline County beats national affordability norms

Saline County renters spend 15.4% of income on housing, well below the national average and indicating strong affordability despite higher absolute rents. This favorable ratio reflects Saline's above-average household income of $76,534—the highest in this dataset.

Saline ranks best by income-adjusted standards

While Saline's median rent of $980 is the second-highest here, its 15.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average (18.1%) thanks to significantly higher local earnings. Saline residents earn roughly $22,000 more annually than the state median household.

Premium rents offset by premium incomes

Saline County's $980 rent ranks high—exceeded only by Pulaski's $1,036—yet affordability remains excellent due to median income of $76,534. This creates a market where higher-earning households secure modern housing without affordability strain, unlike lower-income Pulaski renters.

Higher incomes absorb higher housing costs

Saline County residents earn $76,534 annually, with renters spending $980/month (15.4% of income) and homeowners $1,024/month (16.1%). Despite the highest absolute housing costs alongside Pulaski, Saline's income level ensures manageable affordability ratios.

Saline for upscale affordability

Relocating to Saline County makes sense if your income approaches or exceeds the $76,534 median—you'll enjoy newer homes (median value $211,700) with solid affordability. Compare your expected salary to Pulaski's $60,385 median: if you exceed Saline's baseline, housing feels truly affordable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Saline County

via IncomeByCounty

Saline County nearly meets national income

Saline County's median household income of $76,534 is among the highest in Arkansas, just 2% above the national median of $74,755. This strong performance reflects the county's proximity to Little Rock and diversified economic base including manufacturing and professional services.

Saline County tops all surveyed counties

At $76,534, Saline County's median household income is 50% above Arkansas's $51,156 state average—the strongest performance among all eight counties surveyed. The per capita income of $38,149 also leads the region at 36% above the state average.

Saline County regional income champion

Saline County's $76,534 median household income decisively outpaces all neighbors, including Pulaski County ($60,385) and Pope County ($54,606). This advantage reflects Saline's explosive growth as a suburban job hub drawing commuters from Little Rock and beyond.

Strong incomes offset rising home values

Saline County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio remains very favorable despite the county's median home value of $211,700—the highest in the survey. Robust household incomes comfortably support both rental and mortgage obligations.

Saline County residents positioned for growth

With median household income nearing national levels, Saline County families have robust capacity for aggressive retirement saving, investment diversification, and real estate wealth building. Residents should work with financial advisors to optimize tax-advantaged strategies and long-term asset allocation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Saline County

via CrimeByCounty

Saline County Scores High on Safety

Saline County earns a safety score of 96.4, beating both state and national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 2279.2 per 100K is lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Above Average Safety in Arkansas

The county's safety score of 96.4 is better than the Arkansas average of 96.3. Local agencies maintain a crime rate that is lower than the statewide figure of 2326.8.

A Safer Alternative to Little Rock

Saline County is much safer than neighboring Pulaski County, where the crime rate is 6014.3. This makes Saline a popular choice for those seeking a more secure environment near the capital.

Low Violent Crime Rates Stand Out

The violent crime rate is just 264.5 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is 2014.7 per 100K, which is nearly identical to the national standard.

Securing Your Saline County Residence

With violent crime being rare, property protection should be your main focus. Motion-sensing lights and secure garage doors are effective ways to prevent opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Saline County

via HealthByCounty

Arkansas's longest-living residents

Saline County's 75.5-year life expectancy ranks among the state's highest, though still 3.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 17.2% report poor or fair health—the county's standout advantage—reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Clear statewide health leader

Saline County's 75.5-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, making it one of the state's healthiest counties by longevity. Its 17.2% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among the eight counties profiled.

Competitive regional healthcare

Saline County's 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents trail Pulaski County's 118 but exceed rural neighbors like Prairie County's 12. With 162 mental health providers per 100,000, it offers solid behavioral health infrastructure for a non-urban county.

Lowest uninsured rate in profile

Only 8.2% of Saline County residents lack health insurance—the lowest among the eight counties and well below Arkansas's 9.9% average. This strong coverage, combined with reasonable provider availability, translates into consistent preventive care and disease management.

Maintain your health coverage

Saline County's success reflects strong insurance uptake; if you're uninsured, enrollment is easy through Arkansas's marketplace or Medicaid. Keeping coverage current ensures access to the preventive care and specialists that drive this county's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Saline County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rapidly Growing Suburban School System

Saline County manages 31 public schools across five districts, educating a large population of 19,876 students. The system is heavily weighted toward primary education with 16 elementary schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

Saline County achieves a standout 93.1% graduation rate despite having the lowest per-pupil spending in this group at $5,415. The school score of 51.7 is essentially tied with the state average, showing high efficiency.

The Powerhouse Bryant and Benton Districts

Bryant School District is the largest, serving 9,766 students across 12 schools, while Benton School District supports 5,904 students. Only one charter school exists, making up just 3.2% of the county's school inventory.

Suburban Life and Large Student Bodies

With 20 schools in suburban locales, students experience the largest average school size in the region at 663. Bryant High School is the county's largest campus, hosting a massive 2,199 students.

Discover Suburban Excellence in Saline

For families seeking a suburban lifestyle with high-performing schools, Saline County is a premier choice. High graduation rates and large, well-resourced districts like Bryant and Benton make this a top home-buying destination.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Saline County

via RiskByCounty

Saline County's elevated risk

Saline County's composite risk score of 77.64 sits well above the national average, though it carries a Relatively Low overall rating. Multiple hazard types here cluster above typical U.S. levels, demanding proactive preparation.

Above average for Arkansas

At 77.64, Saline County ranks well above Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the state's riskier counties. Only Pulaski County exceeds this exposure significantly.

Riskier than most neighbors

Saline County (77.64) exceeds Polk County (46.12) and Prairie County (41.38) but closely mirrors Pope County (77.83). Your central Arkansas location concentrates multiple natural disaster risks alongside a growing population.

Tornadoes and earthquakes lead

Tornado risk reaches 89.06 while earthquake risk stands at 89.25, making these your co-equal primary threats. Flood risk (74.90) is also substantial, creating a triple hazard that demands serious attention.

Triple-threat insurance strategy

Ensure your homeowners policy covers earthquakes, wind/hail from tornadoes, and flood damage—separate policies may be needed for flood and earthquake. Create a detailed tornado shelter plan with a basement or interior room, maintain 72 hours of emergency supplies, and review your earthquake preparedness annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Saline County

via WeatherByCounty

Saline County Sees High Heat and Rain

The county's 61.3°F annual average temperature sits well above the national median. With 55.1 inches of rain, it is significantly wetter than the average American county.

Exceeding State Rainfall Norms

Saline County is one of the wetter spots in the state, receiving 55.1 inches of rain compared to the Arkansas average of 52.4. Its average temperature of 61.3°F is slightly warmer than the state baseline of 61.0°F.

Wetter Than Nearby Pulaski County

While sharing a similar temperature profile with Pulaski, Saline receives nearly three inches more rain annually. It also experiences slightly fewer extreme heat days, recording 62 per year.

Long Summers and Wet Winters

The area endures 62 days above 90°F, with July temperatures averaging a warm 81.2°F. Winter is characterized more by rain than snow, with only 2.1 inches of snowfall recorded annually.

Focus on Drainage and Cooling

With over 55 inches of annual rain, proper property drainage and gutter maintenance are essential for residents. High humidity and 62 days of extreme heat also require efficient air conditioning systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Saline County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic Ultisols in Saline County

Saline County has an average pH of 5.15, making it the most acidic soil in this group and far below the national median of 6.5. These Ultisols are heavily weathered and typically low in natural bases like calcium. The dominant texture is a versatile loam that serves as the foundation for the local ecosystem.

A balanced loam with high silt

The soil is 45.5% silt and 40.2% sand, creating a loam that balances drainage with moisture retention. Only 14.3% of the soil is clay, which helps prevent the ground from becoming too sticky or heavy when wet. This mix is generally considered the 'gold standard' for workability in gardening.

Low organic matter requires active care

Organic matter is quite low at 1.38%, falling significantly short of the state average of 4.15%. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.149 in/in, which is right on par with the state benchmark. This indicates that while the soil can hold moisture, it lacks the carbon-rich nutrients necessary for peak plant health.

Well-drained soil with steady infiltration

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group B, these soils handle water efficiently. They allow for moderate infiltration, which protects plants from drowning during Arkansas's heavy spring rains. This drainage class also makes the county's land favorable for various construction projects.

Mastering the soil in zone 8a

Saline County's 8a hardiness zone is perfect for heat-loving vegetables, provided you amend the acidic soil. The low soil score of 19.9 highlights the need for lime and organic fertilizers to unlock the land's potential. With a little effort, your loam soil can become a powerhouse for your backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Saline County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in Saline

Saline County presents one of the biggest challenges in the state with a lawn difficulty score of 26.8. This is significantly harder than the Arkansas average of 37.3 and nearly half the national median of 50.0. Success requires diligent management of water and soil chemistry.

Significant Rain and Sustained Heat

The county receives 55.1 inches of rain annually, which is well above the ideal 30-50 inch range for turfgrass. Paired with 62 extreme heat days and 5,153 growing degree days, these conditions create high humidity and rapid growth. Lawns here are often subject to fungal issues and heavy mowing schedules.

Very Acidic Loams Need Treatment

A soil pH of 5.15 makes Saline one of the most acidic counties in the region, far below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0. While the soil is a well-drained loam with 40.2% sand, the low pH can severely stunt grass growth. Extensive liming is almost always required to correct this chemistry and support a healthy lawn.

Facing Constant Severe Drought Pressure

The county is currently 100% in severe drought, having faced 30 weeks of drought conditions in the past year. The well-drained loam soil means moisture disappears fast when the rain stops. Utilizing water-efficient warm-season grasses and keeping them tall will help the soil retain what little water is available.

Wait for Late March Growth

Your planting window opens after the last frost on March 28th for this Zone 8a region. Given the high acidity and heat, choose the most resilient cultivars of Bermuda or St. Augustine available. Establish your turf quickly so it can withstand the heat before the November 8th frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saline County's county score?
Saline County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 44 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 Saline County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Saline County ranks #50 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 Saline County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Saline County is $1,335, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Saline County a tax score of 70.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Saline County?
The median household income in Saline County, Arkansas is $76,534 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Saline County earns an income score of 79.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Saline County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Saline County scores 44/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Saline 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 Saline 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.