CountyScore

Sebastian County

Arkansas · AR

#70 in Arkansas
65.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Sebastian County, Arkansas

Sebastian scores above the national median

Sebastian County's composite score of 65.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties overall. This strong showing reflects a county that offers better-than-average livability across multiple dimensions, particularly tax burden and housing affordability.

Close to Arkansas's middle tier

With a score of 65.6, Sebastian County ranks slightly below the state average of 70.3, placing it in the middle range of Arkansas counties. While not the strongest performer in the state, it remains a solid choice for families seeking balanced livability.

Taxes and housing stand out

Sebastian County excels in two key livability pillars: an ultra-low effective tax rate of 0.651% (Tax Score: 84.0) and highly affordable housing with a median home value of $166,000 (Cost Score: 80.4). Renters also benefit, with median gross rent at just $854 per month.

Income growth lags significantly

The county's major constraint is income potential: a median household income of $56,450 yields an Income Score of just 20.2, well below state performance. Additionally, the Risk Score of 13.2 suggests exposure to economic or environmental vulnerabilities that warrant further investigation.

Best for budget-conscious homebuyers

Sebastian County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high wages. If you work remotely, have stable retirement income, or seek a lower cost of living, this county delivers strong value—though prospective residents should research economic stability before moving.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth60.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.2Risk13.2WaterComing Soon
🏛84
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Sebastian County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Francis County
Arkansas
65.6
Median income: $41,784
St. Joseph County
Indiana
65.6
Median income: $64,885
Bourbon County
Kansas
65.6
Median income: $67,555
Bossier Parish
Louisiana
65.6
Median income: $66,336
Pearl River County
Mississippi
65.6
Median income: $56,535

Deep Dives

Sebastian County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sebastian County

via TaxByCounty

Sebastian County taxes well below national norm

At 0.651%, Sebastian County's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.86%, putting homeowners here in the lower half nationally. The median property tax of $1,081 is less than 40% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a lower local rate and significantly lower home values.

Higher than most Arkansas counties

Sebastian County ranks among the higher-taxed counties in Arkansas, with an effective rate of 0.651% compared to the state average of 0.532%. Its median property tax of $1,081 exceeds the state median of $705, making it one of the pricier places to own property in Arkansas.

Most expensive in this Arkansas region

Sebastian County's 0.651% rate and $1,081 median tax substantially exceed nearby Sevier County (0.480%, $536) and Van Buren County (0.460%, $562). Among the eight-county cluster examined, Sebastian ranks third-highest in effective rate, reflecting its higher median home value of $166,000.

Expected annual tax on median home

A typical Sebastian County homeowner with a $166,000 property pays roughly $1,081 annually in property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages who don't claim homestead exemptions, that figure rises to approximately $1,234.

Your home may be overassessed

Many Arkansas homeowners are assessed above actual market value and have never appealed their appraisal. If your property tax bill seems high, requesting a professional reassessment from your county assessor could uncover savings—Sebastian County residents should verify their assessment reflects current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sebastian County

via CostByCounty

Sebastian stays near the national norm

Sebastian County renters spend 18.1% of their income on housing, matching the national average exactly. However, median household income here is $56,450—25% below the national median of $74,755—which means residents earn less while paying proportionally similar rents.

Right in the Arkansas middle

Sebastian County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average, placing it squarely in the middle of Arkansas affordability. At $854 monthly rent, it runs $94 above the state median, reflecting its larger city infrastructure in Fort Smith.

Higher costs, similar burdens

Sebastian County's $854 rent exceeds nearby Sevier County ($725) and Van Buren County ($727), yet residents here earn more—$56,450 versus Sevier's $51,641. This income advantage keeps the housing burden proportionally manageable despite steeper rents.

Split between rent and ownership

Renters pay $854 monthly while homeowners spend $831—nearly identical costs. With a median home value of $166,000 and median income of $56,450, Sebastian County offers balanced housing options for both renters and buyers.

Consider Sebastian for stability

If you're relocating to Arkansas, Sebastian County offers housing costs aligned with your income and the broader state market. Compare it to Washington County's higher costs ($1,005 rent) or Sevier County's lower prices to find your ideal fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sebastian County

via IncomeByCounty

Sebastian County's income gap

Sebastian County's median household income of $56,450 trails the national median of $74,755 by $18,305, or about 24 percent. This gap reflects Sebastian County's position in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties by household earnings, though the county performs above many rural peers.

A top earner in Arkansas

At $56,450, Sebastian County's median household income exceeds Arkansas's state average of $51,156 by $5,294. The county ranks among the stronger performers statewide, driven by its proximity to Fort Smith and a diversified employment base.

Outpacing regional peers

Sebastian County households earn $10,000 more than those in neighboring Van Buren County ($47,266) and nearly $15,000 more than Sharp County ($42,950). This income advantage reflects Sebastian's larger employment market and urban accessibility.

Housing is affordable here

At 18.1 percent, Sebastian County's rent-to-income ratio indicates healthy housing affordability—well below the 30 percent threshold that signals financial strain. With a median home value of $166,000, homeownership remains attainable for the typical household.

Build on income stability

Sebastian County's above-average state earnings position creates opportunity for wealth-building through retirement savings and homeownership. Focus on maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring down payment assistance programs to convert your income advantage into lasting assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Sebastian County

via HealthByCounty

Sebastian County lives longer than most

At 73.5 years, Sebastian County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years—though the gap reflects broader rural health challenges across the South. The county's 24.7% poor or fair health rate sits above the national average of 18%, signaling that while life expectancy is competitive, daily health struggles are common.

Outperforming Arkansas on longevity

Sebastian County's 73.5-year life expectancy edges ahead of Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, placing it in the stronger tier of health outcomes statewide. This advantage holds steady even as the county faces persistent challenges around chronic disease and preventable health conditions.

A health leader in its region

Sebastian County ranks among the healthiest in its area, with 73.5 years of life expectancy that outpaces nearby Sevier County (72.2 years) and matches Sharp County (73.0 years). Its 131 primary care providers per 100,000 residents far exceed rural neighbors like Sevier (44 per 100K), giving residents better access to preventive care.

Healthcare access still a daily hurdle

With an 11.4% uninsured rate—slightly above Arkansas's 9.9% average—over 1 in 10 Sebastian County residents lack coverage, making routine care harder to access. The county offers 392 mental health providers per 100,000, a strong supply that helps residents address behavioral and mental health needs, though primary care gaps remain.

Coverage options are worth exploring

If you're among the uninsured in Sebastian County, marketplace plans through healthcare.gov or Arkansas Medicaid may fit your budget and health needs. A quick eligibility check takes minutes and could unlock preventive care, mental health support, and financial protection—resources your county's providers are ready to deliver.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sebastian County

via RiskByCounty

Sebastian County faces above-average disaster risk

Sebastian County's composite risk score of 86.80 places it well above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate-risk area. This score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and wildfires. Residents here face notably higher natural disaster risk than most Americans.

Second-highest risk county in Arkansas

Sebastian County ranks second among Arkansas counties for overall disaster risk, with a composite score of 86.80 compared to the state average of 55.51. Only one Arkansas county faces greater combined hazard exposure. This elevated standing reflects the county's vulnerability to tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Sebastian County's risk score of 86.80 substantially exceeds that of neighboring Van Buren County (50.57) and Stone County (49.87). Even compared to nearby Crawford and Franklin counties, Sebastian faces considerably greater natural disaster exposure. This concentration of risk is driven by the county's tornado and wildfire susceptibility.

Tornadoes and wildfires pose greatest threats

Tornado risk in Sebastian County scores 94.24—among the highest in the nation—making severe convective storms your most pressing hazard. Wildfire risk scores 90.36, creating secondary but serious threats to homes and infrastructure. Together, these two hazards account for much of the county's elevated composite risk score.

Secure comprehensive coverage now

Sebastian County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with robust windstorm and hail coverage given the extreme tornado risk of 94.24. Consider separate wildfire insurance or endorsements, as standard policies often exclude or limit wildfire damage. Maintaining a safe room or shelter-in-place strategy is equally critical for tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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