Sevier County's composite score of 68.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it well above typical U.S. counties. This elevated score reflects particularly strong performance in affordability and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Competitive with the state average
At 68.9, Sevier County falls just below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It represents a solid, above-average livability option within Arkansas.
3 / 5
Among Arkansas's most tax-friendly
Sevier County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of this group at 0.480% (Tax Score: 88.8) and exceptional housing affordability with median home values of just $111,700 (Cost Score: 87.3). Renters enjoy median gross rent of only $725 per month.
4 / 5
Incomes remain modest, health needs attention
Median household income of $51,641 produces an Income Score of 17.1, limiting wealth-building potential. The Health Score of 52.9 also trails state expectations, suggesting residents may face barriers to quality healthcare access.
5 / 5
Ideal for frugal, self-sufficient households
Sevier County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families with stable outside income seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden. Its combination of low taxes and low housing costs makes it exceptional for those who can work around modest local incomes.
Sevier County's composite score of 68.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it well above typical U.S. counties. This elevated score reflects particularly strong performance in affordability and tax efficiency.
Competitive with the state average
At 68.9, Sevier County falls just below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It represents a solid, above-average livability option within Arkansas.
Among Arkansas's most tax-friendly
Sevier County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of this group at 0.480% (Tax Score: 88.8) and exceptional housing affordability with median home values of just $111,700 (Cost Score: 87.3). Renters enjoy median gross rent of only $725 per month.
Incomes remain modest, health needs attention
Median household income of $51,641 produces an Income Score of 17.1, limiting wealth-building potential. The Health Score of 52.9 also trails state expectations, suggesting residents may face barriers to quality healthcare access.
Ideal for frugal, self-sufficient households
Sevier County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families with stable outside income seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden. Its combination of low taxes and low housing costs makes it exceptional for those who can work around modest local incomes.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.480%, Sevier County's effective tax rate ranks in the lowest 10% nationally, well below the 0.86% national median. The median property tax of just $536 represents only 20% of the national median, making this among the most tax-friendly counties in America for property owners.
Lightest tax load in Arkansas
Sevier County's 0.480% effective rate is substantially below Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, ranking it among the lowest-taxed counties in the state. Its median property tax of $536 is notably lower than the state median of $705.
Second-lowest among eight regional counties
Sevier County's 0.480% rate edges out only Stone County (0.353%) in this eight-county comparison. At $536 median tax, Sevier homeowners pay less than most neighbors, with only St. Francis County and Sharp County approaching similar affordability.
Expected annual tax on median home
A typical Sevier County homeowner with a $111,700 property pays approximately $536 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay around $641, while owners without mortgages pay closer to $476.
Even low assessments can be challenged
Even in an affordable county like Sevier, some homeowners still carry overassessed properties from years past. Requesting a reassessment is free and can only lower or maintain your tax bill—it's worth checking if your $111,700 median-value property is accurately assessed.
Sevier County renters spend just 16.9% of income on housing, beating the national average of 18.1%. At $725 monthly rent against a $51,641 median household income, this rural county delivers housing deals that rival much wealthier regions.
Most affordable in Arkansas
Sevier County leads Arkansas with a 16.9% rent-to-income ratio, well below the state average of 18.1%. Its $725 median rent is the lowest in this county set, making it a standout choice for budget-conscious Arkansans.
The bargain of the region
Sevier County undercuts all nearby counties on rent: $725 versus Sharp County's $648, Van Buren's $727, and Union County's $825. Despite lower income ($51,641), residents here pay the least and enjoy the best affordability ratios.
Renting beats buying here
Renters in Sevier County pay $725 monthly while homeowners spend $536—a significant gap favoring owners. With a median home value of $111,700, buying becomes an attractive long-term option for those who can save.
Sevier is the affordability winner
Sevier County offers the best rent-to-income ratio in this region at 16.9%, making it ideal for remote workers or retirees seeking low housing costs. You'll stretch your paycheck further here than nearly anywhere else in Arkansas.
Sevier County's median household income of $51,641 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by nearly $23,000, or 31 percent. The county faces significant income challenges relative to the broader U.S. economy.
Just barely above state average
Sevier County's $51,641 median household income nearly matches Arkansas's state average of $51,156, making it a middle-of-the-pack performer among state counties. The county reflects broader economic patterns common to rural southwestern Arkansas.
Income compressed across region
Sevier County's households earn roughly $5,000 more than those in neighboring Sharp County ($42,950) but about $5,200 less than Sebastian County ($56,450). The region shows relatively compressed income levels across rural communities.
Housing costs manageable
Sevier County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9 percent indicates solid housing affordability, the strongest in the region. At a median home value of $111,700, housing remains within reach for typical households.
Leverage modest income wisely
Sevier County households should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring employer retirement plans to maximize limited income growth opportunities. Consider local credit unions and financial literacy programs to strengthen money management and wealth accumulation.
Sevier County's 72.2-year life expectancy sits slightly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting deeper health challenges across the county. At 27.3% reporting poor or fair health, Sevier residents face one of the highest rates of chronic disease burden in the region—50% higher than the national average.
Below Arkansas average on multiple fronts
Sevier County's 72.2-year life expectancy falls just short of Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, placing it among the weaker performers statewide. The county's 27.3% poor or fair health rate ranks well above the state trend, signaling concentrated healthcare challenges.
Fewer doctors, more health struggles
Sevier County's 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank lowest among its neighbors—less than a third of Sebastian County's 131 per 100K. This provider shortage compounds the county's 27.3% poor or fair health rate, making timely preventive care harder to secure.
Uninsured rate drives delayed care
At 15.5%, Sevier County's uninsured rate is the highest in the region and 56% above the state average of 9.9%—meaning nearly 1 in 6 residents lack coverage. With only 64 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health services are also scarce, leaving many residents to manage stress, depression, and anxiety without professional support.
Enrollment can break the care barrier
Sevier County's high uninsured rate reflects cost and access challenges that Medicaid expansion and marketplace subsidies are designed to solve. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services to explore plans that fit your income—coverage can mean the difference between managing health at home and facing a crisis.
Sevier County's composite risk score of 64.95 sits below the national average, earning a relatively low-risk designation. While still experiencing meaningful hazard exposure, this county is among the safer areas in America for natural disasters. The score reflects moderate but manageable risks across several hazard types.
Below-average risk within Arkansas
Sevier County scores 64.95 on composite risk, meaningfully lower than Arkansas's state average of 55.51—placing it in the safer half of state counties. However, this represents the upper end of the 'relatively low' category statewide. Sevier ranks roughly in the middle tier for Arkansas disaster risk.
Comparable risk to nearby counties
Sevier County's risk profile of 64.95 is similar to Sharp County (68.07) and moderately higher than Union County (53.88). The county faces somewhat greater tornado exposure than its western neighbors but less wildfire risk than southern adjacent areas. Regional disaster risks are relatively consistent across this portion of Arkansas.
Tornadoes and earthquakes drive risk profile
Tornado risk in Sevier County scores 63.55, creating the primary severe weather threat residents face. Earthquake risk of 61.70 presents a secondary but notable concern for structural safety. Wildfire risk is moderate at 58.05, requiring awareness but not extreme precaution.
Ensure tornado and earthquake preparedness
Sevier County homeowners should maintain adequate coverage for wind and hail damage tied to tornado events with a risk score of 63.55. Earthquake insurance is worth evaluating given the 61.70 earthquake risk score—it's often available as an affordable add-on. Establishing a family emergency plan and shelter-in-place strategy will maximize safety during severe weather.