countyscore
36.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 81.6Cost of Living 73.2

County Report Card

About St. Francis County, Arkansas

St. Francis County trails national livability

St. Francis County's composite score of 36.9 falls 26% below the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the lower quartile nationally. This gap reflects significant livability challenges across multiple dimensions.

Below Arkansas state average

St. Francis County scores 36.9 against Arkansas's 47.9 average, placing it among the state's weaker performers. The county faces steeper livability headwinds than most Arkansas counties.

Tax efficiency and cost benefit residents

St. Francis County offers a tax score of 81.6 with an effective rate of 0.540%, providing good tax relief for residents. Housing costs remain affordable, with median rents at $791/month and homes at $87,700.

Safety, schools, and income are critical gaps

St. Francis County faces severe safety challenges with a score of 2.8, and school quality is among the weakest statewide at 10.6. Median household income of $41,784 is the second-lowest in this group.

High-risk choice for budget movers

St. Francis County appeals primarily to retirees or remote workers prioritizing ultra-low costs over community services and safety. Families with school-age children and those concerned about personal safety should weigh the county's profile carefully.

2040608010081.673.22.816.210.64.125.38655.5Tax81.6Cost73.2Safety2.8Health16.2Schools10.6Income4.1Risk25.3Water86Weather55.536.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

St. Francis County DNA

Foverall

How St. Francis County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

St. Francis County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (81.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (2.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.6+29.599999999999994
Cost
73.2+25.200000000000003
Safety
2.8-52.2
Health
16.2-33.8
Schools
10.6-43.4
Income
4.1-46.9
Risk
25.3-21.7
Water
86+28
Weather
55.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$87,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$791/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$87,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,784/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Los Angeles County
California
Median income: $87,760
36.9
Bay County
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Median income: $70,188
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Warren County
North Carolina
Median income: $45,279
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Jackson County
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Texas County
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Median income: $59,275
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Chittenden County
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Median income: $94,310
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Colonial Heights city
Virginia
Median income: $76,250
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Lynchburg city
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Median income: $59,808
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Nearby counties

Lee County
Arkansas
42.1
Cross County
Arkansas
41.4
Woodruff County
Arkansas
57.6
Monroe County
Arkansas
49.1
Tunica County
Mississippi
36.4
Crittenden County
Arkansas
32.3
Poinsett County
Arkansas
43.7
Prairie County
Arkansas
51.1

Deep Dives

St. Francis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in St. Francis County

via TaxByCounty

St. Francis County offers affordable property taxes

St. Francis County's 0.540% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.86%, placing it in the lower third of US counties. The median property tax of $474 represents only 18% of the national median, making this an exceptionally affordable place to own property.

Right at Arkansas average

St. Francis County's 0.540% effective rate nearly matches Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, making it representative of typical Arkansas tax burden. Its median property tax of $474 falls notably below the state median of $705.

Lowest-taxed county in this region

St. Francis County's $474 median property tax is the lowest among the eight counties examined, with an effective rate of 0.540% that beats most regional neighbors. Only Sevier County (0.480%) and Stone County (0.353%) offer lower effective rates, but their higher home values mean St. Francis offers the best raw-dollar bargain.

Expected annual tax on median home

A typical St. Francis County homeowner with an $87,700 property pays approximately $474 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay around $510, while non-mortgage owners pay closer to $443.

Verify your assessment even at low rates

St. Francis County's affordability is no reason to skip a reassessment check—even modest overassessments add up over time. Request a professional appraisal from your assessor to confirm your $87,700 property value reflects current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Francis County

via CostByCounty

St. Francis struggles with affordability

St. Francis County renters spend 22.7% of income on housing—4.6 percentage points above the national average. With a median income of just $41,784, this represents the tightest squeeze in the region, leaving residents with less discretionary income.

Least affordable in Arkansas

St. Francis County's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds the Arkansas average of 18.1%, making it the least affordable county in this analysis. At $791 monthly rent on $41,784 income, residents dedicate a disproportionate share to housing.

Expensive rents, tight incomes

St. Francis County's $791 rent ranks among the highest in this set while incomes rank among the lowest at $41,784. The combination creates the region's worst affordability crisis, with renters paying more while earning less than most peers.

Rent dominates the budget

Renters pay $791 monthly while homeowners spend $617, a $174 gap favoring ownership. With median home value at just $87,700—the lowest in the region—buying could provide relief for those able to secure financing.

St. Francis demands careful planning

St. Francis County's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio signals tight affordability; consider it only if your income exceeds the county median or if homeownership is immediately feasible. Compare costs to Sevier (16.9%) or Sevier (16.9%) for perspective.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Francis County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Francis County income gap widens

St. Francis County's median household income of $41,784 trails the national median of $74,755 by over $33,000, or 44 percent. The county faces one of the steepest income challenges relative to national benchmarks.

Among state's lowest earners

At $41,784, St. Francis County's median household income falls nearly $10,000 below Arkansas's state average of $51,156. The county represents one of the economically challenged regions within the state.

Struggling compared to peers

St. Francis County households earn roughly $10,000 less than Union County ($50,221) and nearly $15,000 less than Sevier County ($51,641). The county's income position reflects limited employment opportunities and agricultural dependence.

Housing costs strain budgets

At 22.7 percent, St. Francis County's rent-to-income ratio is among the highest regionally, signaling housing cost pressure despite the lowest baseline income. With a median home value of $87,700, affordability is technically accessible but leaves little financial margin.

Invest in opportunity creation

St. Francis County residents should prioritize skills development and educational attainment to expand career options and earning potential. Community organizations and workforce programs offer pathways to higher-paying employment; aggressive pursuit of these opportunities is essential for wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Francis County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Rates than National Average

St. Francis County reports a total crime rate of 4,149.1 per 100K, which is 74% higher than the national average. This activity level results in a safety score of 93.4.

Below State Safety Score Average

The county's safety score trails the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Its violent crime rate of 1,512.7 per 100K is roughly triple the state average of 517.8.

More Active than Regional Neighbors

St. Francis sees significantly more crime than nearby Washington County, which reports a rate of 2,326.0. Four agencies work to manage a landscape that is more intense than its rural neighbors.

Violent Crime a Primary Concern

While property crime accounts for 2,636.4 incidents per 100K, the violent crime rate of 1,512.7 is unusually high. Residents face a statistically higher risk of physical incidents than the national norm.

Invest in Home Protection

Increased home security and active neighborhood communication are vital in this high-activity area. Security cameras and reinforced entry points help mitigate local property risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in St. Francis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Town-Centered Schools for the Community

St. Francis County features eight public schools serving a total of 2,934 students within three districts. The system is comprised of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools. Most of these facilities are situated in town settings, serving as central hubs for local families.

Lower Expenditures and Graduation Challenges

The county faces funding challenges with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,314, which is below the Arkansas average of $6,160. This is reflected in a graduation rate of 83.3% and a composite school score of 46.4, both of which fall below national benchmarks. These metrics highlight an area where educators are working to improve outcomes with limited resources.

Forrest City Dominates the Educational Map

The Forrest City School District is the largest provider in the county, managing five schools and 2,159 students. The Palestine-Wheatley School District serves an additional 775 students across two schools. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county borders.

Town Locales and Moderate School Sizes

Six of the county's eight schools are located in town settings, providing an accessible educational experience for residents. The average school size is 419 students, though Central Elementary School stands out as the largest with 725 students. This creates a focused environment where the majority of campuses maintain a mid-sized feel.

Find Affordable Living Near Central Schools

Homebuyers in St. Francis County often look to Forrest City for its concentration of schools and community services. While school scores are currently lower than the state average, the centralized town schools offer convenience and a strong local identity. Consider the area's schools as a key factor in your neighborhood search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Francis County

via RiskByCounty

St. Francis County has elevated disaster risk

St. Francis County's composite risk score of 74.75 exceeds the national average, reflecting above-typical hazard exposure across multiple hazard types. The county earns a relatively low-risk designation but sits at the higher end of that category. This elevated positioning is driven by exceptional tornado and earthquake vulnerabilities.

Mid-to-high risk ranking in Arkansas

St. Francis County scores 74.75, significantly above Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the state's riskier counties. The county ranks in the upper tier of Arkansas disaster risk, with particularly acute vulnerabilities. This standing reflects exposure patterns distinct from much of the rest of the state.

Substantially riskier than regional peers

St. Francis County's score of 74.75 far exceeds neighboring Crittenden County and eastern Arkansas counties typical of the Delta region. The county faces notably higher earthquake risk (90.62) and tornado risk (96.25) than immediate neighbors. Its exceptional tornado vulnerability distinguishes it within the broader northeast Arkansas area.

Tornadoes pose exceptional threat

Tornado risk in St. Francis County reaches 96.25—among the nation's highest and representing an extraordinary severe weather threat. Earthquake risk of 90.62 is likewise exceptional, creating significant structural vulnerability concerns. Flood risk is comparatively low at 41.19, though the county's flat Delta terrain requires monitoring.

Install safe rooms and robust coverage

St. Francis County residents face the state's most severe tornado risk at 96.25, making a residential safe room or shelter essential for safety. Homeowners insurance must include comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage; additional endorsements are strongly advised. Earthquake insurance is critical given the 90.62 risk score—among the highest in Arkansas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in St. Francis County

via WaterByCounty

Top Grade for Local Water Systems

St. Francis County achieves a Grade A for drinking water compliance with zero health violations in the 5-year lookback period. This outperforms the state average violation rate of 172.5 per 100K by a wide margin. Local utilities are successfully meeting all federal safety requirements.

Watershed Health Mirrors State Average

In the 2022 cycle, 17.5% of the 446 assessed water bodies in the county were found to be impaired. This figure is nearly identical to the Arkansas state average of 17.8%. Low dissolved oxygen and high turbidity are the most common factors impacting these waterways.

Focused Monitoring Efforts on Seven Sites

Local monitoring sites have contributed 4,048 measurements to the EPA Water Quality Portal over the last five years. The most frequently measured categories include inorganics, metals, and physical properties. These seven sites provide essential data for tracking the L'Anguille River watershed's health.

L'Anguille River Flowing Above Average

Current discharge for the L'Anguille River at Palestine is 1,700 cubic feet per second. This is 145% of the long-term mean, indicating much higher than typical water volume. Higher flows can help flush out contaminants but may also increase sediment transport.

Take Advantage of Strong Compliance

Your public drinking water is exceptionally safe according to current federal records. High river flows are currently helping to dilute pollutants, though you should be aware of potential turbidity in local streams. Overall, the water intelligence for your county indicates a stable and well-managed system.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Francis County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in the Delta

St. Francis County receives 51.8 inches of annual precipitation, making it significantly wetter than the national average. While specific temperature data is limited, the high rainfall defines the local agricultural climate.

Aligning With State Rainfall Patterns

The county's 51.8 inches of rain nearly matches the Arkansas state average of 52.4 inches. This consistency makes it a prototypical example of the state's humid subtropical environment.

Less Snow Than Northern Neighbors

With only 1.9 inches of annual snowfall, St. Francis County is much milder in winter than Stone or Sharp counties. It receives slightly more rain than Woodruff County to the west.

Wet Seasons and Mild Winters

Snow is a rare occurrence here, averaging less than 2 inches per year. While seasonal temperature data is sparse, the high annual rainfall suggests humid summers and damp winters.

Preparing for Delta Rain

Reliable rain gear and proper property drainage are essential for managing the 51.8 inches of annual precipitation. Residents should also prepare for high humidity levels common throughout the Arkansas Delta region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Francis County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Delta Soils with Acidic Leanings

St. Francis County features an average pH of 5.73, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.56. While classification data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a soil that is more receptive to standard agricultural practices than many neighbors.

High Silt Levels Define the Texture

The soil is comprised of 58.5% silt and 20.6% clay, creating a heavy but nutrient-rich environment. This high silt-to-sand ratio allows the land to retain moisture and minerals effectively, though it can be prone to compaction.

Superior Water Retention in the Delta

Available water capacity stands at a robust 0.190 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.148 in/in. However, organic matter is low at 1.41%, suggesting that farmers must actively manage soil health to maintain productivity.

Moisture-Rich Soils with Limited Hydrology Data

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's dominant soil types. However, the high clay and silt percentages typically suggest slower drainage and high water retention common in the Delta region.

Abundant Water for Zone 8a Crops

The incredible water storage capacity in zone 8a makes this county prime for soybeans, cotton, and corn. Home gardeners will find success with high-moisture crops, provided they add compost to improve the low organic levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Francis County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Care in St. Francis County

A lawn difficulty score of 41.5 puts St. Francis County slightly above the Arkansas average for ease of maintenance. While it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0, the Zone 8a environment is manageable. Success depends on navigating the heavy rainfall and acidic soil conditions.

Managing High Annual Precipitation

St. Francis County receives 51.8 inches of rain per year, which is just above the ideal 50-inch threshold. While specific heat day data is limited, this high rainfall suggests that drainage is a key concern for local lawns. Maintaining a consistent mowing height will help keep the soil surface from staying too damp.

Balancing Clay and Sand Levels

The soil pH in St. Francis County is 5.73, requiring lime to reach the target range of 6.0-7.0. The soil composition is nearly balanced with 20.6% clay and 20.9% sand, providing a mix of nutrient retention and drainage. Regular soil testing is recommended to manage these acidic levels effectively.

Coping with Severe Dry Periods

The county has spent 30 weeks in drought over the last year, with over 54% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage grass roots to grow deeper into the soil. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties can significantly reduce your water dependency.

Starting Strong in Zone 8a

Bermudagrass is a highly recommended choice for this climate due to its natural drought resistance. While local frost dates are variable, most residents find success starting new lawns in late March or early April. Keep a close eye on soil moisture as you establish your new turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Francis County's county score?
St. Francis County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 36.9 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 St. Francis County rank among counties in Arkansas?
St. Francis County ranks #70 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 St. Francis County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in St. Francis County is $474, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns St. Francis County a tax score of 81.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Francis County?
The median household income in St. Francis County, Arkansas is $41,784 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Francis County earns an income score of 4.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Francis County, Arkansas a good place to live?
St. Francis County scores 36.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate St. Francis 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 St. Francis County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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