countyscore
59
County Score
Property Tax 97.3Cost of Living 95.2Weather & Climate 62.4

County Report Card

About Stone County, Arkansas

Stone County exceeds national livability standard

Stone County's composite score of 57.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 15%, positioning it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This profile reflects solid livability across multiple dimensions.

Well above Arkansas average

Stone County scores 57.5 versus Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking it among the top tier of Arkansas counties. The county notably outperforms most state peers in overall livability.

Exceptional taxes and schools lead the way

Stone County boasts Arkansas's best tax score at 96.0, with an effective rate of just 0.353%, and delivers strong schools at 56.6. Housing affordability is also excellent, with median rents at $717/month and homes at $149,400.

Income remains the limiting factor

Stone County's income score of 2.3 reflects a median household income of only $38,531, the lowest among these eight counties. This income constraint limits household purchasing power despite the county's other strengths.

Excellent for tax-smart families on tight budgets

Stone County is superb for families prioritizing quality schools, exceptional tax rates, and rural livability within an ultra-low-cost structure. Remote workers and those with outside income will thrive; W-2 earners should consider the income limitations.

2040608010097.395.23927.456.62.750.133.462.4Tax97.3Cost95.2Safety39Health27.4Schools56.6Income2.7Risk50.1Water33.4Weather62.459/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Stone County DNA

Foverall

How Stone County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Stone County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95.2/100) but notably weak in Income (2.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.3+45.3
Cost
95.2+47.2
Safety
39-16
Health
27.4-22.6
Schools
56.6
Income
2.7-48.3
Risk
50.1
Water
33.4-24.6
Weather
62.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$171,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$626/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$171,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $40,943/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.1

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

Franklin County
Idaho
Median income: $71,950
59
Rawlins County
Kansas
Median income: $67,742
59
Anderson County
Kentucky
Median income: $74,488
59
Rowan County
Kentucky
Median income: $54,321
59
Lyman County
South Dakota
Median income: $67,143
59
Washington County
Virginia
Median income: $64,552
59
Bayfield County
Wisconsin
Median income: $71,151
59
Lawrence County
Alabama
Median income: $66,071
58.9

Nearby counties

Izard County
Arkansas
57
Baxter County
Arkansas
44.3
Cleburne County
Arkansas
47.8
Van Buren County
Arkansas
58.3
Searcy County
Arkansas
64.6
Independence County
Arkansas
44.1
Fulton County
Arkansas
50.9
Marion County
Arkansas
50

Deep Dives

Stone County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Stone County

via TaxByCounty

Stone County has lowest effective tax rate

Stone County's 0.353% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the 0.86% national median. At just $528 median property tax—less than 20% of the national median—Stone County offers extraordinary property tax affordability.

Cheapest place to own property in Arkansas

Stone County's 0.353% effective rate is the lowest in Arkansas, nearly 34% below the state average of 0.532%. Its median property tax of $528 falls well below the state median of $705, making it Arkansas's most tax-friendly county.

Lowest rate among all eight counties

Stone County's 0.353% effective rate beats every other county in this eight-county comparison by a wide margin. While Sevier County (0.480%) comes closest, Stone County's superior rate makes it the clear winner for tax-conscious homeowners in the region.

Expected annual tax on median home

A typical Stone County homeowner with a $149,400 property pays approximately $528 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically pay around $696, while non-mortgage owners pay closer to $475.

Still worth confirming your assessment

Even Stone County's exceptionally low rates don't mean your property is assessed correctly—historical overassessments happen everywhere. Reach out to your assessor to verify your $149,400 home value reflects current market conditions and protect your savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stone County

via IncomeByCounty

Stone County's income challenge

Stone County's median household income of $38,531 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $36,000, or 48 percent. The county faces the steepest income gap among its regional cohort.

State's lowest median income

At $38,531, Stone County's median household income falls dramatically short of Arkansas's state average of $51,156 by over $12,600. The county ranks among the lowest-income communities in the state.

Lowest earners in the region

Stone County households earn roughly $12,400 less than Sharp County ($42,950) and nearly $15,000 less than Sevier County ($51,641). The county's isolated geography and limited economic base create persistent income challenges.

Housing costs squeeze hard

At 22.3 percent, Stone County's rent-to-income ratio is elevated, meaning housing costs consume a significant share of limited household earnings. The median home value of $149,400 represents a substantial stretch relative to the county's income base.

Strengthen financial foundations

Stone County residents should focus on achieving financial stability before pursuing wealth-building strategies, starting with emergency savings and budgeting discipline. Access job training programs, remote work opportunities, and small business development to increase household earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stone County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Outperforms the National Benchmark

Stone County earns a 97.8 safety score, placing it well above the national safety baseline. Its total crime rate of 1,387.9 per 100K is about 40% lower than the U.S. average.

Exceeding Arkansas Safety Averages

Stone County outperforms the state average safety score of 96.3. The local crime rate sits 938.9 points below the Arkansas state-wide average of 2,326.8.

A Peaceful Ozark Foothill Environment

Stone shares an identical safety score with Sevier County and remains much safer than Sebastian County. It maintains a peaceful environment typical of its rural geography.

Property Loss Over Physical Risk

Property crimes occur at a rate of 919.9 per 100K, while violent crimes stand at 468.0. Data from three reporting agencies show property loss is the more common concern.

Secure Your Property and Equipment

Vigilance regarding property and equipment is key for rural residents. Marking valuable tools and installing perimeter lighting helps keep this county safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stone County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the National Median

Stone County's annual average temperature of 59.7°F sits above the national median for temperate climates. It is a wet region, receiving 51.9 inches of precipitation throughout the year.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Average

The county is about 1.3 degrees cooler than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. This makes it one of the more moderate locations in the state during the height of summer.

Milder Than Southern Neighbors

Stone County is significantly cooler than White County, which averages 61.8°F. It also sees 4.9 inches of snow, which is more than double the amount seen in counties further south.

A Year of Extreme Heat

The county experiences 61 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F, primarily during the 78.5°F summer season. Winters are relatively mild, with a January average of 37.9°F.

Managing Two Months of Heat

Homeowners should invest in efficient air conditioning to handle the 61 days of extreme heat each year. Winter preparations should include gear for occasional snow, as the county averages nearly 5 inches annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stone County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of the Ozark Plateau

Stone County's dominant soils are Ultisols, which are highly weathered and naturally acidic. At a pH of 5.53, the soil aligns closely with the Arkansas state average but remains well below the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Loam Textures for Fast Drainage

With a composition of 43.3% sand and 28.3% silt, the dominant sandy loam texture allows for easy tilling and aeration. The low 14.5% clay content helps prevent waterlogging, making it a favorite for gardeners who prefer lighter soils.

State-Leading Organic Matter Concentrations

Stone County boasts an impressive 11.41% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 4.15%. This extraordinary fertility compensates for a lower water capacity of 0.107 in/in, which is drier than the Arkansas average.

Well Drained with Moderate Infiltration

Classified as well drained, these soils belong to hydrologic group B, which indicates a moderate rate of water transmission. This makes Stone County land exceptionally versatile for building projects and diverse agricultural uses.

Superior Natural Fertility in Zone 7b

The high organic content in hardiness zone 7b is perfect for specialty herbs and heirloom vegetables that require rich nutrients. While the soil dries out faster than others, the high fertility makes it a powerhouse for Ozark growers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stone County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Lawn Conditions in Stone County

With a difficulty score of 35.7, Stone County is one of the more difficult areas in the state for lawn care. This score is lower than the Arkansas average of 37.3 and significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. Growing in Zone 7b requires careful attention to both soil and water.

Heat and Humidity Pressures

Stone County faces 61 extreme heat days annually, nearly matching the state average. The 51.9 inches of annual precipitation is slightly high, which can lead to fungal issues in the transition zone. Balancing these two factors requires a well-timed irrigation and mowing schedule.

Amending Acidic Sandy Loam

The soil is a well-drained sandy loam with 43.3% sand content, which helps prevent waterlogging but may lead to nutrient leaching. At a pH of 5.53, the soil is quite acidic and needs lime to support healthy turf growth. Regular fertilization is necessary to compensate for the sandy texture.

Managing Severe Yearly Droughts

Stone County spent 31 weeks in drought last year, and 100% of the county is currently in severe drought (D2+). This makes drought resilience the number one priority for local gardeners. Focus on soil moisture retention techniques like aeration and top-dressing with organic matter.

Planting Success in Zone 7b

Zoysia and heat-tolerant Tall Fescue are the best bets for the local climate and 7b hardiness zone. Aim to seed or sod after the last frost on April 2nd to give your lawn time to establish before the summer heat. Proper prep work on your acidic soil will pay dividends for years to come.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stone County's county score?
Stone County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 59 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 Stone County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Stone County ranks #6 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 Stone County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Stone County is $548, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Stone County a tax score of 97.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stone County?
The median household income in Stone County, Arkansas is $40,943 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stone County earns an income score of 2.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stone County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Stone County scores 59/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Stone 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 Stone County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.