Stone County's composite score of 72.1 ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. Its tax efficiency and housing values drive strong overall performance.
2 / 5
Arkansas's standout in this group
At 72.1, Stone County exceeds the state average of 70.3 and ranks as the highest-scoring county in this analysis. It represents one of Arkansas's better livability options.
3 / 5
Lowest tax rate in the region
Stone County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of all eight counties at 0.353% (Tax Score: 92.3), paired with affordable housing and a median home value of $149,400 (Cost Score: 87.9). The median gross rent of $717 per month offers exceptional rental affordability.
4 / 5
Very low incomes are the main drawback
Median household income of $38,531 produces the lowest Income Score in the group at 8.6, creating significant wage and wealth-building challenges. Residents must rely heavily on external income sources or cost-of-living adjustment strategies.
5 / 5
Exceptional for tax-conscious retirees
Stone County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes or remote workers seeking maximum tax savings and affordability. The combination of the lowest tax rate and solid housing values creates strong purchasing power for those without local employment needs.
Stone County's composite score of 72.1 ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. Its tax efficiency and housing values drive strong overall performance.
Arkansas's standout in this group
At 72.1, Stone County exceeds the state average of 70.3 and ranks as the highest-scoring county in this analysis. It represents one of Arkansas's better livability options.
Lowest tax rate in the region
Stone County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of all eight counties at 0.353% (Tax Score: 92.3), paired with affordable housing and a median home value of $149,400 (Cost Score: 87.9). The median gross rent of $717 per month offers exceptional rental affordability.
Very low incomes are the main drawback
Median household income of $38,531 produces the lowest Income Score in the group at 8.6, creating significant wage and wealth-building challenges. Residents must rely heavily on external income sources or cost-of-living adjustment strategies.
Exceptional for tax-conscious retirees
Stone County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes or remote workers seeking maximum tax savings and affordability. The combination of the lowest tax rate and solid housing values creates strong purchasing power for those without local employment needs.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Stone County renters spend 22.3% of income on housing, well above the national average of 18.1%. At $38,531 median income—the lowest in this region—residents face the toughest affordability challenge despite modest rents.
Second-tightest in the state
Stone County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-worst among these Arkansas counties, exceeding the state average by 4.2 points. Only St. Francis County (22.7%) struggles more with housing affordability.
Low income, moderate rent burden
Stone County's $717 rent is mid-range for the region, but the lowest median income ($38,531) creates the worst affordability ratio outside St. Francis. Residents here earn less than neighbors while paying comparable or higher rents.
Ownership offers relief
Homeowners in Stone County pay just $508 monthly—$209 less than renters—making ownership a significant affordability boost. The median home value of $149,400 is moderately priced for the region, offering a pathway for financially stretched residents.
Stone County suits homebodies
Stone County's affordability crisis applies mainly to renters; homeownership becomes dramatically cheaper at $508 monthly. If you can purchase, this rural county offers mountain living with ownership costs among the region's lowest.
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.
At 74.0 years, Stone County's life expectancy ranks among the best in Arkansas and exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by a small margin—a notable achievement. However, 26.1% of residents report poor or fair health, indicating that extra years of life don't guarantee daily wellness.
Outpacing Arkansas on longevity
Stone County's 74.0-year life expectancy exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year state average by 1.7 years, placing it among the healthier counties statewide. This advantage reflects better management of chronic disease, though the county still faces preventable health challenges.
A health standout, despite sparse providers
Stone County's 74.0-year life expectancy is the highest among its regional peers—nearly 1 year ahead of Sevier County (72.2 years) and Sebastian County (73.5 years). With only 48 primary care providers per 100,000, the county achieves strong outcomes despite limited provider capacity, suggesting either exceptional provider quality or healthy behavioral factors.
Managed uninsured rate, tight provider network
Stone County's 11.5% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 9.9%, meaning about 1 in 9 residents lack coverage. The county's 174 mental health providers per 100,000 offer decent behavioral health access, but 48 primary care doctors per 100,000 remain sparse for a population managing chronic disease.
Coverage unlocks preventive care benefits
If you're uninsured in Stone County, enrolling through Arkansas Medicaid or healthcare.gov connects you to the preventive care that supports the county's strong life expectancy gains. Even with limited primary care providers, insurance removes cost barriers and enables telehealth and chronic disease management tools.
Stone County's composite risk score of 49.87 sits below the national average, making it one of America's safer counties for natural disasters. The county's relatively low-risk designation reflects more manageable hazard exposure compared to most U.S. areas. This favorable positioning provides residents with reduced overall natural disaster vulnerability.
Among Arkansas's safest counties
Stone County scores 49.87, below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it among the state's lowest-risk areas. The county ranks favorably compared to most of Arkansas, with substantially lower composite hazard exposure. This safer positioning reflects the county's geographic and climatic characteristics.
Safest county in its region
Stone County's risk score of 49.87 is lower than all immediate neighbors, including Van Buren County (50.57) and Sharp County (68.07). The county benefits from somewhat reduced wildfire exposure and moderate tornado risk compared to surrounding areas. Its geographic position in the Ozark region contributes to this comparative safety advantage.
Tornadoes and wildfires merit attention
Tornado risk in Stone County scores 75.03, representing the primary severe weather hazard despite being below-average nationally. Wildfire risk reaches 68.10, creating secondary exposure concerns in dry seasons. Earthquake risk of 73.22 is moderate but noteworthy for structural preparedness.
Maintain standard protective measures
Stone County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with solid windstorm and hail coverage for the 75.03 tornado risk—standard policies typically provide this. Consider wildfire insurance or endorsements if your property is near forested areas, given the 68.10 wildfire risk. A basic tornado safety plan and weather alert system will adequately address the county's primary hazards.