countyscore
41.7
County Score
Property Tax 88.2Water Quality 86Cost of Living 60

County Report Card

About White County, Arkansas

White County lags national livability median

With a composite score of 41.7, White County ranks below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationwide. This means most American counties outrank White County across the key livability dimensions tracked by CountyScore.

Below average among Arkansas counties

White County's score of 41.7 falls short of Arkansas's state average of 47.9, positioning it in the lower half of the state's county rankings. The gap suggests other Arkansas communities offer stronger overall livability conditions.

Tax burden and water quality shine

White County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 88.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.477%, among the lowest in the nation. Water quality also rates highly at 86.0, and housing costs remain moderate with median rent at $806 per month and median home values near $160,000.

Income, safety, and health need work

White County's weakest dimensions are income (21.5) with a median household income of $53,435, alongside serious gaps in safety (8.9) and health (30.1). These three areas represent the most significant livability drags and should be priorities for community improvement.

Best for retirees with modest means

White County suits budget-conscious households and retirees drawn to low taxes and reasonable housing costs, but families prioritizing good schools, personal safety, or higher earning potential should look elsewhere. The county's uneven profile demands careful personal trade-off analysis before moving.

Score breakdown

Tax88.2Cost60Safety8.9Health30.1Schools29.1Income21.5Risk14.3Water86Weather52.8
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

Tuolumne County
California
Median income: $72,259
41.7
Lanier County
Georgia
Median income: $44,361
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Ogemaw County
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Gloucester County
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Lorain County
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Pickaway County
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McCurtain County
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Nearby counties

Woodruff County
Arkansas
57.6
Cleburne County
Arkansas
48.2
Jackson County
Arkansas
42.3
Prairie County
Arkansas
51.1
Independence County
Arkansas
45
Lonoke County
Arkansas
40.2
Faulkner County
Arkansas
40
St. Francis County
Arkansas
36.9

Deep Dives

White County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in White County

via TaxByCounty

White County taxes run low nationally

White County's effective tax rate of 0.477% sits well below the national median of 0.89%, placing it in roughly the 15th percentile nationwide. The median property tax here is just $761 annually, compared to $2,690 nationally—meaning homeowners pay roughly one-quarter what typical Americans do.

Among Arkansas's lowest-taxing counties

White County's 0.477% rate beats Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. Its median tax of $761 sits slightly above the state median of $705, reflecting lower home values in the region.

Competitive edge over regional peers

White County's 0.477% rate undercuts neighboring Yell County (0.517%) and significantly outpaces Woodruff County (0.576%), making it the most tax-efficient option in this three-county comparison. Homeowners here benefit from a median home value of $159,600, higher than both neighbors while maintaining lower tax rates.

Estimated annual tax bill breakdown

On a median home valued at $159,600, White County homeowners pay approximately $761 annually without mortgage escrow, or $894 when taxes are rolled into monthly payments. This translates to roughly $63–$75 per month depending on your loan structure.

You might be paying too much

Many Arkansas homeowners are overassessed relative to current market values, meaning your property tax could be unnecessarily high. If your home's appraised value hasn't been questioned recently, a formal appeal could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in White County

via CostByCounty

White County Rents Track National Norms

White County renters spend 18.1% of their income on housing—matching the national average and showing affordability in line with the rest of the country. At $806 per month, rent here sits slightly above the state median of $760, though household incomes are $21,320 below the national average of $74,755. This squeeze means White County residents shoulder housing costs relative to a smaller paycheck.

Middle of the Pack in Arkansas

White County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ties it to the Arkansas state average, placing it squarely in the middle of affordability across all 75 Arkansas counties. While not the most or least expensive county to rent in, White County offers moderate housing costs without major affordability strain compared to its neighbors. Homeowners here face even lighter burden with monthly costs of $767 on a median home value of $159,600.

Pricier Than Woodruff, Cheaper Than Trends

White County's $806 median rent is 35% higher than Woodruff County's $595 but only 23% above Yell County's $653, reflecting regional variation across central Arkansas. Household incomes in White County ($53,435) place it between Woodruff ($49,982) and Yell ($58,870), explaining why renters here feel moderate pressure. For homebuyers, White County's median home value of $159,600 sits between Yell ($131,300) and positions it as the pricier option in this three-county comparison.

How White County Dollars Split

Renters allocate $806 monthly (18.1% of income) to housing while homeowners spend $767 (17.4% of income), showing both paths consume roughly one-sixth of household earnings. The median home value of $159,600 reflects a market where buyers need approximately $32,000 down to enter homeownership on conventional terms. After housing, the typical White County household has $43,600 annually for food, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials.

White County for Moderate-Budget Relocators

If you're considering a move to Arkansas, White County offers balanced housing costs that won't shock your budget—rents and mortgages are reasonable without the absolute lowest prices. Compare it to Yell County if you want slightly cheaper rentals ($653 vs. $806) or to Woodruff if you're seeking maximum affordability but lower incomes. With median household income at $53,435 and housing consuming one-sixth of that, White County suits families earning $50,000–$70,000 seeking stable, predictable costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in White County

via IncomeByCounty

White County Trails National Income Average

White County's median household income of $53,435 falls $21,320 short of the national median of $74,755. This gap places White County in the lower third of U.S. counties by household earnings, reflecting broader economic pressures across rural Arkansas.

Above Average for Arkansas

White County outperforms the state median by $2,279, ranking above average among Arkansas's 75 counties. At $28,459 per capita income, the county also edges the state average of $28,096, showing relative stability in earning power.

Strong Income Position Locally

White County's $53,435 median household income significantly exceeds nearby Woodruff County ($49,982) and modestly tops statewide benchmarks. The county ranks higher than many rural neighbors, positioning residents comparatively well within the region.

Housing Remains Affordable Here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.1%, housing costs consume less than one-fifth of typical household earnings—well within the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $159,600 is accessible relative to local incomes, supporting homeownership stability.

Build Financial Security Now

White County residents have breathing room in their budgets to prioritize savings and retirement planning. With housing costs under control, households can dedicate more earnings to emergency funds, investments, and long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in White County

via CrimeByCounty

White County Exceeds National Crime Averages

White County records 2,887.7 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which sits above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this higher frequency, the county maintains a safety score of 95.4 out of 100.

Safety Below Arkansas State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 2,887.7 is higher than the Arkansas average of 2,326.8 per 100,000 residents. Its safety score of 95.4 falls slightly below the state average of 96.3.

Higher Crime Frequency Than Nearby Woodruff

White County faces a more challenging safety landscape than neighboring Woodruff County, where crime rates are much lower at 1,421.9. Twelve separate agencies report data here to provide a comprehensive view of local law enforcement activity.

Property Crime Dominates Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for 2,273.1 incidents per 100,000, significantly outpacing the violent crime rate of 614.6. This means property-related offenses are nearly four times as common as violent encounters in the county.

Securing Your White County Property

With property crime rates exceeding both state and national averages, home security is a vital priority for residents. Installing visible cameras and deadbolt locks serves as a strong deterrent against local theft and burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in White County

via HealthByCounty

White County's life expectancy edges upward

At 72.8 years, White County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years, a modest but meaningful advantage. Nearly one in four (23.6%) report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 21%, suggesting baseline wellness comparable to the nation.

Above Arkansas average on longevity

White County's 72.8-year life expectancy outpaces Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, positioning it in the healthier tier statewide. The county's uninsured rate of 10.1% slightly exceeds Arkansas's 9.9% average, indicating modest gaps in coverage relative to peers.

More providers, better coverage access

White County leads its neighbors with 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—double Woodruff County's 33 and stronger than Yell County's 60. Its mental health provider density of 237 per 100,000 vastly outpaces nearby Woodruff (67) and Yell (60), offering substantially better access to behavioral care.

Healthcare reality: adequate access, minor gaps

One in ten White County residents (10.1%) lack health insurance, slightly above the state average, meaning roughly 5,800 adults navigate healthcare without a safety net. The county's strong provider base—especially mental health specialists—means those with coverage can typically access care, though the uninsured face significant barriers to routine and preventive services.

Check your health coverage options now

If you're among White County's uninsured, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion have made coverage more affordable than you might think. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the county health department to explore your options—coverage can mean the difference between preventive care and costly emergency treatment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in White County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Network Serving White County Students

White County supports 12,524 students across nine distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes 27 public schools, consisting of 12 elementary, six middle, and nine high school campuses.

Graduation Rates Outpace the National Average

The county maintains an 89.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly below the state mark of 90.3%. While per-pupil spending of $5,986 is lower than the $6,160 state average, the county achieves a 50.8 composite school score.

Searcy and Beebe Lead the Local Districts

The Searcy School District serves as the largest provider with 4,003 students enrolled across six schools. Traditional public education dominates the landscape, as there are currently zero charter schools operating in the county.

A Balance of Town and Rural Campus Life

Students experience a mix of settings, with 15 schools in towns and 12 in rural locales. Campus sizes vary significantly, ranging from the 1,166-student Searcy High School to an average enrollment of 482 across the county.

Find a Home Near Quality Schools

Families looking for established districts and diverse campus sizes will find plenty of options in White County. Evaluating school performance and proximity to town centers is a vital step in your home search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in White County

via RiskByCounty

White County faces above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 85.72, White County ranks as relatively moderate for natural disasters—notably higher than Arkansas's state average of 55.51. This places the county in the elevated risk category compared to many U.S. counties, driven primarily by seismic and tornado vulnerabilities.

Among Arkansas's highest-risk counties

White County's 85.72 score ranks it significantly above most Arkansas counties, sitting well above the state average of 55.51. The county's earthquake risk of 95.96 and tornado risk of 91.92 are particularly concerning relative to state peers.

Riskier than surrounding counties

White County's composite risk of 85.72 substantially exceeds nearby Yell County (58.94) and Woodruff County (42.27), making it the most hazard-prone in its immediate region. This higher risk profile stems from pronounced seismic activity and strong tornado exposure that distinguish it from neighbors.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Earthquake risk peaks at 95.96 and tornado risk reaches 91.92 in White County, creating a dual-threat environment for residents. Flood risk at 80.69 adds a third significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas prone to seasonal inundation.

Prioritize earthquake and wind coverage

Given White County's extreme earthquake and tornado risks, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—you'll need separate earthquake coverage and verified wind/hail protection. Review your policy immediately to ensure adequate protection against these high-probability, high-impact events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in White County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Humid Environment

White County's 61.8°F average temperature is significantly higher than the national median. The county also experiences high humidity, driven by 51.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer Than the State Average

White County is slightly warmer than the typical Arkansas county, exceeding the state average of 61.0°F. It is one of the state's hotter regions, particularly in the summer months.

Hotter Than its Northern Neighbors

White County experiences 76 extreme heat days, far outstripping the 39 days seen in Washington County. It also sees very little snow, with an annual average of just 2.0 inches.

Blistering Summers and Mild Winters

The July average reaches a hot 82.8°F, contributing to 76 days of extreme heat each year. Winters remain mild, with temperatures averaging 41.8°F from December through February.

Prepare for Long Summer Heats

With 76 days of temperatures over 90°F, residents must ensure their cooling systems are in top shape. Winter gear is rarely needed for snow, as the county only averages 2 inches annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in White County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols Define White County Soils

White County features Ultisols, highly weathered soils common in the Southeast. At a pH of 5.44, these grounds are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

A Versatile Fine Sandy Loam Mix

A fine sandy loam texture dominates, created by a mix of 44.9% silt and 39.1% sand. This balance ensures the soil is easy to work while 16.0% clay provides enough structure to retain nutrients.

Resilient Water Capacity Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter levels sit at 1.65%, which trails the state average of 4.15%. However, an available water capacity of 0.163 in/in beats the state average, indicating strong drought resilience for local crops.

Well Drained Land for Varied Use

These soils are classified as well-drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This combination allows for moderate infiltration rates, making the land ideal for both residential construction and diverse farming.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a and sandy loam support diverse crops like berries and pecans. While the soil requires lime to balance its natural acidity, it offers a solid foundation for any home gardener to start planting.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in White County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Growing Conditions in White County

White County presents a challenging environment for turf with a lawn difficulty score of 29.8, well below the national average of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 8a face more maintenance hurdles here than the typical Arkansas resident.

Managing High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

With 76 extreme heat days per year, this county exceeds the state average for thermal stress on grass. Annual precipitation of 51.7 inches is slightly above the ideal range, requiring careful monitoring of drainage during wet months.

Acidic Soil Requires Strategic Amendments

The local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.44, falling short of the 6.0-7.0 ideal for most lawns. This well-drained fine sandy loam contains 39.1% sand, often necessitating lime and organic matter to boost nutrient retention.

Battling Severe and Persistent Drought

Currently, 100% of the county suffers from severe drought after enduring 30 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. To protect your investment, use deep-soak watering methods early in the morning to minimize evaporation loss.

Start Your Zone 8a Lawn Strong

Heat-tolerant Bermudagrass or Zoysia are excellent choices for the local climate and March 27 average last frost date. Aim to seed or sod in mid-spring to give roots time to establish before the 76 days of extreme heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White County's county score?
White County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 41.7 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 White County rank among counties in Arkansas?
White County ranks #57 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 White County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in White County is $761, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns White County a tax score of 88.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in White County?
The median household income in White County, Arkansas is $53,435 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. White County earns an income score of 21.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is White County, Arkansas a good place to live?
White County scores 41.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate White 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 White County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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