CountyScore

White County

Arkansas · AR

#61 in Arkansas
67.8
County Score

County Report Card

About White County, Arkansas

White County scores well above the U.S. median

With a composite score of 67.8 out of 100, White County ranks 36 percentiles above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper third of U.S. counties overall, reflecting a solid mix of affordability, low taxes, and reasonable living costs.

Slightly below Arkansas average, but competitive

White County's score of 67.8 sits just 2.5 points below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 75 counties. The county holds its own against its peers in the region.

Tax rates and affordability lead the way

White County excels at keeping costs low, with a tax score of 88.9 and an effective tax rate of just 0.477%. Median home values of $159,600 and rental costs at $806/month make the county accessible for families on modest incomes.

Income and economic mobility need attention

The county's income score of 18.3 reflects a median household income of $53,435, well below national norms. Risk and health scores also lag, signaling economic headwinds and health care access challenges that limit opportunity for residents seeking higher earnings.

Right for budget-conscious families and retirees

White County suits families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over high wages, as well as retirees living on fixed incomes. The county offers stability and cost security, but may challenge those seeking robust economic growth or advancement.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.9Cost82.3SafetyComing SoonHealth61.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.3Risk14.3WaterComing Soon
🏛88.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡14.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare White County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jeff Davis County
Georgia
67.8
Median income: $40,879
Kalawao County
Hawaii
67.8
Median income: $86,250
Mercer County
Illinois
67.8
Median income: $71,710
Chautauqua County
Kansas
67.8
Median income: $54,592
Shelby County
Kentucky
67.8
Median income: $82,671

Deep Dives

White County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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