CountyScore

Woodruff County

Arkansas · AR

#17 in Arkansas
72.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Woodruff County, Arkansas

Woodruff County significantly outperforms the nation

Woodruff County's composite score of 72.6 sits 45 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the strongest-performing counties in America. This rural Arkansas county punches well above its weight nationally.

Above Arkansas average and in the top tier

With a score of 72.6, Woodruff County ranks above the state average of 70.3 and lands in the upper quartile of Arkansas counties. It stands among the state's most livable places.

Affordability is Woodruff's standout advantage

Woodruff County boasts the state's most affordable housing, with a cost score of 90.5, median home values of just $96,800, and rents at $595 per month. A tax score of 86.1 and effective tax rate of 0.576% add to the county's financial appeal.

Limited incomes and health concerns persist

The income score of 16.0 reflects a median household income of $49,982, among Arkansas's lowest. Health outcomes (59.2) and income mobility represent the county's most pressing development needs.

Ideal for those prioritizing ultra-low housing costs

Woodruff County is built for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking the lowest possible cost of living in a stable community. The trade-off is limited local employment and income growth—success here depends on income sources outside the county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.1Cost90.5SafetyComing SoonHealth59.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome16Risk57.7WaterComing Soon
🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡57.7
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 Woodruff County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $31,495
Macon County
Alabama
72.6
Median income: $45,951
Columbia County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $47,363
Lincoln County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $51,667
Little River County
Arkansas
72.6
Median income: $52,241

Deep Dives

Woodruff County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Woodruff County

via TaxByCounty

Woodruff County punches above national average

Woodruff County's effective tax rate of 0.576% exceeds the national median of 0.89%, placing it above the 50th percentile—meaning higher-than-typical property tax burden. The median tax of $558 remains far below the national $2,690, reflecting both a lower rate and significantly lower home values in this rural county.

Above-average taxing for Arkansas

Woodruff County's 0.576% rate exceeds Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, making it one of the higher-taxing counties statewide. Its median home value of $96,800 is the lowest among our three-county comparison, driving the lowest median tax amount at $558.

Highest burden among nearby counties

Woodruff County's 0.576% rate outpaces both White County (0.477%) and Yell County (0.517%), making it the most expensive option for property owners in this region. Despite modest home values, the elevated rate puts additional pressure on household budgets.

What your tax bill looks like

On a median home valued at $96,800, Woodruff County homeowners pay approximately $558 annually without mortgage escrow, or $652 when included in monthly payments. This works out to roughly $46–$54 per month, though the proportionally higher tax rate affects disposable income significantly.

Appeal could ease your burden

Many Woodruff County homeowners are overassessed on their tax rolls, creating an opportunity to reduce your annual liability through a formal appeal. Even a small reduction in assessed value could translate to meaningful savings given the county's higher effective rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Woodruff County

via CostByCounty

Woodruff Leads on Affordability Nationally

Woodruff County residents enjoy one of the nation's most favorable rent-to-income ratios at 14.3%, beating the national average and leaving room in household budgets for other expenses. At just $595 per month, median rent is 22% below Arkansas's $760 state average—a genuine bargain in today's housing market. However, the median household income of $49,982 trails the national average of $74,755, meaning affordability stems partly from lower overall wages rather than abundant opportunity.

Most Affordable Rentals in Arkansas

Woodruff County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Arkansas's best, providing renters with the state's lowest proportional housing burden. At $595 monthly, Woodruff offers the cheapest median rent of any Arkansas county, making it a haven for budget-conscious renters and fixed-income households. This affordability advantage defines Woodruff's appeal within the state housing landscape, though incomes remain below state and national benchmarks.

The Bargain Option Among Three

Woodruff County's $595 rent undercuts both White County ($806, up 35%) and Yell County ($653, up 9.8%), establishing it as the clear affordability leader regionally. Monthly homeowner costs of $487 are similarly the lowest among the three, with a median home value of just $96,800—ideal for first-time buyers. Despite the lowest incomes ($49,982), Woodruff residents spend the smallest share of earnings on housing across this three-county cluster.

Woodruff's Housing-Income Balance

Renters allocate $595 monthly (14.3% of income) to housing, the lowest burden in the comparison group and well below the 18% threshold considered sustainable. Homeowners spend just $487 per month, representing 11.7% of income—exceptionally light for mortgage, property tax, and insurance combined on a $96,800 median home. After housing costs, a typical Woodruff household retains roughly $41,000 annually for all other needs.

Woodruff for Ultra-Budget Relocators

Woodruff County is Arkansas's top choice if housing affordability is your primary relocation driver—rents and mortgages won't drain your paycheck. Expect the lowest costs in the region but also the lowest incomes, so this county suits retirees, remote workers, and families earning under $50,000 who prioritize low housing ratios. Compare Woodruff's $595 rent to Yell's $653 or White's $806 to see how much you'll save by choosing the most affordable option.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Woodruff County

via IncomeByCounty

Woodruff County Faces Steep National Gap

Woodruff County's median household income of $49,982 lags the national median of $74,755 by $24,773—a 33% shortfall. This places Woodruff among the lowest-earning counties nationwide, highlighting significant economic hardship in this rural community.

Below State Average Statewide

Woodruff County falls $1,174 below Arkansas's median household income of $51,156, positioning it in the lower half of the state's 75 counties. The county's per capita income of $29,471 slightly exceeds the state average, suggesting income inequality within the community.

County Earns Less Than Regional Peers

Woodruff County's $49,982 median household income trails White County ($53,435) by $3,453 and falls significantly below Yell County ($58,870). The gap reflects economic challenges concentrated in this particular county relative to neighboring areas.

Rent Affordable Despite Low Wages

Woodruff County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio of the three counties at 14.3%, meaning housing costs consume just over one-seventh of household earnings. The median home value of $96,800 is the most affordable in the region, helping offset income constraints.

Maximize Every Dollar Earned

Woodruff County residents benefit from exceptionally affordable housing, freeing up resources for savings and financial resilience. Prioritizing budgeting, low-cost investment tools, and community financial education can help households build wealth despite modest earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Woodruff County

via HealthByCounty

Woodruff County holds steady nationally

With a life expectancy of 73.2 years, Woodruff County residents live about 1.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years, a notable advantage. However, 27.9% report poor or fair health—well above the national 21% rate—revealing a gap between longevity and reported wellness.

Longest life expectancy in comparison set

Woodruff County's 73.2-year life expectancy is the highest among these three counties and exceeds Arkansas's 72.3-year state average by nearly one year. Its uninsured rate of 9.0% is the lowest in this group and below the state average of 9.9%, suggesting relatively strong coverage.

Fewer providers strain rural healthcare

Woodruff County has just 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly half the capacity of White (66) and Yell (60) counties. Mental health support is particularly sparse at 67 providers per 100,000, leaving residents with serious barriers to behavioral health treatment compared to better-resourced neighbors.

Better coverage, but limited providers

Woodruff County's 9.0% uninsured rate—the lowest here—means most residents have formal coverage, yet the severe shortage of primary care and mental health providers means access remains a daily struggle. Rural geography compounds the challenge: even insured residents may travel 30+ minutes to see a doctor or mental health specialist.

Secure coverage and find telehealth options

While Woodruff County has the best uninsured numbers in this group, the 9% without coverage should explore marketplace plans immediately. All residents—insured or not—should ask local clinics about telehealth services, which can bridge the gap created by limited on-site providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Woodruff County

via RiskByCounty

Woodruff County shows low risk overall

With a composite risk score of 42.27, Woodruff County ranks as very low for natural disaster risk—well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51. This favorable profile reflects relatively modest exposure across most hazard categories compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Among Arkansas's safest counties

Woodruff County's score of 42.27 places it meaningfully below the state average of 55.51, ranking it among Arkansas's lower-risk counties. Its low flood risk of 34.48 and minimal wildfire risk of 11.61 are particularly advantageous compared to state peers.

The safest in its region

Woodruff County's 42.27 composite risk is substantially lower than both White County (85.72) and Yell County (58.94), making it the safest option in its immediate area. This favorable position reflects notably lower exposures to floods, wildfires, and tornadoes than neighboring counties.

Earthquake risk still requires attention

While overall risk is low, earthquake exposure at 87.95 remains the county's primary concern despite limited seismic activity in surrounding areas. Tornado risk of 65.71 represents a secondary but manageable hazard compared to regional peers.

Earthquake coverage is your priority

Standard homeowners insurance covers wind and flood, but earthquake damage requires separate coverage—essential even in lower-risk Woodruff County given the 87.95 score. With modest overall disaster risk, you can afford to focus insurance spending on this specific vulnerability.

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.