countyscore
57.6
County Score
Cost of Living 96.3Water Quality 86Property Tax 77.1

County Report Card

About Woodruff County, Arkansas

Woodruff County edges past national median

Woodruff County's composite score of 57.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 50th percentile across the United States. This puts it ahead of half the nation's counties on overall livability.

Strong performer in Arkansas

Woodruff County ranks solidly above the Arkansas state average of 47.9, placing it in the upper portion of the state's county standings. It stands out as one of Arkansas's better-performing counties on the composite livability index.

Affordability and natural resources excel

Woodruff County's standout feature is housing affordability, with a cost score of 96.3—among the nation's highest—reflected in a median home value of just $96,800 and rent at $595 per month. Water quality also rates well at 86.0, and a tax score of 77.1 keeps the effective tax rate at 0.576%.

Income and health require attention

Woodruff County's median household income of $49,982 lags considerably, earning an income score of only 14.4. Health outcomes also need improvement with a score of 30.1, though safety conditions (38.0) and schools (50.8) are more moderate.

Ideal for affordability-first families

Woodruff County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing maximum housing affordability and low taxes over higher incomes or extensive services. Those seeking to stretch a tight budget in a stable environment will find genuine value here, though limited income growth prospects may frustrate younger workers.

Score breakdown

Tax77.1Cost96.3Safety38Health28.9Schools50.8Income14.4Risk57.7Water86Weather53
🏛77.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠96.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.3
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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Nearby counties

White County
Arkansas
41.7
St. Francis County
Arkansas
36.9
Jackson County
Arkansas
42.3
Prairie County
Arkansas
51.1
Cross County
Arkansas
41.4
Monroe County
Arkansas
49.1
Lonoke County
Arkansas
40.2
Lee County
Arkansas
42.1

Deep Dives

Woodruff County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Woodruff County

via CrimeByCounty

A High Standard of National Safety

Woodruff County is significantly safer than the average American community, reporting only 1,421.9 crimes per 100,000 people. This rate is nearly 1,000 points lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Woodruff Outperforms the State Average

With a safety score of 97.8, Woodruff County ranks well above the Arkansas average score of 96.3. Local law enforcement maintains a total crime rate that is significantly lower than the state average of 2,326.8.

Significant Safety Advantage Over White County

Woodruff County reports less than half the total crime rate of neighboring White County. While White County sees 2,887.7 crimes per 100,000, Woodruff maintains a much quieter environment at 1,421.9.

Exceptionally Low Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate stands at just 191.7 per 100,000, which is far lower than the state average of 517.8. Property crimes make up the majority of reported incidents at 1,230.2 per 100,000 residents.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

High safety scores make Woodruff County a peaceful place to live, but basic precautions remain essential. Keeping your property well-lit and forming a neighborhood watch can help maintain these low crime statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Woodruff County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Education Infrastructure in Woodruff County

Woodruff County operates a focused education system with 945 students spread across just two school districts. The county manages four total public schools, split evenly between two elementary and two high school campuses.

High Graduation Rates and Increased Investment

Local schools excel with a 91.4% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 90.3% and the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $7,079 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the state average expenditure of $6,160.

Two Districts Anchoring the Community

Education is centered in the McCrory School District, which enrolls 574 students, and the Augusta School District, which serves 371 students. All four schools are traditional public institutions, with no charter schools currently present.

Small Schools in a Purely Rural Setting

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, offering a tight-knit and personal learning environment. With an average school size of just 236 students, the largest campus is McCrory Elementary School with 321 students.

Discover a Close-Knit Educational Community

For those seeking a rural lifestyle where every student is known by name, Woodruff County offers impressive graduation rates. Explore homes near McCrory or Augusta to find a community that prioritizes personal attention in the classroom.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Woodruff County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Rainfall in the Delta

Woodruff County receives 49.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is high compared to the national median. This consistent rainfall supports the region's prominent agricultural industry.

Drier Than the Arkansas Average

The county is slightly drier than the state average of 52.4 inches, receiving about 49.2 inches of rain. While specific temperature data is missing, its precipitation levels are typical for the region.

Minimal Snowfall in the Region

Woodruff County sees only 1.4 inches of snow per year, even less than neighbor St. Francis County's 1.9 inches. This suggests a very mild winter climate compared to northern Arkansas.

Rain-Dominated Weather Cycles

Snow is a rare event here, with only 1.4 inches falling annually. The climate cycle is primarily defined by its nearly 50 inches of rain rather than seasonal frozen precipitation.

Plan for Wet Conditions

With almost 50 inches of rain and very little snow, residents should focus on flood preparation and rain gear. High humidity is a likely factor during the warmer months typical of this part of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Woodruff County

via SoilByCounty

High Soil Quality in Woodruff County

Woodruff County's soil registers a pH of 5.84, which is less acidic than the state average but remains below the national median. The overall soil score of 41.3 outperforms the Arkansas average of 37.7.

Silt-Heavy Composition Retains Nutrients

This land is silt-heavy, containing 53.9% silt and 27.5% sand. The 18.6% clay content helps with nutrient retention, though the high silt percentage requires careful management to prevent surface crusting.

Superior Water Storage Potential

At 1.56%, organic matter levels trail the state average of 4.15% significantly. Despite this, the soil holds water exceptionally well with an available water capacity of 0.167 in/in, surpassing the state's typical benchmark.

Moisture-Retentive Regional Landscape

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this specific region. However, the high silt and clay concentration suggests a landscape that retains moisture longer than its sandier neighbors.

A Long Growing Season Awaits

Hardiness zone 8a provides a long growing season for Woodruff County residents. With proper organic amendments to boost the soil, this moisture-retentive ground is perfect for starting a productive backyard vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Woodruff County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Lawn Care Than Most of Arkansas

Woodruff County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.3, making it easier to maintain than the state average of 37.3. While it sits just below the national median, local conditions in Zone 8a are relatively favorable for home gardeners.

Ideal Rainfall Supports Healthy Turf

The county receives 49.2 inches of annual precipitation, which fits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawns. Although specific heat data is limited, the rainfall levels provide a solid foundation for consistent growth without excessive supplemental watering.

Monitoring pH in Sandy Soils

Soil here has a pH of 5.84, which is nearly optimal but slightly more acidic than the preferred 6.0 range. With 27.5% sand and 18.6% clay, the soil structure generally supports root growth if nutrient levels are managed correctly.

Widespread Severe Drought Challenges Lawns

Despite good annual rain averages, 100% of the county is in a severe drought following 30 weeks of dry weather this year. Homeowners should prioritize watering established trees and perennial turf to prevent permanent damage during these cycles.

Selecting the Best Grass for Woodruff

St. Augustine or Bermudagrass thrive in the warm Zone 8a environment of eastern Arkansas. While specific frost dates are not recorded, waiting for consistent nighttime temperatures above 60 degrees ensures the best results for new sod.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woodruff County's county score?
Woodruff County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Woodruff County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Woodruff County ranks #7 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 Woodruff County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Woodruff County is $558, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Woodruff County a tax score of 77.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Woodruff County?
The median household income in Woodruff County, Arkansas is $49,982 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Woodruff County earns an income score of 14.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Woodruff County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Woodruff County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Woodruff 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 Woodruff 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.