countyscore
50.9
County Score
Cost of Living 88Property Tax 84.1Weather & Climate 56.1

County Report Card

About Yell County, Arkansas

Yell County matches national livability median

Yell County's composite score of 50.9 aligns closely with the national median of 50.0, placing it near the middle of the pack among all U.S. counties. This represents a balanced livability profile relative to the nation overall.

Above-average Arkansas performer

Yell County scores 50.9, surpassing the Arkansas state average of 47.9 and ranking in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. It demonstrates stronger conditions than most of its Arkansas neighbors.

Taxes, costs, and income stand out

Yell County offers a compelling combination: the highest median household income of the three counties at $58,870 (income score 35.1), solid affordability with a cost score of 88.0 and median home value of $131,300, and efficient taxes with a score of 84.1 and effective rate of 0.517%. Housing rents average $653 per month, making this an attractive value proposition overall.

Water quality and safety need investment

Yell County's water quality score of just 5.0 is the most critical concern and suggests serious infrastructure or environmental issues requiring urgent attention. Safety (29.2) and health (25.5) also lag, indicating community health and crime prevention should be priorities.

Balanced choice for value-conscious households

Yell County suits families and workers seeking reasonable affordability, modest income prospects, and moderate taxes, with the caveat that water quality concerns merit thorough investigation before relocating. It represents a solid middle-ground choice for those who don't require top-tier services but want better conditions than the state average.

Score breakdown

Tax84.1Cost88Safety29.2Health25.5Schools38.8Income35.1Risk41.1Water5Weather56.1
🏛84.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.2
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

Perry County
Arkansas
56.3
Logan County
Arkansas
48.5
Pope County
Arkansas
44.9
Garland County
Arkansas
38.6
Conway County
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Johnson County
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Montgomery County
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Saline County
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Deep Dives

Yell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yell County

via TaxByCounty

Yell County sits between national extremes

Yell County's effective tax rate of 0.517% slightly undercuts the national median of 0.89%, placing it around the 35th percentile. The median property tax of $679 remains roughly one-quarter of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both modest tax rates and lower home values.

Slightly below Arkansas's state average

Yell County's 0.517% rate trails Arkansas's state average of 0.532% by a small margin, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state. Its median tax of $679 sits just below the state median of $705, reflecting relatively typical tax conditions for rural Arkansas.

Middle ground in regional tax landscape

Yell County's 0.517% rate sits directly between White County's favorable 0.477% and Woodruff County's elevated 0.576%, offering middle-of-the-road tax efficiency. With a median home value of $131,300, it balances property values and rates more evenly than its neighbors.

Your typical annual tax payment

On a median home valued at $131,300, Yell County homeowners pay approximately $679 annually without mortgage escrow, or $875 when taxes are part of monthly payments. That breaks down to roughly $57–$73 per month depending on your financing structure.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Yell County homeowners carry inflated property assessments that don't reflect current market conditions, making them eligible for tax relief through formal appeals. A reassessment review could uncover savings worth hundreds of dollars over several years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yell County

via CostByCounty

Yell County's Rent Bargain Beats National Average

Yell County renters spend just 13.3% of income on rent—nearly 5 percentage points better than the national average and among the best affordability ratios in the nation. At $653 monthly, Yell's median rent sits 14% below Arkansas's state average of $760, creating genuine breathing room for households earning $58,870 annually. This strong affordability position reflects a county where housing costs align well with local wages.

Among Arkansas's Most Affordable Counties

Yell County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the top tier statewide, outperforming the Arkansas average of 18.1% and signaling exceptional affordability for renters. The median home value of $131,300 offers homebuyers reasonable entry costs without requiring six-figure down payments. Combined with the state's second-lowest median rent at $653, Yell County positions itself as a premier value destination within Arkansas.

The Goldilocks Zone for Value

Yell County splits the difference between Woodruff ($595 rent, lowest) and White ($806 rent, highest), offering moderate pricing with the highest household incomes ($58,870) of the three. At $653 monthly rent, Yell costs just 9.8% more than Woodruff but 19% less than White, making it the middle-ground choice for budget seekers with slightly stronger earning power. Homebuyers find Yell's median home value ($131,300) positioned between Woodruff ($96,800) and White ($159,600).

How Yell County Budgets Housing

Renters allocate $653 monthly (13.3% of income) to housing, the lowest burden among the three counties and well below the 18% sustainability threshold. Homeowners spend $595 per month (12.2% of income), reflecting strong affordability even when carrying a mortgage on a median home valued at $131,300. After housing, a typical Yell County household has $48,570 annually for transportation, food, healthcare, and savings.

Yell County for Quality-of-Life Seekers

Yell County offers the best combination of affordability and earning potential among these three Arkansas options—solid incomes ($58,870) paired with low housing ratios (13.3%). If you're relocating and want to avoid the lowest-income areas while still enjoying exceptional rent affordability, Yell County delivers on both fronts. Compare its $653 rent and $58,870 median income to Woodruff's and White's figures to see why Yell balances value with opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yell County

via IncomeByCounty

Yell County Closes National Income Gap

Yell County's median household income of $58,870 exceeds Arkansas's state average but still trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,885. The county ranks in the middle tier of U.S. counties, showing stronger earning potential than many rural peers.

Yell County Leads Arkansas Peers

Yell County's $58,870 median household income outpaces the state average of $51,156 by $7,714, ranking it in the upper third of Arkansas counties. This performance reflects stronger local employment and economic activity compared to most state counterparts.

County Leads Regional Income Rankings

Yell County's $58,870 median household income significantly exceeds both White County ($53,435) and Woodruff County ($49,982). The $9,888 advantage over Woodruff makes Yell the income leader among these three regional counties.

Lowest Housing Burden in Region

Yell County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% is the most favorable of the three counties, with housing costs taking up just one-eighth of typical household earnings. The median home value of $131,300 remains accessible, supporting housing stability and affordability.

Invest in Future Financial Growth

Yell County residents enjoy the strongest relative income position and lowest housing burden, creating ideal conditions for long-term wealth building. With housing costs controlled, households can aggressively pursue retirement savings, home equity, and investment portfolio diversification.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yell County

via CrimeByCounty

Lower Crime Rates Than National Average

Yell County reports 1,696.0 total crimes per 100,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency earns the county a high safety score of 97.3.

Yell County Leads in State Safety

The county's safety score of 97.3 exceeds the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate remains well below the statewide average of 2,326.8 per 100,000 residents.

Safety Profile Compared to Regional Peers

Yell County is safer than nearby White County, where crime rates reach 2,887.7 per 100,000. Five reporting agencies coordinate to manage the local rate of 1,696.0, keeping it below regional highs.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime in Yell County sits at 614.5 per 100,000, which is slightly higher than the state average of 517.8. However, property crime is relatively low at 1,081.5, keeping the overall crime totals down.

Prioritizing Household Safety in Yell

While property crime is lower here than in many other counties, proactive security measures are always recommended. Utilizing motion-sensor lighting and smart alarms can effectively protect your home from opportunistic incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Yell County

via HealthByCounty

Yell County leads on life expectancy

Yell County's 73.9-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in Arkansas and beats the U.S. average of 71.4 years by more than two years. Yet 26.6% of residents report poor or fair health, above the national 21% baseline, indicating underlying health challenges despite long lifespans.

Best longevity in this comparison

At 73.9 years, Yell County leads all three counties and the state average of 72.3 years by 1.6 years, a significant longevity advantage. However, its uninsured rate of 11.9% is notably higher than both the state average (9.9%) and the other two counties in this analysis.

Moderate access, minimal mental health support

Yell County's 60 primary care providers per 100,000 are competitive with the region, but its mental health provider density of just 60 per 100,000 is the lowest among these three counties. Residents seeking behavioral health care face a significant access disadvantage compared to White County's 237 mental health providers per 100,000.

Coverage gaps risk health security

Nearly one in eight Yell County residents (11.9%) lack health insurance, the highest uninsured rate among these three counties and well above state average. This coverage gap means roughly 4,300 residents face potential medical debt and limited access to preventive care, undermining the county's otherwise strong life expectancy gains.

Don't leave coverage to chance

Yell County's 11.9% uninsured rate is a call to action: visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans you can afford. Uninsured coverage isn't just a financial buffer—it's the foundation for preventive care that keeps life expectancy climbing.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Yell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling Across Yell County

Four school districts manage the education of 3,956 students within Yell County. The county's 11 public schools include five elementary, two middle, and four high schools to serve the growing population.

Academic Scores Beat the State Average

The county boasts a strong 91.7% graduation rate, notably higher than the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a school score of 52.3, the county performs above the state average of 51.9 despite spending slightly less per pupil than the state.

Dardanelle District Dominates Local Enrollment

The Dardanelle School District is the largest in the area, educating 2,064 students across four different campuses. Families have access to traditional public schools exclusively, as the county does not host any charter schools.

Predominantly Rural Schools with Mid-Sized Enrollments

Eight of the county's schools are located in rural areas, while three serve as town centers for education. Dardanelle High School is the largest campus with 624 students, while the county-wide average enrollment sits at 360 students.

Start Your Search in Top-Performing Districts

High graduation rates and diverse school sizes make Yell County a compelling choice for families. Consider the proximity to districts like Dardanelle or Danville when browsing for your next home in the region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yell County

via RiskByCounty

Yell County sits near state baseline

Yell County's composite risk score of 58.94 ranks as relatively low, sitting just slightly above Arkansas's state average of 55.51. This moderate profile reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazards without extreme concentrations in any single category.

Close to average among Arkansas counties

With a score of 58.94 versus the state average of 55.51, Yell County clusters near the middle of Arkansas's risk distribution. The county ranks well below the most hazardous areas but exceeds safer counties like Woodruff.

Moderate risk between two extremes

Yell County's 58.94 score positions it squarely between low-risk Woodruff County (42.27) and high-risk White County (85.72), representing a middle ground in the region. This balanced exposure reflects diverse hazards without the extreme concentrations found in either neighbor.

Tornadoes and floods top concerns

Tornado risk of 81.14 and flood risk of 64.85 represent Yell County's primary natural disaster threats, both significant enough to warrant preparation. Wildfire risk at 68.19 adds a third notable concern, particularly during dry seasons.

Ensure comprehensive coverage now

Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage from tornadoes but often excludes or limits flood coverage—you'll need a separate flood policy given the 64.85 flood risk score. Review coverage annually and verify wind/hail protection are adequate for Yell County's tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yell County

via WeatherByCounty

Yell County Surpasses the National Temperature Median

Yell County maintains an average annual temperature of 61.1°F, placing it significantly warmer than the national median. The county receives 51.4 inches of annual precipitation, characterizing a lush but humid Southern climate profile.

A Baseline for Arkansas Weather Patterns

With an annual average of 61.1°F, Yell County sits right at the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. While the state averages 52.4 inches of rain, Yell County is slightly drier than its peers with 51.4 inches of yearly precipitation.

Consistent Conditions Across the River Valley

Yell County mirrors the climate of its neighbors in the Arkansas River Valley, maintaining the same 61°F thermal baseline as surrounding Pope and Logan counties. This region experiences uniform humidity and storm patterns compared to the higher elevations of the nearby Ozarks.

Extreme Heat Defines the Local Summer

The county faces 74 extreme heat days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F, driving the July average to 81.5°F. Winters are generally mild with an average of 41.8°F, though residents should expect about 2.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritizing Cooling and Moisture Management

Robust air conditioning is a necessity to handle the 74 days of extreme heat and the high humidity of the 79.9°F summer season. Residents should also invest in durable rain gear and well-maintained home drainage systems to manage the 51.4 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yell County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols Underlie Yell County

Yell County sits on Alfisols, which are naturally productive soils with a pH of 5.55. This acidity level matches the state average almost exactly but remains nearly a full point lower than the national median of 6.5.

Light and Workable Sandy Loam

The soil is a fine sandy loam composed of 44.5% sand and 39.8% silt. With only 15.5% clay, the ground is light and easy to till, though it may require more frequent fertilization to maintain productivity.

Lower Water Capacity and Organic Matter

Organic matter levels are 1.57%, falling well below the state average of 4.15%. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in also trails the state benchmark, suggesting the soil dries out faster during Arkansas summers.

Slow Infiltration and Moderate Drainage

These soils are moderately well-drained and fall into hydrologic group C. This indicates a somewhat slow rate of water transmission, which can lead to temporary ponding during heavy rainfall events.

Heat-Loving Crops for Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers plenty of heat for summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve water retention and counter the county's low organic matter score.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yell County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in Yell County

Yell County scores 41.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, indicating it is friendlier for grass than the Arkansas average of 37.3. Residents in Zone 8a still face more difficulty than the national median of 50.0 due to local climate pressures.

Navigating High Heat and Summer Humidity

The county endures 74 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 64 days. These temperatures, paired with 51.4 inches of rain, create a humid environment that requires vigilant mowing and disease monitoring.

Managing Sandy Loam and Acidity

The soil is a moderately well-drained fine sandy loam with a 44.5% sand content and an acidic pH of 5.55. Because sand drains quickly, your lawn may require more frequent, light applications of fertilizer to compensate for nutrient leaching.

Resilience During Recent Dry Spells

While 82.1% of the county currently faces severe drought, Yell County saw only 15 weeks of drought over the past year. Raising your mower deck during these dry periods helps shade the soil surface and preserves vital moisture.

Warm-Season Turf for Success

Bermudagrass and Zoysia are the top recommendations for this region’s 5,157 growing degree days. Plan your planting shortly after the April 1st average last frost to maximize the long summer growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yell County's county score?
Yell County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 50.9 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 Yell County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Yell County ranks #31 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 Yell County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Yell County is $679, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Yell County a tax score of 84.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yell County?
The median household income in Yell County, Arkansas is $58,870 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yell County earns an income score of 35.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yell County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Yell County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Yell 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 Yell County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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