Boone
Arkansas

What stands out

Against every county in America, Boone County is unusual in one way: violent crime is in the top 15% of American counties (4.6 per 1,000). Within Arkansas it ranks 51st of 75 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Boone County, Arkansas. 37,662 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +376).

Arkansas has been cutting its income tax rates every legislative session since 2015, and the top rate is now well under 4%. Home prices remain among the lowest in the country, especially outside Northwest Arkansas, where Walmart, Tyson and J.B. Hunt have built a fast-growing corporate corridor around Bentonville and Fayetteville. Tornado season is real across the whole state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $52,275 a year, lower than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,350. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 70% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,854 a year.

Home

The median home costs $233K, pricier than 50% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $701 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $880 a year on that median home, lower than 82% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.9 years, shorter than 61% of American counties. There are 43 active physicians in the county, about 11.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 10.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.24 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 73% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 62 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 59% of eligible voters turned out. Under Arkansas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 59°F, highs near 71 and lows near 47, warmer than 65% of American counties. About 45 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 70 out of 100, riskier than 71% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 186 Mbps down, slower than 56% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.