Independence
Arkansas

What stands out

Three things set Independence County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 14% of American counties (4.6 per 1,000). Within Arkansas it ranks 49th of 75 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Independence County, Arkansas. 37,910 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +78).

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 $52,361 a year, lower than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,642. Unemployment runs 3.4%, lower than 52% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,857 a year.

Home

The median home costs $179K, cheaper than 72% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $747 a month. Property tax is 0.55% of home value, roughly $615 a year on that median home, lower than 82% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 86% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.3 years, shorter than 67% of American counties. There are 129 active physicians in the county, about 34.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 11.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.78 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 80% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 58 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 52% 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 61°F, highs near 71 and lows near 51, warmer than 71% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 78 out of 100, riskier than 78% of American counties; the county has had 31 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 191 Mbps down, slower than 54% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.