Jefferson
Arkansas

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the median home price is among the cheapest in America ($89K), the school test score is among the lowest in America (2.17 where 3.0 is grade level), and life expectancy is in the bottom 7% of American counties (71.0 years). Within Arkansas it ranks 6th of 74 counties for the median home price, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Arkansas. 66,934 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -524).

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 $46,855 a year, lower than 85% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,569. Unemployment runs 5.2%, higher than 91% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,654 a year.

Home

The median home costs $89K, cheaper than almost every county in America, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $803 a month. Property tax is 0.63% of home value, roughly $662 a year on that median home, lower than 74% of American counties. 63% 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 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.0 years, shorter than 93% of American counties. There are 155 active physicians in the county, about 23.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.0 of 5 stars. 8.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.23 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than almost every county in America. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 22 points. 48% 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 64°F, highs near 75 and lows near 54, warmer than 81% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 84 out of 100, riskier than 84% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 239 Mbps down, faster than 68% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.