Sharp
Arkansas

What stands out

Three things set Sharp County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 3% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000), the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 9% of American counties ($600 a month), and the median household income is in the bottom 10% of American counties ($43,332). Within Arkansas it ranks 9th of 75 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Sharp County, Arkansas. 17,422 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +254).

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 $43,332 a year, lower than 90% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $38,491. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 73% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,523 a year.

Home

The median home costs $150K, cheaper than 84% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $600 a month. Property tax is 0.57% of home value, roughly $510 a year on that median home, lower than 81% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.7 years, shorter than 74% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 2.9 per 10,000 people. 13.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.91 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 61% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 60 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% 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 60°F, highs near 71 and lows near 49, warmer than 68% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 66 out of 100, riskier than 66% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 184 Mbps down, slower than 57% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.