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Best counties to live in Arkansas
What makes a particular county the best? Oftentimes, it's a good mix of opportunities for fun outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Throw in some historical sites, good schools, job opportunities, and affordable housing, and the county will most likely have happy residents.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to live in Arkansas using rankings from Niche. Niche ranks counties by a variety of factors including: public schools, educational attainment, cost of living, and housing.
Many counties on the list are experiencing growth due to their job opportunities, education, or home values. Others are adored for their historic or well-designed value, or devotion to cultural opportunities. Keep reading to see if your county made the list.
#21. Howard County
- Population: 13,311
- Median home value: $95,900 (69% own)
- Median rent: $601 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $36,059
- Top public schools: Nashville Primary School (B+), Nashville Elementary School (B), Nashville High School (B)
- Top private schools: Nashville Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Nashville (B), Center Point Township (B), Dierks (B)
- Median home value: $95,900 (69% own)
- Median rent: $601 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $36,059
- Top public schools: Nashville Primary School (B+), Nashville Elementary School (B), Nashville High School (B)
- Top private schools: Nashville Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Nashville (B), Center Point Township (B), Dierks (B)
#20. Columbia County
- Population: 23,776
- Median home value: $81,900 (70% own)
- Median rent: $664 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $36,193
- Top public schools: Emerson Elementary School (A), Taylor Elementary School (A), Taylor High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Columbia Christian School (B)
- Top places to live: Magnolia (B), Emerson Township (B+), Waldo Township (B)
- Median home value: $81,900 (70% own)
- Median rent: $664 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $36,193
- Top public schools: Emerson Elementary School (A), Taylor Elementary School (A), Taylor High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Columbia Christian School (B)
- Top places to live: Magnolia (B), Emerson Township (B+), Waldo Township (B)
#19. Miller County
- Population: 43,572
- Median home value: $109,100 (65% own)
- Median rent: $737 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $43,371
- Top public schools: Genoa Central Elementary School (A), Gary E. Cobb Middle School (B+), Edward D. Trice Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Trinity Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Texarkana (B), Garland Township (B+), Cleveland Township (B)
- Median home value: $109,100 (65% own)
- Median rent: $737 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $43,371
- Top public schools: Genoa Central Elementary School (A), Gary E. Cobb Middle School (B+), Edward D. Trice Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Trinity Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Texarkana (B), Garland Township (B+), Cleveland Township (B)
#18. Drew County
- Population: 18,417
- Median home value: $99,800 (68% own)
- Median rent: $658 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $46,997
- Top public schools: Monticello Middle School (B+), Monticello High School (C+), Drew Central High School (C)
- Top places to live: Monticello (B+), Marion Township (B+), Spring Hill Township (B)
- Median home value: $99,800 (68% own)
- Median rent: $658 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $46,997
- Top public schools: Monticello Middle School (B+), Monticello High School (C+), Drew Central High School (C)
- Top places to live: Monticello (B+), Marion Township (B+), Spring Hill Township (B)
#17. Mississippi County
- Population: 42,126
- Median home value: $84,500 (56% own)
- Median rent: $632 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $39,962
- Top public schools: Armorel Elementary School (A), Manila Middle School (B+), Armorel High School (B)
- Top private schools: The Delta School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Manila (B), Gosnell (B), Blytheville (B)
- Median home value: $84,500 (56% own)
- Median rent: $632 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $39,962
- Top public schools: Armorel Elementary School (A), Manila Middle School (B+), Armorel High School (B)
- Top private schools: The Delta School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Manila (B), Gosnell (B), Blytheville (B)
#16. White County
- Population: 78,762
- Median home value: $120,100 (66% own)
- Median rent: $702 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $44,029
- Top public schools: Ahlf Junior High School (A), Southwest Middle School (A), Westside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Harding Academy (B+), Crosspointe Preparatory (unavailable), Liberty Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Searcy (A), Beebe (B), Bald Knob (C+)
- Median home value: $120,100 (66% own)
- Median rent: $702 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $44,029
- Top public schools: Ahlf Junior High School (A), Southwest Middle School (A), Westside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Harding Academy (B+), Crosspointe Preparatory (unavailable), Liberty Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Searcy (A), Beebe (B), Bald Knob (C+)
#15. Arkansas County
- Population: 17,914
- Median home value: $88,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $648 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $46,696
- Top public schools: Gillett Elementary School (A), Dewitt Middle School (B), Stuttgart High School (B)
- Top private schools: Grand Prairie Evangelical Methodist School (B), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable), Holy Rosary Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: DeWitt (B), Stuttgart (B), Henton Township (B)
- Median home value: $88,600 (65% own)
- Median rent: $648 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $46,696
- Top public schools: Gillett Elementary School (A), Dewitt Middle School (B), Stuttgart High School (B)
- Top private schools: Grand Prairie Evangelical Methodist School (B), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable), Holy Rosary Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: DeWitt (B), Stuttgart (B), Henton Township (B)
#14. Garland County
- Population: 98,555
- Median home value: $139,900 (68% own)
- Median rent: $771 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $44,777
- Top public schools: Lakeside Intermediate School (A), Lakeside High School (A), Lakeside Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Christian Ministries Academy (B), Gospel Light Christian School (A), St. John Elementary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Hot Springs (B+), Piney (B), Rockwell (B)
- Median home value: $139,900 (68% own)
- Median rent: $771 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $44,777
- Top public schools: Lakeside Intermediate School (A), Lakeside High School (A), Lakeside Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Christian Ministries Academy (B), Gospel Light Christian School (A), St. John Elementary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Hot Springs (B+), Piney (B), Rockwell (B)
#13. Carroll County
- Population: 27,965
- Median home value: $136,900 (76% own)
- Median rent: $610 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $46,110
- Top public schools: Eureka Springs Middle School (B+), Eureka Springs High School (B), Berryville High School (B)
- Top private schools: The Academy of Excellence (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Berryville (B), Green Forest (B), Cross Township (A)
- Median home value: $136,900 (76% own)
- Median rent: $610 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $46,110
- Top public schools: Eureka Springs Middle School (B+), Eureka Springs High School (B), Berryville High School (B)
- Top private schools: The Academy of Excellence (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Berryville (B), Green Forest (B), Cross Township (A)
#12. Lonoke County
- Population: 72,528
- Median home value: $142,500 (69% own)
- Median rent: $796 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $59,094
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A), Cabot Middle School North (A), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: New Horizon Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Cabot (A), Austin (B+), Ward (B)
- Median home value: $142,500 (69% own)
- Median rent: $796 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $59,094
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A), Cabot Middle School North (A), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: New Horizon Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Cabot (A), Austin (B+), Ward (B)
#11. Clark County
- Population: 22,386
- Median home value: $111,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $606 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $41,620
- Top public schools: Arkadelphia High School (B), Goza Middle School (B), Peake Elementary School (C+)
- Top private schools: Clark County Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Arkadelphia (B+), Gum Springs (A), Caddo Township (B+)
- Median home value: $111,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $606 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $41,620
- Top public schools: Arkadelphia High School (B), Goza Middle School (B), Peake Elementary School (C+)
- Top private schools: Clark County Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Arkadelphia (B+), Gum Springs (A), Caddo Township (B+)
#10. Sevier County
- Population: 17,081
- Median home value: $84,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $581 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $47,704
- Top public schools: Dequeen Middle School (A), Dequeen Elementary School (A), Dequeen Junior High School (B+)
- Top private schools:
- Top places to live: De Queen (B+), Bear Creek Township (B+), Monroe Township (B+)
- Median home value: $84,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $581 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $47,704
- Top public schools: Dequeen Middle School (A), Dequeen Elementary School (A), Dequeen Junior High School (B+)
- Top private schools:
- Top places to live: De Queen (B+), Bear Creek Township (B+), Monroe Township (B+)
#9. Pope County
- Population: 63,761
- Median home value: $126,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $681 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $43,462
- Top public schools: Sequoyah Elementary School (A), Pottsville Middle Grade (A), Pottsville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Valley Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Russellville (A), Pottsville (B), Gum Log Township (A)
- Median home value: $126,400 (69% own)
- Median rent: $681 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $43,462
- Top public schools: Sequoyah Elementary School (A), Pottsville Middle Grade (A), Pottsville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Valley Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Russellville (A), Pottsville (B), Gum Log Township (A)
#8. Union County
- Population: 39,449
- Median home value: $86,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $674 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $44,663
- Top public schools: Norphlet Elementary School (A), Hugh Goodwin Elementary School (A), Parkers Chapel Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: West Side Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: El Dorado (B+), El Dorado Township (A), Boone Township (B+)
- Median home value: $86,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $674 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $44,663
- Top public schools: Norphlet Elementary School (A), Hugh Goodwin Elementary School (A), Parkers Chapel Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: West Side Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: El Dorado (B+), El Dorado Township (A), Boone Township (B+)
#7. Craighead County
- Population: 107,345
- Median home value: $140,700 (57% own)
- Median rent: $757 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $47,286
- Top public schools: Valley View Elementary School (A), Valley View Junior High School (A), Valley View Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Ridgefield Christian School (A), Montessori School of Jonesboro (unavailable), Blessed Sacrament School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Jonesboro (A), Brookland (B+), Gilkerson Township (A+)
- Median home value: $140,700 (57% own)
- Median rent: $757 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $47,286
- Top public schools: Valley View Elementary School (A), Valley View Junior High School (A), Valley View Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Ridgefield Christian School (A), Montessori School of Jonesboro (unavailable), Blessed Sacrament School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Jonesboro (A), Brookland (B+), Gilkerson Township (A+)
#6. Faulkner County
- Population: 123,624
- Median home value: $161,500 (62% own)
- Median rent: $826 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,827
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Springhill Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Westside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (A), St. Joseph School (B+), Childcare Network Conway Highway 365 (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Conway (A), Greenbrier (B+), Mayflower (B)
- Median home value: $161,500 (62% own)
- Median rent: $826 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $52,827
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Springhill Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Westside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (A), St. Joseph School (B+), Childcare Network Conway Highway 365 (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Conway (A), Greenbrier (B+), Mayflower (B)
#5. Saline County
- Population: 119,415
- Median home value: $156,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $847 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $64,412
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Arkansas Christian Academy (C), Avilla Christian Academy (C), Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Bryant (A), Alexander (A), Shannon Hills (A)
- Median home value: $156,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $847 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $64,412
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Arkansas Christian Academy (C), Avilla Christian Academy (C), Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Bryant (A), Alexander (A), Shannon Hills (A)
#4. Pulaski County
- Population: 392,967
- Median home value: $157,200 (59% own)
- Median rent: $861 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $51,749
- Top public schools: Maumelle Charter Elementary School (A), Central High School (A), LISA Academy West Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (A+), Little Rock Christian Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Hillcrest (A+), Capital View/Stiff (A+), Rock Creek (A+)
- Median home value: $157,200 (59% own)
- Median rent: $861 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $51,749
- Top public schools: Maumelle Charter Elementary School (A), Central High School (A), LISA Academy West Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Pulaski Academy (A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (A+), Little Rock Christian Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Hillcrest (A+), Capital View/Stiff (A+), Rock Creek (A+)
#3. Sebastian County
- Population: 127,591
- Median home value: $123,100 (59% own)
- Median rent: $696 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $46,228
- Top public schools: L.A. Chaffin Junior High School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Christian Academy (A), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable), Immaculate Conception Elementary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Greenwood (A), Fort Smith (A), Barling (B+)
- Median home value: $123,100 (59% own)
- Median rent: $696 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $46,228
- Top public schools: L.A. Chaffin Junior High School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Christian Academy (A), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable), Immaculate Conception Elementary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Greenwood (A), Fort Smith (A), Barling (B+)
#2. Washington County
- Population: 232,289
- Median home value: $173,400 (53% own)
- Median rent: $794 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $50,451
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (A+), Haas Hall Academy Bentonville (A+), Fayetteville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (A), Fayetteville Christian School (A), Prism Education Center (A)
- Top places to live: Johnson (A+), Fayetteville (A), Elm Springs (A)
- Median home value: $173,400 (53% own)
- Median rent: $794 (47% rent)
- Median household income: $50,451
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (A+), Haas Hall Academy Bentonville (A+), Fayetteville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (A), Fayetteville Christian School (A), Prism Education Center (A)
- Top places to live: Johnson (A+), Fayetteville (A), Elm Springs (A)
#1. Benton County
- Population: 265,759
- Median home value: $183,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $903 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $66,362
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bentonville West High School (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Classical Christian Academy (A), Life Way Christian School (A), Ozark Adventist Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Cave Springs (A+), Bentonville (A+), Centerton (A)
- Median home value: $183,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $903 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $66,362
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bentonville West High School (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Classical Christian Academy (A), Life Way Christian School (A), Ozark Adventist Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Cave Springs (A+), Bentonville (A+), Centerton (A)
