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Scott County

AR · Pop. 9,839 · Rural County

100/100Homestead Score

Scott County, Arkansas covers 893 square miles with a population of 9,839 and a density of 11 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, cucumbers. A median home price of $111,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.41% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F and average winter lows of 27.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 50.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mercy Hospital Waldron is 3.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.41%
Growing Season: 191 days
Broadband: 84.6%
Density: 11/sq mi

Pros

  • A long 191-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.41% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $111,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Mercy Hospital Waldron, with an emergency room, is just 3.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • At 11 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
  • At 11 people per square mile, services, labor, and suppliers are spread thin.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.41%
Median Household Income$45,955
Poverty Rate17.2%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$111K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7b
Growing Season191 days
Annual Rainfall50.7 inches
Avg Summer High90.5°F
Avg Winter Low27.8°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Cucumbers

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10
Wildfire7/10
Tornado5/10
Flood5/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalMercy Hospital Waldron (3.4 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage84.6%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate3.9%
Ag EconomyModerate

Homesteading in Scott County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Scott County?
Scott County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 191-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F, and average winter lows of 27.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, cucumbers.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $111,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.41%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 84.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Mercy Hospital Waldron is 3.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Scott County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them.