Yell County
AR · Pop. 20,195 · Rural County
Yell County is a rural county in Arkansas, spanning 930 square miles with 20,195 residents at a density of 21.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. A median home price of $131,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.52% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F and average winter lows of 29.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.7 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Chambers Memorial Hospital is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 72.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 214-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.52% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $131,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Chambers Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 21.7 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.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Broadband reaches only 72.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Yell County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Yell County?
- Yell County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 214-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.5°F, and average winter lows of 29.6°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $131,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.52%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 72.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Chambers Memorial Hospital is 4.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Arkansas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Arkansas
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The closest counties to Yell 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.
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