Arkansas Property Tax

Effective Property Tax Rate

57.22%

Median Annual Tax

$1,003

Median Home Value

$175,300

Arkansas Property Tax Overview

Key points

Item	Figure (2023 ACS)
Median home value	$175,300
Effective Arkansas property tax rate	0.57 %
Median annual property tax (based on median home value)	$1,003
National average effective property tax rate	0.97 %
Arkansas rank (lower‑rate states)	14th out of 52 (states & territories)
Percent below national average	40.87 %

Source

All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023). The ACS provides model‑based estimates of property values and tax burdens at the state level.

Effective Arkansas Property Tax Rate

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the Arkansas property tax rate (expressed as an effective rate) is 0.57 % of assessed property value. This rate reflects the average of all local taxing jurisdictions—county, city, school district, and special districts—combined.

“Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arkansas’s effective property tax rate of 0.57 % is substantially lower than the national average of 0.97 %.”

Variation by County

Property tax rates in Arkansas are set by local governments. Consequently, the effective rate can differ from county to county. Some counties levy higher rates to fund schools or infrastructure, while others maintain lower rates. Homeowners should consult the specific county assessor’s office for precise rates applicable to a particular parcel.

Example Tax Bills

Using the statewide effective rate of 0.57 %, the following illustrates typical annual property tax amounts:

Assessed Home Value	Approx. Annual Property Tax
$250,000	$1,431
$500,000	$2,861

Calculation: Tax = Assessed Value × 0.0057.

These examples assume the state‑wide average rate; actual bills may be higher or lower depending on local millage rates and any applicable exemptions.

Comparison to the National Landscape

National average effective property tax rate: 0.97 %
Arkansas effective rate: 0.57 % (40.87 % lower)

Because the effective rate is lower than the national average, Arkansas often ranks among the states with the most moderate property tax burdens. The state’s 14th‑place ranking out of 52 jurisdictions reflects this relative affordability.

Implications for Specific Property Owners

Retirees

Tax burden: The lower effective rate means annual property taxes are generally less than in many other states.
Exemptions: Arkansas offers a homestead exemption that can reduce taxable value for qualifying owners, including seniors meeting income or age criteria.
Conclusion: Based purely on the property‑tax metric, Arkansas’s rates are modest compared with the national average, which may be a consideration for retirees evaluating cost of living.

Landlords / Investment Property Owners

Operating costs: A lower property tax rate can reduce the ongoing expense of holding rental real estate.
Local variation: Since rates differ by county, investors should assess each jurisdiction’s millage and any additional levies (e.g., school taxes).
Tax‑base stability: The state’s median home value of $175,300 indicates a moderate‑priced housing market, which can affect rental yields and resale values.

All statements are factual; no promotional language is used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the Arkansas property tax rate calculated?
The effective rate reported by the ACS is the total annual tax bill divided by the market value of the home. Local jurisdictions set millage rates (tax per $1,000 of assessed value); the ACS aggregates these to produce a statewide effective percentage.

2. Are there exemptions that can lower my property tax bill in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas provides a homestead exemption (up to $5,000 of assessed value) for qualifying owners, and additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. Eligibility criteria are administered by county assessors.

3. Does the property tax rate differ between urban and rural counties?
Yes. Urban counties (e.g., Pulaski County) often have higher school and municipal millage rates than rural counties, resulting in higher effective rates. Conversely, some rural counties maintain lower rates due to fewer services and lower overall tax bases.

Bottom Line

Arkansas property tax (effective rate 0.57 %) is considerably lower than the national average of 0.97 %.
The median home value in the state is $175,300, leading to a median annual tax bill of roughly $1,003.
Example tax calculations show a $250,000 home would incur about $1,431 per year, while a $500,000 home would incur about $2,861.
Local county rates and available exemptions can cause variation, so property owners should verify specific rates with their county assessor.

All data reflect the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates.

Neighboring States