Hot Spring County
AR · Pop. 33,142 · Suburban County
Hot Spring County is a suburban county in Arkansas, spanning 615 square miles with 33,142 residents at a density of 53.9 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, tomatoes. The median home price is $128,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.51%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 225-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F and average winter lows of 33.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Arkansas Department of Correction - Ouachita River Unit Inpatient Care Facility is 6.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 94.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 225-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.51% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $128,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 94.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Arkansas Department of Correction - Ouachita River Unit Inpatient Care Facility, with an emergency room, is just 6.1 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Hot Spring County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 97/100
- Median home price
- $128k
- Property tax
- 0.51%
- Growing season
- 225 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.9"
- Broadband
- 94.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Arkansas Department of Correction - Ouachita River Unit Inpatient Care Facility, 6.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hot Spring County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hot Spring County?
- Hot Spring County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 225-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F, and average winter lows of 33.7°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, tomatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $128,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.51%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 94.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Arkansas Department of Correction - Ouachita River Unit Inpatient Care Facility is 6.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Arkansas Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Arkansas
All Arkansas countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Hot Spring 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. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.