Howard County
AR · Pop. 12,701 · Rural County
Howard County, Arkansas covers 587 square miles with a population of 12,701 and a density of 21.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $135,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.52%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 231-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F and average winter lows of 33.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 54.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Howard Memorial Hospital is 11.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 231-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 $135,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Howard Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 11.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 21.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- A poverty rate of 19.8% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Howard County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 100/100
- Median home price
- $135k
- Property tax
- 0.52%
- Growing season
- 231 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 54.2"
- Broadband
- 84.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Howard Memorial Hospital, 11.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Howard County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Howard County?
- Howard County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 231-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.9°F, and average winter lows of 33.8°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $135,000 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 84.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Howard Memorial Hospital is 11.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Arkansas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Arkansas
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The closest counties to Howard 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.
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