Independence County
AR · Pop. 38,120 · Suburban County
Independence County sits in Arkansas across 764 square miles, home to 38,120 people at 49.9 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, hay, rice. A median home price of $121,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.55% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.6°F and average winter lows of 26.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 48.7 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. White River Medical Center is 4.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 202-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.55% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $121,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- White River Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 4.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
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.
- Broadband reaches only 79.2% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 19.6% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Independence County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 78/100
- Median home price
- $121k
- Property tax
- 0.55%
- Growing season
- 202 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 48.7"
- Broadband
- 79.2%
- Nearest hospital
- White River Medical Center, 4.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Independence County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Independence County?
- Independence County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.6°F, and average winter lows of 26.9°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, rice.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $121,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.55%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- White River Medical Center is 4.7 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 Independence 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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