Monroe County
AR · Pop. 6,681 · Rural County
Monroe County is a rural county in Arkansas, spanning 607 square miles with 6,681 residents at a density of 11 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on soybeans, rice, corn. The median home price is $82,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.49%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 227-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.1°F and average winter lows of 32.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.6 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart is 23.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 82.9% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 227-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.49% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $82,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on soybeans, rice, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 11 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The nearest hospital, Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart, is 23.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 22.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Monroe County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 83/100
- Median home price
- $82k
- Property tax
- 0.49%
- Growing season
- 227 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.6"
- Broadband
- 82.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart, 23.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Monroe County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Monroe County?
- Monroe County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 227-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.1°F, and average winter lows of 32.1°F. The established crops are soybeans, rice, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $82,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.49%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 82.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart is 23.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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 Monroe 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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