Montgomery County
AR · Pop. 8,571 · Rural County
Montgomery County, Arkansas covers 780 square miles with a population of 8,571 and a density of 11 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, tomatoes. A median home price of $136,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.38% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 195-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.4°F and average winter lows of 28.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 57.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mena Regional Health System is 31.9 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 59.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 195-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.38% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $136,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 11 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- Annual rainfall of 57.3 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Broadband reaches only 59.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Mena Regional Health System, is 31.9 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 20.8% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Montgomery County, AR is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 63/100
- Median home price
- $136k
- Property tax
- 0.38%
- Growing season
- 195 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 57.3"
- Broadband
- 59.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Mena Regional Health System, 31.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Montgomery County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Montgomery County?
- Montgomery County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 195-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.4°F, and average winter lows of 28.7°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, tomatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $136,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.38%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 59.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mena Regional Health System is 31.9 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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 Montgomery 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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