Newton County
AR · Pop. 7,175 · Rural County
Newton County is a rural county in Arkansas, spanning 821 square miles with 7,175 residents at a density of 8.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $179,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.41%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 206-day growing season, average summer highs of 81°F and average winter lows of 27°F. Annual rainfall averages 55.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is 23.3 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 6.6% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 206-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.41% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $179,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 8.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- Annual rainfall of 55.7 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Broadband reaches only 6.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, is 23.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Newton County, AR is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 68/100
- Median home price
- $179k
- Property tax
- 0.41%
- Growing season
- 206 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 55.7"
- Broadband
- 6.6%
- Nearest hospital
- North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, 23.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Newton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Newton County?
- Newton County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 206-day growing season, average summer highs of 81°F, and average winter lows of 27°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $179,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.41%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 6.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is 23.3 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 Newton 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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