Ouachita County
AR · Pop. 22,317 · Suburban County
Ouachita County, Arkansas covers 733 square miles with a population of 22,317 and a density of 30.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, tomatoes. The median home price is $100,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.5%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 226-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.8°F and average winter lows of 32.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 52.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Ouachita County Medical Center is 2.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 226-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.5% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $100,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Ouachita County Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 2.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 52.7 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Ouachita County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 100/100
- Median home price
- $100k
- Property tax
- 0.5%
- Growing season
- 226 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 52.7"
- Broadband
- 88%
- Nearest hospital
- Ouachita County Medical Center, 2.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Ouachita County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Ouachita County?
- Ouachita County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 226-day growing season, average summer highs of 91.8°F, and average winter lows of 32.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, tomatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $100,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.5%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Ouachita County Medical Center is 2.6 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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More counties in Arkansas
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The closest counties to Ouachita 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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