Property taxes in Arkansas are assessed and collected at the local level — primarily by counties and municipalities — with rates varying significantly depending on where your home is located. The statewide average effective rate for 2025is 0.62%, meaning a homeowner with a $162,400 median-value home typically pays around $1,007 per year in property taxes. For a monthly perspective, that works out to roughly $84/month — a line item that should factor into every home purchase decision in Arkansas.
Arkansas uses a 20.0% assessment ratio for primary residential properties. This means the county assessor sets your home's taxable (assessed) value at 2000% of its market value. On a $400,000 home, for example, the taxable assessed value would be $80,000. Mill rates (the nominal tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value) are then applied to this lower figure.
Available Exemptions in Arkansas
State Homestead Tax Credit of $375/year applied against property tax bill. Equivalent to approximately $17,500 of market value at 0.62% rate.
Property Tax Relief for seniors/disabled: freeze program for homeowners 65+ or totally disabled with income under $21,000.
100% service-connected disabled veterans are fully exempt. Partial exemptions for lower disability ratings.
What Makes Arkansas's Property Tax System Unique
Arkansas has a 20% assessment ratio for real property — meaning only 20% of market value is used as the taxable base. The state offers a $375 homestead tax credit directly reducing your bill.
When Are Arkansas Property Taxes Due?
Arkansas property taxes are paid on a annual basis. Due dates: October 10 (delinquent after October 15). Missing a due date typically results in penalty interest (often 1–2% per month) and eventually tax liens, so it is important to calendar these dates well in advance — especially if you have a mortgage and your lender handles property tax through escrow (in which case they pay on your behalf from your escrow account).
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Arkansas
If you believe your property has been over-assessed — which is surprisingly common, especially after rapid market changes — you have the right to appeal. File with your County Board of Equalization by August 31 for the current tax year.
To build a strong appeal, gather comparable sales (homes similar in size, age, and condition that sold recently for less than your assessed value), photos documenting property defects, and any independent appraisals you have. Many homeowners who appeal see their assessments reduced — and some jurisdictions allow free informal hearings before a formal appeal is required.
Property Tax Rates by Major Arkansas Cities
Within Arkansas, effective property tax rates vary significantly by city and county. Here are the major areas and what to expect:
- Little Rock— rates in this area may differ from the 0.62% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Fort Smith— rates in this area may differ from the 0.62% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Fayetteville— rates in this area may differ from the 0.62% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Springdale— rates in this area may differ from the 0.62% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
Note: County rates within Arkansas can range from well below to well above the statewide average. Always verify the current mill rate with your county assessor's office.
Pro Tips for Arkansas Property Owners
- Apply for every exemption you qualify for — many homeowners leave money on the table by not filing for the homestead or senior exemption. Applications are typically annual or one-time, and deadlines are firm.
- Review your assessment notice every year. If the county's estimate of your home's market value seems too high relative to what similar homes are actually selling for, appeal it. Even a 10% reduction on a $400,000 assessment saves $400–$700/year at typical Arkansas rates.
- If you have a mortgage, confirm with your lender whether property taxes are paid via an escrow account. If so, ensure your escrow balance is adequate — under-funded escrow leads to an escrow shortage and a sudden increase in your monthly mortgage payment.
- Pay early if your state offers discounts. Some states (like Florida) give 1–4% discounts for early payment. On a $5,000 tax bill, a 4% early-payment discount saves $200 — for essentially zero work.
- Property taxes are generally deductible on your federal income tax return as part of the SALT deduction (state and local taxes), subject to the $10,000 cap introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For high-tax states, this cap is often a binding constraint.