Desha County, AR Property Tax: $517/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Desha County is 0.58% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $89,100, that works out to about $517 per year, or $43 per month. Desha County is located in southeastern Arkansas, and is home to approximately 11,041 residents.
About Desha County
Desha County covers approximately 741.2 square miles in Arkansas. The county is home to about 11,041 residents living in roughly 5,812 housing units, of which 49.4% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $36,064, and the median home was built in 1976.
Desha County borders Arkansas County, Chicot County, Drew County, Lincoln County, Phillips County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Arkansas
Property taxes in Arkansas are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Arkansas offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Desha County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Desha County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desha County, AR | 0.58% | $89,100 | $517 |
| Arkansas state average | 0.53% | — | $472* |
| Arkansas County | 0.56% | $129,400 | $722 |
| Chicot County | 0.55% | $90,500 | $494 |
| Drew County | 0.45% | $127,800 | $572 |
| Lincoln County | 0.54% | $106,100 | $572 |
| Phillips County | 0.66% | $76,200 | $500 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Desha County's median home value of $89,100. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Desha County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Arkansas?
At 0.58%, Desha County is higher than the Arkansas state average of 0.53%. On a home at the county median of $89,100, that means about $517 per year — versus $472 at the state average rate, a difference of $45 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Desha County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Desha County?
For a home at the county median value of $89,100, the annual property tax in Desha County is approximately $517 — or about $43 per month. For a home worth $133,650, expect around $775 per year. For a $178,200 home, approximately $1,034 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Desha County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Desha County are handled by the Desha County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Desha County?
Arkansas counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.58% shown here. Contact the Desha County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File