Howard County, AR Property Tax: $708/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Howard County is 0.52% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $135,400, that works out to about $704 per year, or $59 per month. Howard County is located in western Arkansas, and is home to approximately 12,701 residents.
About Howard County
Howard County covers approximately 587.3 square miles in Arkansas. The county is home to about 12,701 residents living in roughly 6,162 housing units, of which 59.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $44,492, and the median home was built in 1979.
Howard County borders Hempstead County, Little River County, Montgomery County, Pike County, Polk 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 Howard County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Howard County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard County, AR | 0.52% | $135,400 | $704 |
| Arkansas state average | 0.53% | — | $718* |
| Hempstead County | 0.50% | $100,200 | $503 |
| Little River County | 0.48% | $113,400 | $549 |
| Montgomery County | 0.38% | $136,000 | $522 |
| Pike County | 0.56% | $115,400 | $645 |
| Polk County | 0.44% | $122,600 | $541 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Howard County's median home value of $135,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Howard County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Arkansas?
At 0.52%, Howard County is lower than the Arkansas state average of 0.53%. On a home at the county median of $135,400, that means about $704 per year — versus $718 at the state average rate, a difference of $14 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Howard County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Howard County?
For a home at the county median value of $135,400, the annual property tax in Howard County is approximately $704 — or about $59 per month. For a home worth $203,100, expect around $1,056 per year. For a $270,800 home, approximately $1,408 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Howard County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Howard County are handled by the Howard 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 Howard 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 0.52% shown here. Contact the Howard 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