Property Tax in Arkansas: Complete Guide 2026
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Property Tax in Arkansas: Complete Guide 2026
Tax information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a licensed tax professional for your specific situation.
Arkansas has one of the lowest property tax burdens in the nation, with an average effective rate of approximately ~0.57%. The state’s property tax system is shaped significantly by Amendment 79, which caps the annual increase in assessed value at ~5% for homesteads and ~10% for all other property, regardless of actual market appreciation. This cap resets when property is sold, meaning long-term owners benefit from substantial assessment freezes in areas with rapid appreciation. Arkansas assesses property at ~20% of market value, and the combination of the low assessment ratio and Amendment 79 caps keeps tax bills modest statewide.
Arkansas Property Tax Rates (2026)
| Metric | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Average effective rate | ~0.57% |
| National average effective rate | ~0.99% |
| Assessment ratio | ~20% of market value |
| Amendment 79 homestead cap | ~5% annual increase |
| Amendment 79 other property cap | ~10% annual increase |
| Median home value | ~$175,000 |
| Median annual property tax | ~$998 |
Property Tax by Select County
| County | Avg. Effective Rate | Median Tax Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Pulaski (Little Rock) | ~0.74% | ~$1,400 |
| Washington (Fayetteville) | ~0.53% | ~$1,200 |
| Benton (Bentonville/Rogers) | ~0.45% | ~$1,400 |
| Sebastian (Fort Smith) | ~0.65% | ~$800 |
| Craighead (Jonesboro) | ~0.58% | ~$700 |
| Garland (Hot Springs) | ~0.52% | ~$700 |
| Saline (Benton) | ~0.55% | ~$1,000 |
| Faulkner (Conway) | ~0.60% | ~$800 |
How Arkansas Property Tax Works
Amendment 79 Assessment Caps
Amendment 79 to the Arkansas Constitution (adopted in 2000) is the cornerstone of the state’s property tax system. It limits the annual increase in the assessed value of any property:
- Homestead property: Assessed value cannot increase by more than ~5% per year, regardless of actual market appreciation
- Non-homestead property: Assessed value cannot increase by more than ~10% per year
When property changes ownership, the assessed value resets to ~20% of the current market value. This creates situations where long-term owners pay significantly less than new buyers of comparable properties.
Assessment at 20% of Market Value
Arkansas assesses all property at ~20% of appraised market value. Tax rates (millage rates) are applied to this assessed value. A property with a market value of ~$200,000 would have an assessed value of ~$40,000, and the applicable millage rate is applied to the ~$40,000 figure.
Millage Rate Components
Arkansas property tax bills include levies from multiple taxing districts:
- County general operations
- School districts (typically the largest component)
- Cities and municipalities
- Library districts
- Fire districts
- Community college districts
Total millage rates typically range from approximately ~40 to 75 mills ($40 to ~$75 per ~$1,000 of assessed value) depending on the jurisdiction.
Exemptions and Relief Programs
- Homestead Tax Credit: All homesteads receive a credit that eliminates the state general school millage (approximately ~25 mills) from their tax bill. This credit is worth approximately ~$375 annually on a ~$200,000 home.
- Disabled Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected disability of ~100% receive a full property tax exemption on their homestead.
- Senior Citizens’ Freeze: Amendment 79 freezes the assessed value of homesteads owned by persons 65+ or disabled, preventing any increase in assessed value (stronger than the standard ~5% cap).
- Agricultural Land: Classified agricultural and timber land is assessed at its use value, typically far below market value.
Comparison to National Average
| Metric | Arkansas | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Average effective rate | ~0.57% | ~0.99% |
| Median annual tax paid | ~$998 | ~$2,700 |
| Assessment ratio | ~20% of market value | Varies |
| Annual cap (homestead) | ~5% | Not standard |
Arkansas property taxes are approximately 63% below the national median in dollar terms. Amendment 79 caps and the low assessment ratio combine to create one of the most property-tax-friendly environments in the nation.
Tips for Minimizing Arkansas Property Tax
-
Claim the homestead tax credit. Ensure your property is classified as a homestead to receive the state general school millage credit, worth approximately ~$375 annually.
-
Apply for the senior assessment freeze. Homeowners 65+ or disabled should apply to freeze their assessed value permanently, preventing any increases regardless of market conditions.
-
Understand the Amendment 79 reset. When purchasing a property, the assessed value resets to current market value. Budget for a potentially higher tax bill than the previous owner paid.
-
Appeal your assessed value. If your property’s appraised value exceeds market conditions, file an appeal with the county equalization board during the designated period.
-
Explore agricultural classification. If your property includes qualifying farmland or timber acreage, the use-value assessment can dramatically reduce your tax burden.
-
Claim the disabled veteran exemption. Veterans with 100% service-connected disability should apply through the county assessor for a complete property tax exemption.
-
Review millage rate changes. Monitor school district and municipal elections for proposed millage increases that could affect your future tax bills.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas’s average effective property tax rate of ~0.57% is well below the national average
- Amendment 79 caps annual assessed value increases at ~5% for homesteads and ~10% for other property
- Property is assessed at ~20% of market value, further reducing the tax base
- The homestead tax credit eliminates the state general school millage from homestead tax bills
- Homeowners 65+ or disabled qualify for a permanent assessment freeze
- Assessed values reset to current market value upon property sale
Next Steps
- State Income Tax Rates Comparison 2026 — See Arkansas’s overall tax picture.
- Federal Income Tax Guide 2026 — Understand property tax deductions on your federal return.
- Best States for Retirees: Tax Guide 2026 — Evaluate Arkansas’s retirement tax environment.
- Estate and Inheritance Tax Guide — Arkansas has no estate or inheritance tax.
- Find a CPA Near You — Get professional Arkansas tax guidance.