Explore the best counties to raise a family based on public schools, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, BLS, CDC, and other data sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
Showing results 1 through 25 of 74
1 through 25 of 74 results
74 results
Current Resident: I enjoy living in Arkansas, I recently moved here for school at UALR. It is a wonderful university with great professors and peers surrounding me. The weather here is nice as is the people too.Read 12 Reviews
#1 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
County in Arkansas,
12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I enjoy living in Arkansas, I recently moved here for school at UALR. It is a wonderful university with great professors and peers surrounding me. The weather here is nice as is the people too..
I enjoy living in Arkansas, I recently moved here for school at UALR. It is a wonderful university with great professors and peers surrounding me. The weather here is nice as is the people too..
Read 12 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Population: 265,759,
Current Resident: I currently live here and grew up here for the most part. love the schools and how family friendly it is! It does have some nightlife but not as much as some people would like. It is very diverse and most people are so friendly! I've got so many great memories from this place and I couldn't imagine leaving!...Read 2 Reviews
#2 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I currently live here and grew up here for the most part. love the schools and how family friendly it is! It does have some nightlife but not as much as some people would like. It is very diverse and....
I currently live here and grew up here for the most part. love the schools and how family friendly it is! It does have some nightlife but not as much as some people would like. It is very diverse and....
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Population: 127,591,
#3 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 232,289,
Parent: My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student needs. The teachers are dedicated and so are the parents to the kids' success. While the administration has been bumpy as the school has gotten established (only 5 years old), they earned their stripes during the pandemic. Organized, safety-focused and diligent about communication. We supplement school with sports leagues and scouting outside of school, which many parents do. Easy to do given the extensive choice you have in the DC area. Also appreciate the international study body with impressively bright students from all over the world. A real meritocracy, unlike other private schools that admit based on VIP status or connections/donations. In the next few years, this school will only continue to advance its place in the rankings...Read 43 Reviews
Blue checkmark.
Private School,
MCLEAN, VA,
PK, K-12,
43 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student....
My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student....
Read 43 reviews.
Students: 522,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
#4 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 123,624,
Former Resident: I have lived in Sevier County my entire life. Neighbors become family and the local Walmart becomes the hangout spot for adults. During the summer, you can find two active parks filled with children who are eager to find a new best friend. I loved growing up here as well, because it is multiracial. I feel safe as I walk down main street in my humble county...Read 1 Review
#5 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Former Resident says I have lived in Sevier County my entire life. Neighbors become family and the local Walmart becomes the hangout spot for adults. During the summer, you can find two active parks filled with children....
I have lived in Sevier County my entire life. Neighbors become family and the local Walmart becomes the hangout spot for adults. During the summer, you can find two active parks filled with children....
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: B+,
Population: 17,081,
Current Resident: We live in HSV (Saline Co part) and have been here 5 years. I much prefer Benton to HS for several reasons, and even tho we don’t visit much, we find the following to be true as related to HS. People are nicer, businesses seem to to appreciate our being there, has a nicer “feel” when driving around, and nicer neighborhoods overall. I would much prefer living in Saline County any day...Read 16 Reviews
#6 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
16 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says We live in HSV (Saline Co part) and have been here 5 years. I much prefer Benton to HS for several reasons, and even tho we don’t visit much, we find the following to be true as related to HS. ....
We live in HSV (Saline Co part) and have been here 5 years. I much prefer Benton to HS for several reasons, and even tho we don’t visit much, we find the following to be true as related to HS. ....
Read 16 reviews.
Population: 119,415,
#7 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Population: 107,345,
Current Resident: Pulaski County is overall a good and safe community, with lots of kind people if sought out. I would love to see more hardworking people, more honesty, and more general goodness that any individual should want in a community. The public libraries are fantastic and there are lots of programs for citizens of all ages to get involved in. Though this does not determine the goodness of a county, I would like to see roads improved. It would make our environment look much cleaner and nicer. Lastly, perhaps the best addition to our community would be new-found joy in every individual. Communities are made up of every-day people- hurting, sick, busy, lost, happy- people in every stage and season. It would be so good if people could find and plant their joy, and spread it with those around them...Read 8 Reviews
#8 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
8 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Pulaski County is overall a good and safe community, with lots of kind people if sought out. I would love to see more hardworking people, more honesty, and more general goodness that any individual....
Pulaski County is overall a good and safe community, with lots of kind people if sought out. I would love to see more hardworking people, more honesty, and more general goodness that any individual....
Read 8 reviews.
Population: 392,967,
Current Resident: Normally it has everything a person needs. Has a hospital, food, hotels, retail. And some nice people.Read 2 Reviews
#9 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
2 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Normally it has everything a person needs. Has a hospital, food, hotels, retail. And some nice people..
Normally it has everything a person needs. Has a hospital, food, hotels, retail. And some nice people..
Population: 63,761,
#10 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 39,449,
Current Resident: Lonoke County is located in Central Arkansas and the eleventh largest out of seventy five counties. Depending where you are in the County you can go from hilly terrain to agricultural land to multiple farming communities. Lonoke was formed in 1873 and named after a red oak tree used by railroad surveyors. The County carries a lot of farming history particularly for rice and cotton. In the fall Lonoke autumn colors are vibrant, however in the summer evenings especially in the rice farming areas, mosquitoes can be a pesky problem. Lonoke County residents would benefit from a public transportation system...Read 4 Reviews
#11 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Lonoke County is located in Central Arkansas and the eleventh largest out of seventy five counties. Depending where you are in the County you can go from hilly terrain to agricultural land to....
Lonoke County is located in Central Arkansas and the eleventh largest out of seventy five counties. Depending where you are in the County you can go from hilly terrain to agricultural land to....
Read 4 reviews.
Population: 72,528,
#12 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Overall Niche Grade: B,
Population: 78,762,
Nearby Resident: I love Crawford county because it is conservative and has a small town feel. It has a good library system and decent schools. I love that it is a dry county and does not sell alcohol except at certain restaurants. The historic downtown is quaint and fun, with a scenic train ride through the beautiful Arkansas countryside...Read 3 Reviews
#13 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
3 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Nearby Resident says I love Crawford county because it is conservative and has a small town feel. It has a good library system and decent schools. I love that it is a dry county and does not sell alcohol except at....
I love Crawford county because it is conservative and has a small town feel. It has a good library system and decent schools. I love that it is a dry county and does not sell alcohol except at....
Read 3 reviews.
Population: 62,739,
Nearby Resident: The staff is very helpful. The professors are also helpful and knowledgeable will work with you to better understand the course. I recommend this school for those who do not have a scholarship and are on a tight budget. The community is friendly and diverse...Read 3 Reviews
#14 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Nearby Resident says The staff is very helpful. The professors are also helpful and knowledgeable will work with you to better understand the course. I recommend this school for those who do not have a scholarship and....
The staff is very helpful. The professors are also helpful and knowledgeable will work with you to better understand the course. I recommend this school for those who do not have a scholarship and....
Population: 17,914,
#15 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Overall Niche Grade: B minus,
Population: 13,311,
#16 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 27,965,
Current Resident: Yell County has small cities, that are filled with friendly people. You always feel welcomed and at home. Everybody knows everybody and you know you can count on the communities to help when there is a need...Read 1 Review
#17 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Current Resident says Yell County has small cities, that are filled with friendly people. You always feel welcomed and at home. Everybody knows everybody and you know you can count on the communities to help when there is....
Yell County has small cities, that are filled with friendly people. You always feel welcomed and at home. Everybody knows everybody and you know you can count on the communities to help when there is....
Population: 21,464,
#18 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 16,824,
Current Resident: It is quiet and laid back where I live. Everything is miles away. I want there to be more restaurants and grocery stores close by.Read 1 Review
#19 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Featured Review: Current Resident says It is quiet and laid back where I live. Everything is miles away. I want there to be more restaurants and grocery stores close by..
It is quiet and laid back where I live. Everything is miles away. I want there to be more restaurants and grocery stores close by..
Population: 42,126,
#20 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 23,776,
#21 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 20,094,
#22 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 12,347,
Current Resident: I love it here I've lived here my whole life and never experienced any other place better. The people are interesting, the scenery is perfect, and there is always something to do.Read 4 Reviews
#23 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Featured Review: Current Resident says I love it here I've lived here my whole life and never experienced any other place better. The people are interesting, the scenery is perfect, and there is always something to do..
I love it here I've lived here my whole life and never experienced any other place better. The people are interesting, the scenery is perfect, and there is always something to do..
Population: 48,672,
#24 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 37,427,
#25 Best Counties for Families in Arkansas.
Population: 98,555,
Middle School Student: Their academics are outstanding, perfect for college readiness! They do a very good job, engaging with students and making sure everyone has a chance to learn. Diversity is also a big thing here. The teachers are nice and welcoming. They have a big majority of different clubs. Food... not so good, like any other public school really, but that's fine you can bring your own lunch. I feel safe here and going to this school is a perfect opportunity to let your child, learn, grow, and progress...Read 10 Reviews
LISA Academy Public Charter School District, AR,
6-8,
10 Niche users give it an average review of 2.9 stars.
Featured Review: Middle School Student says Their academics are outstanding, perfect for college readiness! They do a very good job, engaging with students and making sure everyone has a chance to learn. Diversity is also a big thing here. The....
Their academics are outstanding, perfect for college readiness! They do a very good job, engaging with students and making sure everyone has a chance to learn. Diversity is also a big thing here. The....
Read 10 reviews.
Students: 317,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
Senior: When I was younger, school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. School became frustrating. It began to make me feel badly about myself. This was so discouraging and degrading. I started not wanting to go to school, not wanting to even try. My sophomore year I knew things had to change if I wanted to have a good future and go to a good college. We found Cortona Academy and, honestly, my life changed! Cortona Academy made me feel good about learning again and helped build-up my confidence. They made school less frustrating, making sure I understood something before moving on, making certain I had a strong foundation and could successfully tackle any subject put in my path. Cortona Academy helped bring up my GPA and, most importantly, helped me feel ready for college. I no longer feel discouraged; I no longer feel like I can't. Cortona Academy has shown me that I “can,” no matter what...Read 24 Reviews
HERNDON, VA,
7-12,
24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says When I was younger, school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. School became frustrating. It began to....
When I was younger, school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. School became frustrating. It began to....
Read 24 reviews.
Students: 75,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,