Property Tax on DeGray Lake

Clark County and Caddo County Tax Framework

Arkansas assesses all real property at 20% of market value statewide. Clark County's effective property tax rate is approximately 0.45% to 0.55% of market value -- below the Arkansas state median and well below the national median of 1.02%. Caddo County, covering the western and southern lake area, has a comparable effective rate. On a $350,000 waterfront home in Clark County: assessed value $70,000; at approximately 30 to 38 mills depending on the specific school district: annual tax approximately $2,100 to $2,660.

The Arkadelphia School District -- serving much of the Clark County lake area -- carries a millage that reflects the city's dual-university infrastructure (Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University both require school district support). Buyers whose property address falls within the Arkadelphia School District pay somewhat higher total millage than buyers in surrounding rural county school district areas. The difference is meaningful when comparing two otherwise similar properties on either side of a school district boundary line.

Arkansas's $375 to $425 homestead credit applies to primary residences. The senior property tax freeze -- available at age 65 with income qualification -- locks the assessed value permanently for qualifying primary homeowners. File with the Clark County Assessor's office in Arkadelphia or the Caddo County Assessor's office depending on which county the property falls in. The freeze survives assessment cycle reappraisals and protects primary-resident seniors from future value-based tax increases indefinitely.

Taxes are paid retroactively in Arkansas -- you pay 2025 taxes in 2026. October 15 is the annual payment deadline. Online payment portals for both Clark and Caddo counties accept payment year-round once the prior year's bill is posted, typically in the spring of the following year.