Independence County, Arkansas
17 ZIP codes · Avg score 66/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Independence County's 17 ZIP codes show a split record — several have documented water safety violations.
How Independence County Compares
How Independence County Compares
Independence County scores 10 points below the Arkansas state average (76/100) and 2 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Independence County, Arkansas
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.2 (asthma 10.4%, diabetes 13.4%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $639, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.283% avg pipe failure probability, 6% of ZIPs at high risk
49.1% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $639
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
22,152 housing units in Independence County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Independence County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Independence County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Independence County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Independence County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southside Pub Water Authority | 9,108 | 4 |
| 2 | Independence Jackson Regional | 2,922 | 3 |
| 3 | Pfeiffer Water Authority | 3,690 | 3 |
| 4 | TUMBLING SHOALS WATER ASSOC | 6,608 | 3 |
| 5 | OIL TROUGH WATERWORKS | 235 | 2 |
27 total water systems serve Independence County.
All ZIP Codes in Independence County
17 ZIP codes tracked in Independence County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72503 | Batesville | 83 | B | 1 | — |
| 2 | 72579 | Sulphur Rock | 83 | B | 0 | — |
| 3 | 72521 | Cave City | 75 | B | 1 | $121K |
| 4 | 72112 | Newport | 73 | B | 0 | $97K |
| 5 | 72501 | Batesville | 73 | B | 1 | $130K |
| 6 | 72524 | Cord | 72 | B | 0 | $314K |
| 7 | 72562 | Newark | 72 | B | 0 | $102K |
| 8 | 72564 | Oil Trough | 68 | C | 2 | $100K |
| 9 | 72522 | Charlotte | 63 | C | 0 | $28K |
| 10 | 72527 | Desha | 63 | C | 0 | $118K |
| 11 | 72550 | Locust Grove | 63 | C | 0 | $108K |
| 12 | 72568 | Pleasant Plains | 63 | C | 0 | $115K |
| 13 | 72165 | Thida | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 14 | 72553 | Magness | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 15 | 72571 | Rosie | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 16 | 72572 | Saffell | 53 | D | 0 | $158K |
| 17 | 72575 | Salado | 53 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Independence County
Below: editorial picks, no sponsored placements.
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Independence County, Arkansas
Overview
Independence County in Arkansas covers 17 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (66/100).
4 of 17 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
← Back to Arkansas water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.