If you’ve ever tried to dig up the dirt on a piece of land in Central Arkansas, you know it's not always as simple as a quick Google search. Honestly, a Faulkner County AR property search can feel like a maze if you don't know which door to knock on first. Whether you’re a developer looking at a plot near Hendrix College or just a curious neighbor wondering what that house down the street sold for, the data is out there. You just have to know how the county's digital plumbing works.
Most people head straight to Zillow, but let’s be real: Zillow is often lagging. If you want the actual legal truth—the kind that holds up in court or at a closing table—you have to go to the source. In Faulkner County, that means dealing with three distinct offices: the Assessor, the Collector, and the Circuit Clerk. Each one holds a different piece of the puzzle.
The Three Pillars of a Faulkner County AR Property Search
Basically, you’ve got the Assessor (Krissy Lewis) who decides what the property is worth. Then you’ve got the Collector (Sherry Koonce) who handles the actual tax payments. Finally, the Circuit Clerk (Nancy Eastham) is the keeper of the deeds. If you’re looking for a "property search," you probably want the Assessor’s data first.
1. Using ARCountyData and actDataScout
The county uses two main third-party portals to host their records. It’s a bit weird because they overlap, but they serve different vibes.
- ARCountyData: This is the "old reliable" for Arkansas. It’s free for basic searches. You can plug in a name or an address, and it’ll spit out the parcel number, the acreage, and the assessed value. It’s great for a quick "who owns this?" check.
- actDataScout: This one is a bit more modern. It’s where you go if you want to see the interactive GIS maps. You can click on a specific plot of land and see the boundaries. Just a heads up—some of the advanced features or "premium" layers might require a subscription, but for most folks, the basic search is plenty.
2. Hunting for Deeds at the Circuit Clerk
Now, if you’re looking for the actual deed—the piece of paper that proves ownership—you’ve got to head to the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's search portal.
They have records dating back to 1972 available online. This is where you’ll find liens, mortgages, and those pesky easements that might prevent you from building that backyard shed. It’s not free; they usually charge for high-res images of the documents, but the index search is typically open.
Why the Numbers Might Confuse You
Here is where it gets kinda technical. In Arkansas, property isn't taxed on its full market value. It’s taxed on 20% of the appraised value.
So, if the Assessor says a house in Conway is worth $300,000, your "assessed value" for tax purposes is only $60,000. People see that $60k number and think they found a steal, but nope—that’s just how the math works here.
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Watch Out for the Homestead Credit
If you’re moving into a home you just bought, make sure you check if the previous owner had a Homestead Credit. Under Amendment 79, homeowners get a credit (currently up to $425) on their primary residence. If you’re doing a Faulkner County AR property search on a potential buy, don't assume the tax bill you see is what you will pay. Once the sale closes, that credit might reset or change based on your own eligibility.
Also, for the seniors or disabled vets reading this, Faulkner County allows for a "value freeze." This means your assessed value stays put even if property values in Greenbrier or Vilonia skyrocket. But again, you have to apply for it. It doesn't happen by magic.
The GIS Map: A Secret Weapon
If you’re more of a visual person, the Arkansas GIS Office (GeoStor) is incredible. It’s not just for surveyors. You can see the actual "parcel polygons," which are basically the digital lines in the sand.
Sometimes the fence line in the backyard isn't actually the property line. I’ve seen neighbors get into decades-long feuds because a property search revealed the driveway was three feet over the line. Checking the GIS map before you buy can save you a lot of headache (and potentially a lawsuit).
Quick Contact Reference
If you get stuck and the website is acting up (which happens), here is where you need to call:
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- Assessor’s Office: (501) 450-4905 (Ask for Krissy Lewis's team)
- Collector’s Office: (501) 450-4921 (For tax payment status)
- Circuit Clerk: (501) 450-4911 (For deeds and legal filings)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't just search by "Last Name." Faulkner County has a lot of families with the same name. You'll find fifty "Smiths" in no time. Always try to search by the Parcel ID if you have it from a tax bill, or the exact physical address.
Also, remember that "Conway" isn't the only city. If you’re looking for something in Mayflower or Wooster, the records are all in the same Faulkner County system, but the millage rates (the tax rates) will vary depending on the school district and city limits.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
- Start at ARCountyData to find the Parcel ID and the owner of record.
- Cross-reference with the Collector via actDataScout to see if the taxes are actually paid up. You don't want to buy a property that's about to go to a commissioner's sale.
- Check the Circuit Clerk’s index for any active liens or "Lis Pendens" (which is just a fancy way of saying there’s a legal fight over the house).
- Verify the Millage Rate for that specific area. A house in the city of Conway might have a different tax burden than a house just outside the city limits in the county.
If you’re serious about a property, your next move should be visiting the Faulkner County Courthouse at 801 Locust Street in Conway. Sometimes the digital records have a typo, and the physical "books" in the clerk's office are the only way to be 100% sure.