Fun Facts About Conway County and Arkansas

• Largest state‑built lake: Lake Conway, three miles south of Conway, was built in 1948. It was the largest lake ever constructed by a state wildlife agency and the first built by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Plans to renovate the 6 700‑acre lake include doubling its fish habitat and improving boat access.
  
• Population & demographics: Conway County’s population has remained stable over the last decade. Median age is 42.6 years, and about 98.4 % of residents are U.S. citizens datausa.io. The county seat, Morrilton, hosts the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM), contributing to a lively student presence datausa.io.
  
• Major manufacturing project: In June 2025, Green Bay Packaging announced a $1 billion expansion of its Arkansas Kraft Division mill in Morrilton. The multi‑year project, dubbed Project PowerPack, includes about 300 acres for future development, could more than double the mill’s production capacity and will create 35 new jobs. Green Bay Packaging already employs over 620 people in Conway County businessfacilities.com. This investment is considered the largest capital project in Central Arkansas’s history and signals confidence in the region’s workforce.
  
• Outdoor recreation: In addition to Lake Conway, nearby Petit Jean State Park (Arkansas’s first state park) offers waterfalls, hiking trails and cabins with views of the Arkansas River Valley. Cadron Settlement Park, located along the Arkansas River near Conway, preserves a historic trading post and offers scenic hiking trails. The county’s rural landscape provides ample opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping and bird‑watching.
  

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions – Conway County and the nearby city of Conway offer a variety of attractions that appeal to residents and visitors alike:

• Historic sites: Cadron Settlement Park and the Museum of Automobiles atop Petit Jean Mountain highlight the region’s frontier history and automotive heritage.
  
• Outdoor recreation: Lake Conway, Cedar Falls and hiking trails in Petit Jean State Park provide fishing, boating, camping and rock‑climbing opportunities.
  
• Arts & culture: Downtown Conway features art galleries, the Reynolds Performance Hall and community theatres supported by UACCM and nearby colleges.
  
• Family fun: Farmers markets, county fairs and seasonal festivals (e.g., Toad Suck Daze in nearby Faulkner County) attract families and support local artisans.
  

Transportation Infrastructure – Investors benefit from the county’s accessibility. Interstate 40 runs through northern Conway County, linking it with Little Rock and Fort Smith. Highways 9 and 64 connect rural communities, while Union Pacific rail lines support freight service. The Clinton National Airport in Little Rock is about an hour’s drive, and local airstrips serve small aircraft.

Economic Development – Besides the Green Bay Packaging project, Conway County’s economy features:

• Manufacturing & timber: The county’s timber industry supports sawmills and pulp‑and‑paper mills. Wood products, packaging and furniture manufacturing provide steady employment.
  
• Agriculture: Poultry, cattle, soybeans and rice contribute to the county’s agricultural base. Urban farmers markets and value‑added producers (cheese makers, honey producers, craft breweries) are growing.
  
• Education & healthcare: UACCM, Conway Regional Medical Center and Morrilton’s schools provide professional jobs and workforce training.
  
• Tourism & recreation: State parks and hunting reserves draw outdoor enthusiasts year‑round, supporting small businesses and guiding services.
  

Why Conway County Is Ideal for Tax‑Deed Investors

Economic & Real‑Estate Advantages

The combination of affordable property values, stable population, and upcoming industrial investments makes Conway County appealing to tax‑deed investors. The median property value of $137 000 datausa.io is low compared with national averages, and properties sold at auction often start at only the delinquent tax amount (sometimes just a few thousand dollars). For investors willing to research and quiet title, the potential for acquiring a property below market value is significant. The Green Bay Packaging expansion suggests continued job growth and rising demand for housing, which may improve resale values.

High Returns with Moderate Risk

Unlike tax‑lien certificates that pay interest, Arkansas tax deeds offer the chance to acquire real property outright. Because the minimum bid equals the delinquent taxes, investors can sometimes purchase land or homes at 30–70 % below market valu. Returns are realized through renting, reselling or holding for appreciation. The major risks involve unknown liens, environmental issues or disputed title, but thorough due diligence mitigates these concerns. Since there is no redemption period after the auction, investors need not wait months or years to take possession. The 90‑day litigation period still requires caution, but rarely results in the sale being overturned.

Open to All Investors

Arkansas auctions are open to U.S. residents, and there is no residency requirement to bid. Investors from outside Conway County can participate, though they must attend live auctions or register for the online post‑auction sales. Foreign investors are not allowed by statute. For those unable to travel, the post‑auction online platform offers flexibility: one can register, verify identity and bid on unsold parcels from anywhere.

Importance of Due Diligence

Property research is crucial. The COSL provides a public auction catalog with parcel numbers and legal descriptions. Investors should:

1. Review legal descriptions and parcel maps to determine property size, location and access.
   
2. Check for liens or encumbrances by searching county records; municipal liens and improvement district assessments may survive the tax sale.
   
3. Inspect the property (when accessible) to evaluate condition and potential environmental issues.
   
4. Estimate carrying costs such as future property taxes, insurance and repairs.
   

Skipping due diligence can lead to purchasing landlocked parcels, flood‑prone lots or properties with costly liens. A title search and consultation with local professionals (surveyors, attorneys, abstracters) can prevent surprises.

Purchasing Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Deeds

OTC parcels are properties that did not sell at auction. Investors can buy these through the COSL’s online platform after the 30‑day post‑auction period. Benefits include:

• Fixed pricing: The starting price is the delinquent tax amount; there is no bidding war.
  
• Flexibility: Buyers can research and purchase at their convenience.
  
• Immediate deed issuance: Once payment is received, the COSL issues a limited‑warranty deed without waiting for an auction date.
  

Conclusion

Conway County’s tax‑deed sales offer a unique opportunity to acquire real estate at deep discounts in a region poised for growth. The August 14, 2025 auction provides investors with properties starting at the amount of delinquent taxes owed. With no redemption period after the sale and only a 90‑day litigation window, purchasers can take possession quickly, making Arkansas tax‑deeds attractive compared with tax‑lien states. Investors should, however, perform due diligence—verify legal descriptions, check for liens and inspect properties—before bidding.

The broader economic context also favors investment. A $1 billion expansion by Green Bay Packaging underscores Conway County’s industrial vitality and potential for job growth businessfacilities.com. Outdoor amenities such as Lake Conway, Petit Jean State Park, and regional trails enhance the county’s quality of life and tourism appea. When combined with moderate property prices and the absence of redemption after sale, these factors make Conway County a promising destination for savvy tax‑deed investors.

Pro Tips for Buyers

• Arrive early on auction day to register and review last‑minute announcements. Bring multiple payment options (check, money order or card) because cash is not accepted.
  
• Study the auction catalog ahead of time; note parcels of interest and their minimum bids.
  
• Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid overbidding; remember to factor in the costs of title quieting, repairs and back taxes for the current year.
  
• Quiet title quickly after receiving the deed to secure marketable title. Consult a local attorney for guidance.
  
• Consider OTC purchases if you miss the auction; many good parcels remain unsold and can be purchased online at fixed prices.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When are Conway County tax sales held? The COSL holds regional auctions July–October. Conway County’s 2025 auction is 14 August 2025 at 10 AM CT.
   
2. Is registration required? Yes. Bidders must register with a government ID and receive a numbered bid card.
   
3. How do I pay? You must pay in full immediately after the sale using a check, money order or credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted.
   
4. Can the property be redeemed after the sale? No. Owners have until 4 p.m. the last business day before the sale to redeem; after that, the sale is final.
   
5. What if no one bids? Parcels not sold at auction become available in the post‑auction online sale, where buyers can purchase them at the delinquent tax amount plus fees.
   

Useful Links

• Cannon County Website 
• State of Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands
• Arkansas offers a wealth of opportunities with Tax Deed Investing
• Let’s talk about Tax Deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Call to Action

Cannon County has tax-sale auctions listed right now. Visit our Auction Calendar to explore the listings. Don’t forget to check out our free resourcess to build your knowledge, and when you’re ready, Book a free call to speak with someone who can help you navigate the path.

Interested in Faulkner County investing? Check out our Auction Calendar to find your next property. Book a free call or access our free resources to start building your tax deed strategy today.

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