Crittenden County, Arkansas Tax Sale Guide – Why This Eastern Arkansas County Matters to Tax‑Deed Investors

Crittenden County, Arkansas, sits right along the Mississippi River, just across from Memphis, Tennessee. With West Memphis as its largest city, the county blends small-town character with big-city access, making it a unique spot for investors and residents alike. Its location makes it one of the most connected counties in eastern Arkansas, attracting attention from businesses, travelers, and property buyers.

Brief Overview of the County’s Tax Sale
Like other counties in Arkansas, Crittenden certifies its delinquent properties to the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands (COSL). Once certified, the properties are auctioned to recover unpaid taxes. The county’s live auction is held once a year, typically in August, and buyers can also find unsold parcels listed online about 30 days later. These sales give investors a chance to purchase tax-delinquent real estate, sometimes at prices well below market value, but buyers are encouraged to research carefully before bidding

Important Tax‑Sale Details for Crittenden County

Below is a summary of the key sale details specific to Crittenden County. The information comes from the 2025 auction schedule and recent news releases from the Commissioner of State Lands.

Item	Crittenden County Details
Tax sale type	Tax deed (no lien certificates); purchaser receives a limited warranty deed
Typical sale date	Early August. For 2025 the auction was held on Aug 7 2025 Arkansas conducts regional auctions between July and September
Auction time	10:00 a.m. Central Time; registration typically opens at 9 a.m
Registration	Required; you must present a valid U.S. government‑issued ID (driver’s license
Registration period	Registration opens about 9 a.m. and closes when the auction begins at 10 a.m.
Auction location	West Memphis Civic Complex, 212 West Polk Ave, West Memphis, AR. The county participates in a regional sale with Cross and St Francis counties; the location can change each year depending on venue availability.
Redemption period	None after the sale. Owners must pay all taxes, penalties and fees by 4 p.m. on the business day before the sale or forfeit their right to redeem
Bid procedure & terms	Bidding starts at the total taxes, interest and fees owed. Highest bid wins; payment due immediately after the sale by check, money order or credit/debit Cash is not accepted.
Deposit	No deposit at live auctions. In the online post‑auction sale, the first $100 (earnest money) is automatically charged to your card when you win
Redemption period after the sale	None
Contact for more information	Commissioner of State Lands – Executive Offices, 500 Woodlane St., Suite 109, Little Rock, AR 72201; Phone: 501‑324‑9422; Email: [email protected]

Fun Facts About  Crittenden County

• Crittenden County’s housing market benefits from its close proximity to Memphis, where many residents commute for work.
  
• The county’s property values remain lower than those across the river in Tennessee, which makes it appealing for both first-time homeowners and investors.
  
• West Memphis has seen growth in rental demand thanks to its role as a logistics and trucking hub, giving investors steady rental prospects.
  

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

Crittenden County offers more than just tax‑sale opportunities. Visitors can take in auto racing at Riverside International Speedway or explore the Sultana Disaster Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy bird‑watching, hunting and fishing at Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, while West Memphis’ historic downtown offers theatre performances and local restaurants. Families appreciate parks and playgrounds at the civic complex and along the Mississippi River levee.

Transportation Infrastructure

The county benefits from interstate access. Interstate 40 connects the region to Little Rock and Nashville, while Interstate 55 provides a direct route north to St. Louis and south to Jackson, Mississippi. The I‑40/I‑55 interchange in West Memphis is undergoing improvements to reduce congestion; in 2021 ARDOT and the City of West Memphis announced lane reductions and ramp closures to ease traffic across the Mississippi River These roads support the county’s logistics and warehousing industries and make it easy for investors to inspect properties.

Economic Development

Crittenden County’s location in the Memphis metro means access to one of the nation’s busiest freight hubs. Retail distribution centers, trucking companies and rail yards operate on both sides of the river. Health‑care facilities and manufacturing plants add jobs, while farmland continues to produce soybeans, rice and cotton. The county’s median home value ($155,100) and rising household incomes show potential for appreciation, making tax‑deed properties attractive to investors seeking undervalued assets.

Community Appeal

Residents enjoy outdoor recreation such as fishing, boating and waterfowl hunting in the Mississippi River and local lakes. Parks and community centers host youth sports and festivals, and the county’s proximity to Memphis provides easy access to music venues, museums and professional sports teams. A blend of Southern hospitality and urban amenities makes the area appealing to families and investors alike.

Why Crittenden County Is Attractive for Tax‑Deed Investors

High Returns with Manageable Risk

Arkansas tax‑deed auctions appeal to investors because the minimum bid equals the delinquent tax due, not the property’s assessed value. Properties sometimes sell for a fraction of market value. Investors can gain immediate ownership without having to wait through a lengthy redemption period. Because the state removes redemption rights the day before the sale, the risk of losing your investment due to owner redemption is eliminated. With careful due diligence, investors can target parcels with high upside potential.

Auction Process and Bidding Strategy

Crittenden County participates in regional auctions. Registration typically opens at 9 a.m., and the auction begins promptly at 10 a.m. (Central Time). Each parcel is announced by sale number, and bidding starts at the taxes and fees owed Raise your paddle or call out your bid; the auctioneer will acknowledge increments. If you win, you must pay immediately. Personal checks, business checks, cashier’s checks and debit/credit cards are accepted No cash is allowed. After payment, you’ll receive a purchaser summary. The state then records and mails your limited warranty deed.

Maximum Potential Returns

Return on investment depends on your purchase price and the parcel’s resale or rental value. For example, buying a buildable lot for $2,000 at auction and selling it for $20,000 after clearing title yields a substantial gain. Investors targeting agricultural land near the Mississippi River can generate revenue through farming leases. Keep in mind that title clearance and quiet‑title actions can cost several thousand dollars; factor these expenses into your bid. Because there is no statutory interest rate or redemption period, your returns come entirely from appreciation or cash flow.

Open to Local and International Investors

Arkansas allows anyone with a valid U.S. ID to bid at live auctions. Out‑of‑state investors often travel to Crittenden County because of its proximity to Memphis and the manageable size of the auction. However, foreign nationals living outside the United States cannot bid; the COSL prohibits bidders whose home of record is outside the U.S.Investors should always verify that they meet registration requirements.

Understanding the Arkansas Tax‑Deed Sale Process

How the Auction Works

1. Certification: After two years of unpaid taxes, the county certifies the parcel to the COSL. The COSL publishes a list of tax‑delinquent parcels and schedules a regional auction. Notice is sent to owners and interested parties at least 30 days before the sale.
   
2. Pre‑Sale Redemption: Owners may redeem their property by paying all taxes, penalties and fees by 4 p.m. the business day before the sale. After that deadline, redemption is no longer possible.
   
3. Registration: Investors register on the day of the sale, presenting a valid driver’s license. At online post‑auction sales, bidders must register and undergo ID verification; the first $100 of the winning bid is charged immediately
4. Auction: The auctioneer calls each parcel in order. Bidding starts at the amount of delinquent taxes due The highest bid wins.
   
5. Payment and Deed: Full payment is due at the auction site. The state records a limited warranty deed and mails it to the buyer. There is a 90‑day litigation period during which the sale may be challenged, so wait until after this period before making major improvements.
   

Expected Returns on Arkansas Tax Deeds

Because there is no statutory interest rate or redemption penalty, investors earn returns only when they sell or lease the property. Returns can be high because many parcels sell far below market value. Urban parcels near West Memphis often fetch higher bids due to commercial potential, while rural acreage can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. Researching comparable sales and understanding the cost of title work helps investors avoid over‑bidding.

Foreign Investor Participation

Only investors with a U.S. address and valid government ID may participate. If it is later discovered that a successful bidder’s home of record is outside the United States, the COSL cancels the sale and forfeits the buyer’s money. International investors interested in Arkansas tax deeds should partner with a U.S.‑based entity or individual.

Importance of Due Diligence

What Due Diligence Entails

• Research the property location. Visit the parcel or view it on satellite maps. Check for access, zoning issues and flood zones. Wapanocca and other wetlands could affect buildability. The COSL’s catalog provides links to county assessor property cards.
  
• Evaluate title issues. Limited warranty deeds do not guarantee clear title. Search county records for liens, mortgages, IRS claims or improvement district assessments. Some municipal liens may survive the tax sale.
  
• Estimate market value. Compare recent sales of similar properties in the area. Data from the county assessor or real‑estate sites can help determine resale value.
  
• Budget for quiet‑title action. Plan for attorney fees and court costs required to obtain marketable title. Some investors use title insurance after quiet title is granted.
  

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Skipping due diligence can lead to expensive mistakes. You might buy landlocked property with no legal access, or discover that the parcel is underwater or contaminated. A lingering federal tax lien could require paying off thousands of dollars. Title problems can also delay resale or prevent you from obtaining financing. In Arkansas there is no refund after you buy—the state does not cancel sales because of due‑diligence oversights. Smart investors weigh these risks against potential returns.

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Deeds

After the live auction, unsold parcels enter an online post‑auction sale 30 days later Bidding runs for 30 days. At the end of the sale, the winning bidder is charged the first $100 on their registered card and must pay the balance within 10 business days. If the bid is less than $100, the entire amount is charged. OTC parcels often sell for less competition than live auctions and allow investors to place maximum bids online. The same due‑diligence recommendations apply. Buyers must still pay current‑year taxes and clear the title.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• Fixed interest? There is no interest rate, but you can lock in a purchase price without live bidding.
  
• Convenience. You can bid from anywhere and monitor bids by email.
  
• Potential bargains. Parcels that did not sell at auction may be overlooked gems—rural acreage, strips of land useful to adjacent owners, or buildable lots with minor title issues.
  

Why Crittenden County Is a Top Choice for Tax‑Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Crittenden County’s connection to Interstate 40 and Interstate 55 and its proximity to Memphis give it strong economic fundamentals. Warehousing, manufacturing, health care and retail trade provide a diversified employment base Median home prices ($155,100) are lower than the national average, giving investors room for appreciation. Arkansas’s flat property tax structure and absence of a post‑sale redemption period provide a predictable environment for investors.

Real Estate Market Overview

The county contains a mix of urban and rural real estate. West Memphis has commercial corridors along Broadway Avenue and residential neighborhoods with aging housing stock. Marion offers newer subdivisions and good schools. Unincorporated areas feature farmland and timber tracts. Investors can find single‑family homes needing renovation, vacant lots ready for development and farmland suitable for leasing. Always verify zoning and floodplain information before bidding.

Conclusion

Crittenden County, Arkansas offers compelling opportunities for tax‑deed investors. Auctions occur in early August (10 a.m. at the West Memphis Civic Complex), and there is no redemption period after the sale. The minimum bid equals the taxes and fees owed, which can create deep discounts. A diverse economy anchored by transportation, health care and agriculture supports long‑term property value, while attractions like Riverside International Speedway and Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge enhance quality of life.markansas.comTo succeed at Arkansas tax‑deed investing, perform thorough due diligence, understand bidding procedures, and budget for title‑clearance costs. Visit COSL.org regularly for updates, and contact the Commissioner of State Lands at 501‑324‑9422 or [email protected] for hel . With preparation and patience, Crittenden County tax deeds can yield significant returns and help you build a profitable real‑estate portfolio.

Pro Tips

• Bring multiple payment methods. A personal or business check provides flexibility; bring a backup credit/debit card in case of bank issues.
  
• Plan for quiet‑title actions. Work with a local attorney experienced in Arkansas tax deeds. Estimate at least $1,500–$3,000 for court costs and attorney fees.
  
• Inspect properties beforehand. Many parcels have structures; check roof condition, foundation issues, and signs of vandalism.
  
• Consider partnering. New investors may partner with experienced locals or real‑estate professionals to share due‑diligence work and financing.
  
• Budget for insurance and maintenance. Once you take ownership, you are responsible for securing and insuring the property.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When are Crittenden County tax sales held?
Auctions generally occur in early August. The 2025 sale took place on Aug 7 2025 at 10 a.m. Central Time Check COSL.org each spring for the upcoming schedule.

Do I need to register?
Yes. Registration begins around 9 a.m. at the sale site. Bring a government‑issued ID Without registration you cannot bid.

Is there a redemption period after the sale?
No. Owners must redeem by 4 p.m. the business day before the sale. After that deadline, the sale is final.

How do I pay if I win?
Payment is due immediately. You may pay by personal or business check, cashier’s check, money order or credit/debit card Cash is not accepted.

Are there liens on the property?
Some municipal liens or IRS liens may survive the sale. Conduct a title search and consult an attorney.

Where can I find the auction catalog?
COSL publishes a Public Auction Catalog on its website with sale numbers, legal descriptions and delinquent taxes owed. Links in the catalog point to county assessor property cards. Check the catalog for updates.

Can foreign investors participate?
No. Only bidders with a U.S. address and government ID may bid; the COSL cancels sales to bidders whose home of record is outside the United States What happens to unsold parcels?
Unsold parcels enter an online post‑auction sale 30 days after the live auction You can bid through the COSL’s auction portal, and the first $100 is charged automatically when you win.

Useful Links

• Crittenden 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! 

Need a hand?
Crittenden County auctions are live, and you can view listings now on our Auction Calendar. Need help making sense of it all? Use our free resources for clarity, and if you’d like one-on-one support or strategy tips, go ahead and Book a free call with someone from our expert team.

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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