Grant County, Arkansas Tax Sales: Your Guide to Investing in the Natural State

Introduction

Grant County, Arkansas, offers a mix of small-town charm and natural beauty just south of Little Rock. Known for its strong agricultural roots and thriving timber industry, the county has also become a point of interest for property investors. Beyond its quiet communities and outdoor lifestyle, Grant County is part of the statewide system of tax deed auctions, creating opportunities for investors to acquire land and homes at significant discounts.

Brief Overview of Grant County Tax Sales

Like all Arkansas counties, Grant County certifies tax-delinquent properties to the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands. Once certified, these properties are sold at public tax deed auctions. Registration is required at the sale site, beginning 30 minutes before the auction. All sales are final—since July 2023, parcels can no longer be redeemed after the sale. Buyers receive a Limited Warranty Deed, and a 90-day litigation period applies before clear title is considered secure

Important details about the Grant County tax sale

Statewide procedures

In Arkansas, tax-delinquent auctions require bidders to register and show a photo ID for a numbered bid card. Oral bids are legal contracts, and the minimum bid covers delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and costs. Full payment is needed at the sale, with credit and debit cards subject to a small fee; cash is not accepted. Owners can redeem their property until 4 PM on the last business day before the auction; afterward, sales are final.

Item	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax deed – buyer receives a limited warranty deed after litigation period
Sale Date (2025)	September 9, 2025 – 10:00 AM CT
Auction Time	10:00 AM CT (registration 9:30 AM)
Registration	Required. Onsite with driver’s license. No fee. Online requires ID verification + card
Location	Benton Event Center – Meeting Room 1, 17322 I-30 N, Benton, AR (venue may vary)
Redemption	Owners may redeem until 4 PM prior business day. None after sale (law change July 1, 2023)
Bidding	Starts at taxes/fees owed. Oral bidding; highest bid wins. Payment due in full same day (check, money order, card – no cash)
Deposit	Live: no deposit, full payment due at sale. Online: $100 deposit charged, balance due in 10 days
Contact	COSL: [email protected] • 501-324-9422 • Grant County Collector: [email protected], 870-942-4315

Fun Facts About Grant County’s Real Estate Market

Fun facts about the Natural State

• Affordable Property Values: Compared to nearby Pulaski County (Little Rock metro), Grant County homes and land are priced lower, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
  
• Rural Living, City Access: Many residents commute to Little Rock for work, making local property desirable for those seeking quiet living with urban access.
  
• Steady Growth: With a population around 18,000 people, the county has seen stable housing demand from both families and retirees

Attractions and community appeal

The Natural State caters to outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and families:

• State and national parks – Beyond Hot Springs and Crater of Diamonds, Arkansas has 52 state parks and seven national park service sites. Visitors enjoy hiking in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, floating along the Buffalo National River, camping in Pinnacle Mountain State Park, or exploring historical sites like Central High School National Historic Site.
  
• Water recreation – Rivers like the Arkansas and White, plus numerous lakes, offer canoeing, fishing and boating. The Buffalo National River is one of the few undammed rivers in the country.
  
• Arts and culture – Urban centers like Little Rock and Bentonville host theaters, art museums and cultural events. Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art draws visitors nationwide.
  
• Festivals and events – The state celebrates its agricultural heritage through festivals like the Arkansas Rice Festival, Toad Suck Daze (concerning paddlewheel riverboats) and the World Cheese Dip Championship.
  
• Economy and community – Residents enjoy affordable living, friendly small towns and ready access to outdoor recreation, making Arkansas attractive to retirees and young families.
  

Transportation and economic highlights

Arkansas’ central location offers key logistical advantages, with 1,000 miles of navigable waterways, 1,683 miles of Class I railroads, and 16,416 miles of highways. Major interstates (I-40, I-55, I-30) connect the state to various markets. Class I railroads operate major yards in Little Rock and Pine Bluff. Two airports—Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport and Northwest Arkansas National Airport—provide nonstop services to major hubs, and ports along the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers support barge traffic.

The state’s diverse economy includes:

• Agriculture – One of the largest industries, contributing about $16 billion annually. Arkansas grows half of all rice produced in the United States, ranks among the top producers of cotton and turkeys, and supports a large poultry sector. Agriculture employs roughly 3 % of residents but underpins many rural counties.
  
• Logistics and transportation – More than 85,000 people work in transport and logistics across 80 distribution centers; major companies include J.B. Hunt, FedEx and USA Truck. Arkansas’ central location and highway network make it ideal for warehousing and distribution.
  
• Aerospace and defense – Aerospace products are Arkansas’ leading export, generating $1.8 billion annually and employing over 10,000 people More than 180 aviation and defense companies operate in the state.
  
• Forestry and timber – About 19 million acres (half of the state) are forestland, supporting a timber industry that directly employs 47,000 people. Hardwood and pine forests provide raw material for lumber, paper and furniture industries.
  
• Manufacturing and services – Arkansas hosts six Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart, Tyson Foods and Dillard’s. Manufacturing employs about 13 % of the workforce.
  

These economic strengths contribute to a stable real‑estate market, making tax‑deed investments attractive.

Why Grant County is ideal for tax‑deed investors

Grant County sits between the metropolitan hubs of Little Rock and Pine Bluff. Its economy relies on timber, agriculture and light manufacturing, so property values remain relatively low compared with urban counties. Investors can acquire parcels at reasonable prices and benefit from the region’s access to major highways (U.S. Highway 167) and proximity to Little Rock’s job market. Because Arkansas law prohibits foreign (non‑U.S.) buyers from participating in tax sales and requires full payment at sale, local investors face less competition.

What makes Arkansas tax deeds a smart investment?

• High potential returns – Investors do not buy liens; they acquire the deed. Properties sold for back taxes often cost far less than market value, leaving room for substantial appreciation or resale profit.
  
• No redemption after the sale – Since July 2023, the redemption window closes before the auction, meaning sales are final. Investors avoid waiting through a lengthy redemption period.
  
• Low risk of cash loss – Payment is only due when a bidder wins. Live auctions require full payment; online auctions charge a $100 deposit with the balance due later.
  
• Open to most U.S. investors – The auctions are open to individuals and businesses within the United States, including out‑of‑state investors; however, foreign residents may not bid. Grant County’s small size means fewer competitors compared with populous counties.
  

Auction process explained

1. Research – Use the COSL website to view the auction catalog, parcel descriptions and minimum bids. Visit the properties (or use mapping tools) to verify location, access and potential value.
   
2. Registration – For live auctions, arrive at the venue about 30 minutes early to complete the registration card and show identification. Online post‑auction participants must create an account, verify identity and provide payment details.
   
3. Bidding – The auctioneer reads each parcel’s sale number and minimum bid. Bidders call out their offers; the highest bid above the minimum wins. Online auctions accept bids for 30 days; the highest bidder at closing wins.
   
4. Payment – Immediate payment is required from successful bidders at live auctions by check, money order, or credit/debit card; cash is not accepted. A $100 earnest money must be paid by online winners; the balance must be paid with certified funds within ten days.
   
5. Deed issuance and litigation period – COSL issues a limited warranty deed and records it with the county after full payment. Buyers should wait until the 90‑day litigation period ends before making major improvements.
   
6. Unsold properties – Parcels not sold at the live auction go to the unsold‑property auction 30 days later. Investors may bid online; reserve prices sometimes decrease at negotiated‑price auctions.
   

Expected returns and due diligence

Some parcels may have structures or timber value, while others may be landlocked or unsuitable for development.”

• Inspect the property – Verify access, zoning and utilities. COSL listings may include parcel numbers but not physical addresses.
  
• Check for liens and encumbrances – Most liens are extinguished by the sale, but some municipal liens, property‑owner association dues and IRS liens may survive. Consult a title company or attorney.
  
• Budget for legal costs – To obtain clear title, buyers may need to file a quiet‑title action after the 90‑day period. Title insurance may not be available.
  

Buying over‑the‑counter (OTC)

If no one bids on a parcel at either the live or online auction, it remains on COSL’s website. Buyers can submit an offer online and pay the minimum price plus fees. OTC purchases avoid bidding wars and often sell for the amount of delinquent taxes.

Conclusion and pro tips

Arkansas’ tax‑deed system offers investors an opportunity to acquire property at a fraction of market value. Grant County, with its rural charm, proximity to Little Rock and manageable parcel sizes, is especially appealing. To maximise success:

• Arrive early on auction day and register with proper identification.
  
• Research each parcel thoroughly; look up parcel maps, assess access and check for outstanding liens.
  
• Bring sufficient funds and understand that bids are final—there is no redemption period after the sale.
  
• Consider unsold‑property auctions and OTC opportunities for less competition.
  
• Consult legal counsel about quieting title and plan for potential litigation during the 90‑day period.
  

For updates on upcoming auctions, visit cosl.org or contact [email protected]. Grant County property owners or investors can also reach Susan Whitehead at the Grant County Collector’s Office, 111 N Rose St, Room 103, Sheridan, AR 72150, telephone (870) 942‑4315.

FAQs

When are Grant County tax sales held?
Live auctions occur between July and October. For 2025, Grant County’s sale is scheduled for Sept 9 2025 at 10 AM. Unsold parcels are offered online about 30 days later.

Do I need to register?
Yes. Registration is mandatory and opens 30 minutes before the sale. Bring a driver’s license or other photo ID.

How do I pay?
Full payment is due at the auction using personal/business check, cashier’s check, money order or credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted.

Can I bid online?
Only unsold parcels are available online. Create an account, verify identity and provide a payment method. A $100 earnest money will be charged if you win.

Is there a redemption period?
No. Owners must redeem by 4 PM the business day before the sale; after that, sales are final.

Can foreign investors participate?
No. State rules prohibit individuals whose home of record is outside the United States from buying at Arkansas tax sales.

Useful Links

• Grant 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

Grant 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. 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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