Randolph County, Arkansas Tax Deed Auctions (2025 Guide)

Randolph County, Arkansas, offers more than small-town charm and scenic landscapes—it also provides opportunities for investors through property tax sales. These sales are managed by the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands, giving buyers a chance to purchase tax-delinquent properties at auction. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just beginning, understanding how these auctions work in Randolph County can open the door to affordable property ownership.

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Brief Overview of the County’s Tax Sale

Each year, Randolph County tax-delinquent properties are certified to the Commissioner of State Lands and auctioned off to the public. The minimum bid begins at the amount owed in back taxes, penalties, and fees. Winning bidders receive a Limited Warranty Deed, though further legal steps may be needed to secure marketable title. These auctions are open to all qualified U.S. residents, and sales are conducted live in nearby regional venues as well as online for unsold parcels.

Important details for Randolph County tax deed auctions

The table below summarises the key information for Randolph County’s tax sale. It includes the typical timing, procedures and contact details. The 2025 auction is scheduled for Tuesday 16 September 2025 at the Paragould Community Center gymnasium in Greene County, which serves as a regional site for Clay, Greene, Lawrence and Randolph counties. Registration starts on site at 9 a.m., and bidding begins at 10 a.m. Central Time. Past auctions, such as the 2024 event, also began at 10 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m., so investors should plan to arrive early.

Item	Description
Tax Sale Type	Tax deed – buyers get a limited warranty deed; quiet title needed for marketable title
Sale Date (2025)	September 16, 2025 (2024 was Aug 27). Auctions held July–Oct; dates posted in May
Auction Time	10:00 AM CT (registration around 9:00 AM)
Registration	Required. Onsite with photo ID. Free.
Location (2025)	Paragould Community Center – Gym, 3404 Linwood Dr., Paragould, AR (regional venue, may change)
Redemption	Allowed until 4 PM CT the business day before auction. No redemption after July 1, 2023
Bidding	Parcels sold in order. Min bid = taxes + penalties + fees. Highest bid wins. Payment due immediately (check, money order, cashier’s check, or card – no cash)
Deposit	None for live auctions. Online post-auction requires $100 deposit, balance due in 10 days
Deed/Litigation	Limited warranty deed issued. 90-day litigation period before making improvements
Contact	COSL: 501-324-9422 • [email protected]
Updates	Auction dates, parcel lists & results posted on cosl.org (Public Auction Catalog). Notices also in local papers

Arkansas’ unique features for tax deed investors

Investing in Arkansas tax deeds offers several advantages compared with other states:

• Regional auctions and online back‑ups. COSL holds regional auctions, grouping multiple counties at convenient venues like the Paragould Community Center. Unsold parcels become available online 30 days later, allowing investors to bid remotely and giving owners one last chance to redeem.
  
• Predictable redemption window. Owners must redeem by 4 p.m. the day before the sale, eliminating uncertainty about extended redemption periods. Once a property is sold, it cannot be redeemed.
  
• Flexible payment methods. The state accepts personal or business checks, certified funds and credit/debit cards. This reduces the barrier to entry, though cash payments are forbidden for parcel purchases.
  
• High potential ROI. Because the minimum bid equals the amount of delinquent taxes and fees, investors can acquire real estate at steep discounts. Properties in rural counties like Randolph often sell for a small fraction of market value; with due diligence and title clearing, investors may achieve significant gains.
  

Fun facts about Arkansas

• Population and demographics: Arkansas has about 3.1 million residents, making it the 34th most‑populous U.S. state. Its population density is only 58 people per square mile, reflecting abundant open space.
  
• State nickname: Known as The Natural State, Arkansas features varied scenery from the Ozark and Ouachita mountains to tranquil rivers and lakes. Visitors can dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, hike the Buffalo River trails or enjoy world‑class art at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
  
• Agricultural powerhouse: Arkansas produces about 49 % of all U.S. rice and is home to major food producers including Tyson Foods, PepsiCo and Nestlé.
  
• Logistics hub: Its central location halfway between Mexico City and Montreal provides access to more than 100 million people within a 550‑mile radius The state boasts 16,416 miles of highways, 1,683 miles of Class I railroads and 1,000 miles of navigable waterways Major interstates I‑40, I‑55 and I‑30 connect Arkansas to national markets
  
• Business giants: Arkansas is home to Fortune‑ranked corporations such as Walmart, J.B. Hunt Transportation Services and Murphy USA. The economy also includes strong information‑technology and metals sectors.
  

Attractions and economic highlights

Popular attractions. Arkansas mixes rich history with outdoor adventure. Visitors can learn about the state’s heritage at historic sites and museums explore art at Crystal Bridges, or immerse themselves in nature on tranquil trails and secluded lakes The state parks system offers activities like hiking, camping and even diamond digging. Major events include music festivals, local fairs and the famous Hot Springs horse races.

Transportation infrastructure. As the chart above shows, Arkansas has a robust infrastructure network. Interstate highways such as I‑40, I‑55 and I‑30 connect the state to east‑west and north‑south corridors. Three Class I railroads—Union Pacific, BNSF Railway and Kansas City Southern—operate in the state, along with 22 smaller railroads covering more than 2,700 miles. Major airports in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas offer dozens of daily flights, while river ports on the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers support barge transportation.

Economic development. Arkansas’ economy is diversified. The food and beverage sector is anchored by Tyson Foods and other major processors and produces nearly half of the nation’s rice. The information‑technology industry is growing thanks to low costs and state incentives, attracting companies in cybersecurity, fintech and retail technology. Logistics and distribution thrive because of the state’s central location and extensive transportation network. The metals industry employs over 22,000 workers and makes Mississippi County one of the nation’s top steel producers. Professional services, aerospace, ag‑tech and forestry also contribute to economic diversity.

Community appeal. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking and boating), performing arts, sporting events, local breweries and farmer’s markets. The low cost of living and friendly communities make Arkansas attractive for families and retirees. Randolph County itself, located in the northeastern part of the state, features rolling hills, agricultural land and access to the historic Black River.

Why Randolph County and Arkansas are ideal for tax deed investors

Affordable entry and high upside. Because the minimum bid equals the delinquent taxes, investors can often purchase property for pennies on the dollar. In rural counties like Randolph, market values are modest, so winning bids tend to be low. Once the limited warranty deed is quieted, investors may resell the property or hold it for rental income.

Stable tax system. Arkansas’ clear redemption deadline (4 p.m. the day before the sale) and prohibition on redemptions after the auction reduce uncertainty. Parcels that do not sell at live auctions move to the post‑auction sale, providing another opportunity to acquire property.

Economic growth drivers. The state’s expanding technology, logistics and metals sectors offer employment opportunities and support demand for housing. Moreover, the presence of major corporations such as Walmart and J.B. Hunt ensures a steady economic base. As these industries grow, property values in counties like Randolph may appreciate.

Quality of life. The Natural State offers scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and cultural amenities. Low population density and a supportive community make Randolph County appealing to retirees and young families. Investors who rehabilitate tax‑deed properties may find a pool of eager buyers or renters drawn to the region’s lifestyle.

Understanding the auction process

How the auction works. On the day of the sale, COSL staff call parcels in the order listed in the catalogue. Each bidder must register and show identification to receive a numbered card The auctioneer announces the parcel’s sale number, legal description and minimum bid. Bidders raise their cards to offer amounts above the minimum. The highest bidder wins and must pay the full amount immediately using an approved payment method. COSL issues a Purchaser’s Summary and later records a limited warranty deed.

Expected returns. Since Arkansas does not issue tax lien certificates with fixed interest rates, the return comes from acquiring property below market value. Investors may profit by selling or leasing the property once title is cleared. Because redemption occurs before the sale, there is no interest‑bearing redemption period after purchase. Some investors also buy vacant land for speculation, timber harvesting or recreational use.

Open to investors nationwide. Live auctions are open to U.S. residents. International investors cannot bid directly, so foreign investors must partner with a U.S. entity. Online post‑auction sales require bidders to register, verify their identity and place a $100 earnest money deposit.

Importance of due diligence

Before bidding on a tax‑delinquent parcel, investors should conduct thorough due diligence:

1. Verify the property location and boundaries. Legal descriptions may not correspond to street addresses. COSL’s parcel mapping site and county assessor records help identify the property. Investors should visit the site when possible.
   
2. Check for liens and encumbrances. Some liens—such as municipal improvement district assessments, internal revenue liens or homeowners’ association dues—may survive the sale. Conducting a title search or hiring an attorney/abstractor is wise. COSL advises that the state does not guarantee clear title or physical access.
   
3. Estimate rehabilitation costs. Structures may require repairs or demolition. Budgeting for cleanup, quiet‑title actions and insurance is crucial.
   
4. Understand zoning and land use. Determine whether the parcel is buildable, located in a flood plain or subject to environmental restrictions.
   

Skipping due diligence can lead to unwelcome surprises, including landlocked parcels, environmental contamination or unsatisfied liens. Investors should factor these risks into their bidding strategy.

Buying over‑the‑counter (OTC) deeds

Parcels that fail to sell at the live auction are placed on the Post Auction Sales list. Bidding starts when an online user places the first offer, and the auction closes 30 days later. The successful bidder immediately pays the first $100 and remits the balance by certified funds within ten business days. OTC purchases allow investors to avoid competing with bidders on auction day; however, due diligence is still essential because these parcels did not attract bids initially. Many investors prefer OTC purchases for their simplicity and fixed price.

Pro tips for Randolph County tax sale investors

1. Arrive early. Registration opens about 30 minutes before the auction. Arriving early ensures you obtain a bid card and understand the auctioneer’s instructions.
   
2. Research each parcel. Use COSL’s public catalogue, county assessor records and mapping tools to study legal descriptions, property size and any structures. Drive by the property if possible.
   
3. Set a maximum bid. Determine your maximum investment for each parcel and stick to it. Avoid bidding wars that erode potential profit.
   
4. Bring multiple payment methods. Since cash is not accepted, carry a personal or business check and a debit/credit card as backup.
   
5. Plan for quiet‑title action. Budget for attorney fees and court costs to obtain marketable title. Without a quiet title judgment, selling the property may be difficult.
   
6. Keep records. Maintain copies of bid cards, receipts and deeds. These documents are necessary for tax filings and title work.
   

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When are Randolph County tax sales held? Public auctions occur once each year. The 2025 Randolph County auction is scheduled for Sept 16 2025 at 10 a.m. CT. COSL posts the official schedule and parcel list in May.

Do I have to attend in person? Yes, live auctions require in‑person bidding. Unsold parcels become available online 30 days later at auction.cosl.org.

How long is the redemption period? Owners may redeem until 4 p.m. the last business day before the sale. Once sold, the property cannot be redeemed.

Are there additional taxes after purchase? Buyers are responsible for the current year’s property taxes and any special assessments due after the sale. Be sure to budget for these costs.

What happens if no one bids? Parcels with no bids are listed in the post‑auction sale where anyone can submit an offer. If the parcel receives a bid, the 30‑day online auction begins.

Useful links

• Randolph 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

Tax deed auctions can be a rewarding investment avenue when approached thoughtfully. If you’re new to tax sale investing or need help researching parcels, explore the resources at, consult a local attorney or real‑estate professional, and consider connecting with experienced investors. Reach out to the Commissioner of State Lands office at 501‑324‑9422 or [email protected] for up‑to‑date schedules and instructions. Ready to learn more? Browse our other articles on tax deed investing, join our community forum or schedule a consultation with our team.

Need a hand?

Start your investment journey in Grundy County by visiting our Auction Calendar. You’ll find upcoming listings and important details. Learn with our free resources, and when you’re ready to move forward, Book a free call and we’ll help you map out your next steps.

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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