Are you thinking about a move to Arkansas? If so, you have plenty of reasons to consider it, and the year-round sunny weather is only one. Low cost of living, excellent schools, and employment opportunities are additional reasons you may consider packing up and heading to the “The Natural State.”
Arkansas has been named one of the top states in America for families, and for a good reason. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking and outdoor activities like kayaking and visiting national parks. The cost of living is relatively low, and property in a nice area is only a fraction of the cost of other states. The education system is top-notch, with excellent college opportunities and the southern hospitality above par.
If moving to Arkansas is an option, you’ll want to check out this guide first to help you decide. In this guide, you will find all the necessary information to determine whether the move to The Natural State is right for you.
Arkansas Fast Facts
- Lower cost of living
- Great higher education options
- High volume of arts and entertainment
- Plenty of outdoor activities
- Low property taxes
- Fantastic year-round weather
- Great hospitality
- Small-time charm
- Great culinary reputation
Arkansas Populations Stats
As of 2022, the population of Arkansas is 3,030,646, making it the 32nd largest state in the U.S. and comes in as the 29th fastest growing state in the U.S. Based on the 2010 Census population, the surface area of the state is 53,179 square miles.
If you’re considering moving to Arkansas, here is a quick population breakdown:
- The state is the 34th highest in terms of population density
- The median age is 36
- Approximately 75% of the population is over 18
- Approximately 51% of the population is female, with 49% being male
- 79% are of Christian faith, 3% are non-Christian, and 18% are unaffiliated
Renting vs. Owning- Which is best for you?
If you are considering the move to Arkansas, you may be undecided as to whether or not to purchase a home or rent. If this is you, these stats may help you make a decision. With a total of 65.8% of residents owning a home, here is the breakdown:
- Female: 45.3% own, 54.7% rent
- Non-family: 55.9% own, 47.4% rent
- Male: 55.9% own, 44.1% rent
- All: 65.8% own, 34.2% rent
- Married: 81.7% own, 18.3% rent
Is Arkansas a safe state?
Out of 50 states, with #1 being the best, Arkansas is ranked #46 for property crime. Arkansas’ property crime rate is 35% higher than the average crime rate in the United States. However, according to pre-pandemic data, property crime is declining in Arkansas by 20%.
*Property crime includes burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. These are the four major property crime categories reported by the FBI. Larceny occurred more than any other property crime at a rate of 22.55 per 1,000 people.
What are the safest cities in Arkansas?
If you’re moving to Arkansas and are looking for the safest cities to consider, he’s a list of the top 10 cities with the lowest crime rates
- Greenwood
- Greenbrier
- Bella Vista
- Pottsville
- Haskell
- Piggot
- Gentry
- Vilonia
- Farmington
- White Hall
Top 5 Cities in Arkansas
There are 617 Arkansas cities, including many beautiful smaller cities like Witts Springs, Wooster, Batesville, El Dorado, and Magnolia. Each of these cities has a unique charm when it comes to things to do and hot spots. However, if you are looking for a larger city for your choice of residence, check out the Top 5 Cities in Arkansas based on population according to the 2021 Population Estimates Program and the 2020 American Community Survey.
- Little Rock
- Fayetteville
- Fort Smith
- Springdale
- Jonesboro
Are you considering Little Rock? Here are some stats you will want to check out first.
Founded in 1821, Little Rock is located in Pulaski county and is the 1st populated city in Arkansas, with a population of 204,405. Little Rock is growing at a rate of .45% per year, with the population decreasing since the most recent consensus. The median household income for Little Rock is $83,730. The median rental cost is $890 per month, and the median house value is steady at $172,500. The median age for Little Rock residents is 36.5 years, which breaks down to 34.8 years for males, and 38.4 years for females.
Fast Fact: The name Little Rock comes from a small rock formation on the bank of the Arkansas river named la Petite Roche (French for “the little rock”) and was used as a landmark during river traffic.
What’s the weather like in Little Rock?
If you enjoy hot and steamy weather, you are in luck because when it comes to Little Rock, summers are muggy. However, if this is your preference, you will be glad to know that while the winters are frigid and wet, they are also short. Over the course of one year, the temperatures vary from 1𐩑 C to 34𐩑 C and rarely see below -6𐩑 C or above 38𐩑 C.
According to a poll of tourists, the best times to visit for the warmer weather activities range from early May to early June and from the latter part of August to the middle of October.
For those who prefer the heat, the hot season can last for approximately 3.5 months, with July being the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 33𐩑 C and a low of 23𐩑 C.
The cooler season lasts 2.9 months, from late November to late February. If you enjoy the cold weather, the average high temperature during these months is below 15𐩑 C, with January being the coldest month.
How much will it cost me to live in Little Rock?
Compared to other cities in the U.S., Arkansas’s cost of living expense is below the national average. So how much will it cost to live in the town of Little Rock? First, it’s important to note that the cost of living in any area can vary based on your career choice. That said, Little Rock is still 3% below the national average.
- The median home price is $352,578
- The median rent is $1,077/ month
- The energy bill is $167.11/ month
- The phone bill is $179.49/ month
- Gas is $3.10/ gallon
Little Rock has grocery prices that are 8% lower than the national average.
- A loaf of bread costs $3.20
- A gallon of milk costs $2.05
- A carton of eggs costs $1.45
- A bunch of bananas costs $3.10
- A hamburger costs $4.38
Healthcare in Little Rock is 17% lower than the national average
- Doctor’s visit- $98.19
- Dentist’s visit- $83.96
- Optometrist’s visit- $90.94
- Rx drug- $390.74
- Vet visit-$59.32
What are the schools like in Little Rock?
If this is not a solo move and you have your family in tow, including the little ones, you will want to know how the schools measure up against the national average.
While there are great college opportunities in Arkansas, the education system for K-12 schools falls below the national average. But how does the city of Little Rock compare?
In Little Rock, there are 76 public schools with a total of 36,628 students and 35 private schools with a total of 9,162 students. 78% of all K-12 students in Little Rock attend public school as compared to the national state average of 95%. The top-rated public schools in Little Rock include Baker Interdistrict Elementary School, Forest Park Elementary School, and
Jefferson Elementary School.
The Arkansas public school’s average math proficiency is 47%, whereas the Little Rock public school has an average math proficiency of 41%. Little Rock public schools have an average reading proficiency of 40%, falling slightly below the statewide average of 45%. Schools in Little Rock are in the bottom 50% of Arkansas public schools, with a ranking of 4/10.
What does the job market look like in Little Rock?
Little Rock unemployment rates currently stand at 4.50% for July 2022, which is lower than the national long-term average of 5.02%.
There are 7,006 full-time jobs, 2,410 part-time jobs, 236 contract jobs, 137 temporary jobs, and 21 internships. If you want a career in the Little Rock area, check out https://www.simplyhired.com/local-jobs/little-rock-ar.
The top Little Rock companies to consider are:
- Pulaski County Special School District (303 jobs)
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital (220 jobs)
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (252 jobs)
- Kroger Stores (178 jobs)
All work and no play. Things to do in (or near) Little Rock
Little Rock is a haven for entertaining activities. You can visit museums, tour historical landmarks, or try one of many nature hikes if you are the outdoorsy type. Here are a few family-friendly ideas to check out.
- Arkansas State Capitol Building
- The Arkansas River Trail System is quite a fascinating site with its 88-mile-long loop
- Museum of Discovery
- Old Statehouse Museum
- Big Dam Bridge
- River Rail Electric Streetcar
- Riverfront Park
- MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- Heifer Village
Fayetteville
Coming in a close second to Little Rock is the town of Fayetteville, with a population of 98,023. This town is located in Washington County and is growing at a rate of 2.12% yearly. The median household income for Fayetteville is $67,191, which is approximately $16K below the top city of Little Rock. The median rental cost in current years is $837 per month, and the median house value is $232,100. The median age is 27.3, with 27.1 for males and 27.5 for females.
Fast Fact: In 1775, the Fayetteville residents wrote the Liberty Point Resolves, which were a precursor to the Declaration of Independence.
Weather in Fayetteville, Arkansas
On average, Fayetteville gets approximately 47 inches of rain each year, which is 9 inches more than the U.S. average at 38 inches per year.
Regarding snow, Fayetteville averages 7 inches per year compared to the U.S. average, which gets 28 inches each year.
If you prefer the sun, you are in luck. On average, there are 217 sunny days each year in Fayetteville. The U.S. average is 205.
The hottest month of the year is July which averages 89𐩑 F and the coldest month is January, which averages 25𐩑 F.
According to the climate averages, the most pleasant months are May, September, and October. The least comfortable months are January and December.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville?
How much will it cost to live in the town of Fayetteville? Of course, the cost of living in any area varies based on your career choice, but on average, here is what it will cost you to reside in Fayetteville.
- The median home price is $289,632
- The median rent is $884.76/ month
- The energy bill is $156.12/ month
- The phone bill is $171.79/ month
- Gas is $2.97/ gallon.
Fayetteville’s grocery prices are 5% lower than the national average.
- A loaf of bread costs $3.31
- A gallon of milk costs $2.12
- A carton of eggs costs $1.50
- A bunch of bananas costs $3.20
- A hamburger costs $4.53
Healthcare in Fayetteville is 21% lower than the national average
- Doctor’s visit- $93.46
- Dentist’s visit- $79.92
- Optometrist’s visit- $86.57
- Rx drug- $371.93
- Vet visit-$50.37
Fayetteville Education
In Fayetteville, 17 public schools serve 10,223 students on average, and 7 private schools serve 1,396 private students. In Fayetteville, public schools comprise 88% of the students compared to the state average of 95%. Top-ranking schools in Fayetteville include Vandergriff Elementary School, Root Elementary School, and McNair Middle School.
Fayetteville schools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (Arkansas public schools average 47%). Fayetteville has an average reading proficiency score of 57% (Arkansas public schools average 45%). Schools in Fayetteville rank a 10/10 and are in the top 10 of Arkansas public schools.
How’s the job market in Fayetteville?
The unemployment rate is slowly decreasing nationwide, and the same holds for Arkansas, which has seen a steady increase in jobs. Fayetteville’s unemployment rates are 2.90% for July 2022, which is significantly lower than the national average of 5.02%. In addition, some new job openings in the Fayetteville area include careers in the service and hospitality industries.
There are 5,522 full-time jobs, 1,788 part-time jobs, 305 contract jobs, 101 temporary jobs, and 9 internships. If you’re looking for a career in the Fayetteville area, check out https://www.simplyhired.com/local-jobs/fayetteville-ar
The top Fayetteville companies to consider are:
- Walmart (312 jobs)
- Washington Regional (157 jobs)
- Mercy (202 jobs)
- Northwest Medical Ctr-Bentonville (149 jobs)
Fayetteville Social Life
The city of Fayetteville has many offerings when it comes to entertainment. Here are a few adventures the entire family can enjoy.
- Arkadia Retrocade
- Starlight Skatium
- NWA Escape Room
- 112 Drive-in Theater
- Gator Golf of Fayetteville
- Lokomotion Family Fun Park
- Altitude Trampoline Park
- Southern Ground Amphitheater
- Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum
- Fayetteville Bowling Center
Fort Smith Facts
Located in Sebastian County, Arkansas, Fort Smith was established in 1817. It has a population of 89,728, is 3rd in the most populated cities, and is currently growing at a rate of .33% per year. The median household income in Fort Smith is $60,889. The median rental cost is $703 monthly, and the median house value is $132,800. Additionally, the median age in Fort Smith is 36.6 years, with 34.9 years for males and 38.5 years for females.
Fast Fact: Fort Smith is one of Arkansas’s most ethnically diverse cities, as evidenced by its authentically owned immigrant restaurants.
What’s the weather like in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith is the perfect town for you if you enjoy hot and steamy weather. Like many cities in Arkansas, the summer months are muggy, and the winters are cold but short. Temperatures in Fort Smith vary from 1𐩑 C to 34𐩑 C and rarely see below -8𐩑 C or above 39𐩑 C.
The best times to visit for the warmer weather activities range from June to early September.
The hot season can last for approximately 3.5 months, with July being the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 34𐩑 C and a low of 23𐩑 C.
The cooler season lasts 2.9 months, from late November to late February. If you enjoy the cooler weather, the average high temperature during these months is below 15𐩑 C, with January being the coldest month with an average temperature of -1𐩑 C and a high of 10𐩑 C.
How much does it cost to live in Fort Smith?
Compared to other cities in the U.S., Arkansas’ cost of living expense is below the national average. So precisely, just how much will it cost to live in the town of Fort Smith? Here are some numbers based on a U.S. average of 100. Below 100 indicates that the cost of living is cheaper. Above 100 means more expensive.
Overall: Fort Smith 76, Arkansas 79, U.S. 100
Grocery: Fort Smith 93.7, Arkansas 92.7, U.S 100
Health: Fort Smith 88.6, Arkansas 86.5, U.S. 100
Housing: Fort Smith 47.7, Arkansas 55.7, U.S. 100
Median Home Cost: Fort Smith $130,600, Arkansas $145,300, U.S. $291,700
Utilities: Fort Smith 94.8, Arkansas 96.6, U.S. 100
Transportation: Fort Smith 73.4, Arkansas 81.6, U.S.100
Miscellaneous: Fort Smith 97.4, Arkansas 93.9, U.S. 100
100=National Average
What are the schools like in Fort Smith?
In Fort Smith, there are 27 public schools with a total of 14,207 students and 12 private schools with a total of 1,917 students. 88% of all K-12 students in Fort Smith attend public school as compared to the national state average of 95%. The top-rated public schools in Fort Smith include L.A.Chaffin Jr. High School, John P. Woods Elementary School, and
Elmer H. Cook Elementary School.
The average math proficiency score for Fort Smith is 46% versus the average Arkansas public school average of 47%. Additionally, Fort Smith has a reading proficiency score of 46% versus the 45% statewide average. Fort Smith schools rank 6/10 and are in the top 50% of Arkansas public schools.
What does the job market look like in Fort Smith?
Fort Smith unemployment is currently at 3%, up 1% from one year ago.
There are 1,645 full-time jobs, 653 part-time jobs, 87 contract jobs, and 31 temporary jobs. If you’re looking for a career in the Little Rock area, check out https://www.simplyhired.com/local-jobs/fort-smith-ar.
The top Little Rock companies to consider are:
- Mercy (254 jobs)
- Dollar General (101 jobs)
- Obsidian Financial Services (57 jobs)
- Bost Inc. (57 jobs)
- Residence Inn by Marriott (44 jobs)
- OK Foods (40 jobs)
Entertainment in Fort Smith
Whether you enjoy outdoor or indoor activities, Fort Smith has plenty of things to do for people of all ages. Here are a few ideas:
- Fort Smith Farmer’s Market
- Fort Smith National Historic Site
- Miss Laura’s Visitor Center
- Fort Smith Convention Center
- Parrot Island Waterpark
- Fort Smith Museum of History
- Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
- Creekmore Park
- Fort Smith Trolley Museum
- The Park at West End
Springdale
Springdale city is located in Washington County, Arkansas, and has a population of 87,033. The up-and-coming city is growing at a rate of 1.68% yearly. The average household median income is $51,868, with the median rental cost for a one-bedroom coming to $773.01 per month and the median house value holding steady at $253,050. The median age for Springdale is 31.7 years, 30.5 years for males, and 32.7 for females.
Fast Fact: More than 40 languages are spoken at Springdale public schools, and they have the second largest school district in the state.
What’s the weather like in Springdale?
As with most parts of Arkansas, the summer months in Springdale are muggy and hot, and the winters very cold. Over the course of one year, temperatures vary from -1𐩑 C to 32𐩑 C and rarely see below -10𐩑 C or above 36𐩑 C.
The best times to visit for the warmer weather activities range from mid-June to late August.
For those who prefer the heat, the hot season can last for approximately 3.3 months, with July being the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 32𐩑 C and a low of 21𐩑 C.
The cooler season lasts for 3.0 months, from late November to late February. If you enjoy the cooler weather, you should know that the average high temperature during these months is below 13𐩑 C, with January being the coldest month with an average low of -1𐩑 C and a high of 8𐩑 C.
How much will it cost me to live in Springdale?
The cost of living in Springdale is 15% lower than the national average. That said, how much will it cost to live in the town of Springdale? Of course, the cost of living in any area can vary based on your choice of career, but here are the average cost of living statistics:
- The median home price is $253,050
- The median rent is $773.01/ month
- The energy bill is $156.12/ month
- The phone bill is $171.79/ month
- Gas is $2.99/ gallon
Springdale has grocery prices that are 5% lower than the national average.
- A loaf of bread costs $3.31
- A gallon of milk costs $2.12
- A carton of eggs costs $1.50
- A bunch of bananas costs $3.20
- A hamburger costs $4.53
Healthcare in Springdale is 21% lower than the national average
- Doctor’s visit- $93.46
- Dentist’s visit- $79.92
- Optometrist’s visit- $86.57
- Rx drug- $371.93
- Vet visit-$50.37
What are the schools like in Springdale?
In Springdale, there are 31 public schools with a total of 23,179 students, and 4 private schools with 1,150 students. 95% of all K-12 students in Springdale attend public school as compared to the national state average of 95%. The top-rated public schools in Springdale include Haas Hall Academy Jones Center, Bernice Young Elementary School, and Hunt Elementary School.
The Arkansas public school’s average math proficiency is 47%, whereas the Springdale public school has an average math proficiency of 49%. Springdale public schools have an average reading proficiency of 42%, falling slightly below the statewide average of 45%. Schools in Springdale are in the top 50% of Arkansas public schools, with a ranking of 6/10.
What does the job market look like in Springdale?
Springdale unemployment rates currently stand at 2.60% for July 2022, which is lower than the national long-term average of 5.02%.
There are 5,684 full-time jobs, 1,854 part-time jobs, 103 temporary jobs, and 8 internships. If you’re looking for a career in the Springdale area, check out https://www.simplyhired.com/local-jobs/springdale-ar.
The top Springdale companies to consider are:
- Walmart (314 jobs)
- Mercy (209 jobs)
- Price Waterhouse Coopers (161 jobs)
- Washington Regional (157 jobs)
- Northwest Medical Ctr (149)
- Deloitte (141)
Things to do in (or near) Springdale
Springdale and surrounding areas have plenty of social activities for the entire family. Here are a few to check out:
- FlyARH
- Cellar Door Antiques
- Ozark Center Point Place
- Me and the Flea Market
- Arts Center of the Ozarks
- The Jones Center
- Parsons Stadium and the Rodeo of the Ozarks
- Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
- Arvest Ballpark
Jonesboro
Jonesboro is located in Craighead County. This 5th largest city has a population of 80,838 and grows at a rate of 1.42% yearly. The average household income is $47,062. The median rental cost is $881.11 per month, and the median house value is $288,437. Regarding age, the median is 32.8 years, 30.8 for males, and 34.6 years for females.
Fast Fact: The Mall at Turtle Creek, which at the time was the largest mall in Northeast Arkansas, was located here before being destroyed by a tornado.
What’s the weather like in Jonesboro?
As with most parts of Arkansas, the summer months in Jonesboro are long, hot, and muggy, and the winters are cold and wet. Over the course of one year, temperatures vary from -1𐩑 C to 323 C and rarely see below -8𐩑 C or above 36𐩑 C.
The hot season can last for approximately 3.9 months, with July being the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 32𐩑 C and a low of 22𐩑 C.
The cooler season lasts for 3.0 months, from late November 28 to late February 26. The average high temperature during these months is below 13𐩑 C, with January being the coldest month, with an average low of -1𐩑 C and a high of 8𐩑 C.
Living in Jonesboro
The cost of living in Jonesboro is 28% lower than the national average, so exactly how much will it cost to live in the town of Jonesboro? The cost of living in any area can vary based on your choice of career, but here are the average cost of living statistics:
- The median home price is $288,437
- The median rent is $881.11/ month
- The energy bill is $151.51/ month
- The phone bill is $166.72/ month
- Gas is $3.15/ gallon
Jonesboro has grocery prices that are 4% lower than the national average.
- A loaf of bread costs $3.32
- A gallon of milk costs $2.12
- A carton of eggs costs $1.50
- A bunch of bananas costs $3.22
- A hamburger costs $4.55
Healthcare in Jonesboro is 19% lower than the national average
- Doctor’s visit- $95.59
- Dentist’s visit- $81.74
- Optometrist’s visit- $88.54
- Rx drug- $380.39
- Vet visit-$58.88
Jonesboro education system statistics
In Jonesboro, there are 25 public schools with a total of 14,867 students and 4 private schools with 496 students. 97% of all K-12 students in Jonesboro attend public school as compared to the national state average of 95%. The top-rated public schools in Jonesboro include Valley View Intermediate School, Valley View Junior high School, and
International Studies Magnet.
The Arkansas public school’s average math proficiency is 47%, whereas the Jonesboro public school has an average math proficiency of 44%. Jonesboro public schools have an average reading proficiency of 44%, falling slightly below the statewide average of 45%. Schools in Jonesboro are in the top 50% of Arkansas public schools, with a ranking of 6/10.
Jonesboro Job Market?
Jonesboro unemployment rates currently stand at 3.40% for July 2022, which is lower than the national long-term average at 5.02%.
There are 1,299 full-time jobs, 472 part-time jobs, 22 temporary jobs, and 43 contract jobs. If you’re looking for a job in the Jonesboro area, check out https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Arkansas-Jonesboro.
The top Jonesboro companies to consider are:
- Baptist Memorial Health (180 jobs)
- Obsidian Financial Services (44 jobs)
- St. Bernards Healthcare (154 jobs)
- Arkansas Methodist Medical Center (42 jobs)
- Dollar General (79)
- L.A. Darling Company LLC (24)
Things to do in Jonesboro
There are plenty of happenings around town regarding fun things to do in Jonesboro. You need to know where to look. Whether indoors or amongst nature, here are a few ideas to check out:
- Craighead Forest Park
- Forrest L Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
- ASU Museum
- The Fancy Attic Antique
- Pinot’s Palette
- Bradbury Art Museum
- Locked Away Escapes
- Jonesboro Bowling Center
- Foundation of Arts
- Civil Axe Throwing-Jonesboro
