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Arkansas

Arkansas

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 50
Population3,032,651
Foreign Born3.4%
Population Density58people per mi²
Median Age38.4 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2000, this state has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
C+
Average

A livable area that tracks near national norms for affordability, walkability, and neighborhood health.

Quality of Life measures an area by evaluating factors like cost of living, nearby amenities, country club access, airport proximity, socioeconomic signals and neighborhood character. For large states, this is a general average — quality of life can vary dramatically between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities within the same state.

Cost of Living

72/100

28% below national average

A+
Affordability Ratio

80%

The Real Cost of Living in Arkansas

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $27k$52k
Comfortable $50k$74k
Luxury $106k+$165k+
Elite (Top 5%) $137k+$212k+

Economics

Overall Economy Grade
C
Average

An economy roughly in line with the national baseline across income, employment, and housing.

Median HHI
$59k+4.3%
22% below US avg
Avg Net Worth
$296k
55% below US avg
WFH
7.8%
45% below US avg
Homeownership
66.1%
1% above US avg
Median Home
$175k
38% below US avg
Avg HH Debt
$23k
29% above US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
39% above US avg
Public Assistance
11.1%
5% below US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
38% above US avg
Median Rent
$914
21% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
C
Moderate

Crime rates similar to the national median for U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
20.5
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−33.1%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−28.0%
Homicide
0.06 / 1k ResidentsEqual to US avg
Robbery
0.30 / 1k Residents55% below US avg
Aggravated Assault
3.98 / 1k Residents48% above US avg

Property Crime

5yr−38.1%
Burglary
2.62 / 1k Residents3% below US avg
Larceny-Theft
11.49 / 1k Residents18% below US avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
1.31 / 1k Residents54% below US avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+16Solidly Conservative
State Legislature of Arkansas
Arkansas Senate6D · 29R
Arkansas House20D · 80R
Presidential Voting Trends for Arkansas
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B+
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C
Weak10.2% of income
Property Rights
C-
FairIJ Grade C-
Firearm Rights
B
GoodFPC Grade B
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (35% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A-
OpenFarm sales legal
Gambling Laws
A
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season247 daysstatewide average
Annual Rainfall57.3"statewide average
Elevation539 ftstatewide average

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
B-
Defensible

Workable tactical position. Some exposure to population density or targets, but generally defensible in a crisis.

Best Places to Live

Cities

Largest Cities in Arkansas

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-14T06:33:14.000Z

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