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Moving to Arkansas in 2024? Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Arkansas.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Arkansas.
Are you thinking of moving to Arkansas?
Moving to a new state is full of excitement, emotional breakdown, the stress of moving and more. But a little information about the new place can help you a lot. Moving to Arkansas can be full of opportunities and fun. The state is also known as “The Natural State”, which offers various opportunities to its residents. The state has an affordable cost of living and a growing job market. There are plenty of options for outdoor activities as the state has beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, and more. You can enjoy southern hospitality and be a part of a diverse rich culture. The climate of Arkansas is hot and humid, and mild winters. There are several good schools and colleges across the state. These are some basic details, but this information needs some elaboration so that you can prepare yourself and your family for the big change. This moving guide will help you explore the state without even going there.
- Quick Facts of Arkansas
- Top reasons to move to Arkansas
- Pros & Cons of Living in Arkansas
- Best Neighborhoods in the Arkansas
- Cost of living in Arkansas
- Arkansas job market
- Major industries in Arkansas
- Top Career Options in Arkansas
- Best things to do in Arkansas
- Schools in Arkansas
- Type of insurance required in Arkansas
- Taxes in Arkansas
What are the demographics of Arkansas?
Arkansas has a diverse population which is a perfect blend of multiple cultures and ethnicities. Let us learn about different demographic details of the state.Male vs Female Population of Arkansas 2022
Gender | Estimated Population (2021) | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Male | 1,322,238 | 49.2% |
Female | 1,368,377 | 50.8% |
Population Distribution by Ethnicity in Arkansas
Age Group | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
0-9 years | ||
10-19 years | ||
20-29 years | 221,234 | 233,142 |
30-39 years | 240,917 | 247,723 |
40-49 years | 233,421 | 242,398 |
50-59 years | 224,031 | 232,278 |
60-69 years | 191,347 | 202,829 |
70-79 years | 107,428 | 123,145 |
80+ years | 56,259 | 74,887 |
Population distribution by Ethnicity in Arkansas 2022
Ethnicity | Population | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (alone, not Hispanic) | 2,133,032 | 71.0% |
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 258,342 | 8.6% |
Black or African American (alone) | 453,072 | 15.1% |
Asian American (alone) | 50,910 | 1.7% |
American Indian and Alaska Native (alone) | 27,123 | 0.9% |
Some Other Race (alone) | 23,031 | 0.8% |
Two or More Races | 72,220 | 2.4% |
What are some quick facts about Arkansas?
Let us check out some interesting, and quick facts about Arkansas- The capital of Arkansas is Little Rock
- Arkansas was the 25th state to join the US in 1836
- The state has a strong agricultural industry, including soybeans, cotton and poultry
- Walmart’s first store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962
- The state is known for Southern cuisine like barbecue, fried catfish and pecan pie.
- Arkansas has a rich musical heritage and is home to top musicians like Al Green, Scott Joplin and Johnny Cash
- The state has very low housing and property taxes
- The state is home to Hot Springs National Park
- There are two National Forests in the Ozark National Forest and the Ouachita National Forest
- One of the best places in the US for retirees
What are the top reasons to move to Arkansas?
Choosing a new state to be your home is difficult, but if you know the best features of the place, then the decision will be easy. We have listed the top reasons for choosing Arkansas to be your new home-- Cost of Living- The cost of living in Arkansas is very low. The housing cost, transportation, groceries and other amenities are significantly cheaper than the national average.
- Culture and history- The state has a rich culture which is a blend of Southern traditions with Native American and Ozark Mountain. The state celebrates various festivals and events throughout the year and enjoys food, music, art and history.
- Southern hospitality- The residents of Arkansas are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. So, the moving and settling will be easy.
- Job Market- The Arkansas job market is growing, and there are possibilities for everyone. The major industries offering job opportunities are manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and more.
- Taxes- Arkansas is known for the lowest tax system in the country. The state has no income tax and very low sales tax. This is a significant benefit for the residents.
- Outdoor activities- If you are a nature lover, then Arkansas is the best place for you. The state is home to beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. You can spend time hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking and more.
- Climate- The state experiences a milder climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid while winters are generally mild.
What are the Pros and Cons of living in Arkansas?
Each state or city offers something and lacks something. So, before moving to a new state, it is important to learn about the pros and cons of the state.Pros of living in Arkansas | Cons of Living in Arkansas |
---|---|
One of the most affordable states with lower cost of living | Limited options for public transportation. Car is a necessity |
Plenty of options for nature lovers | Quality of education depends on the school district. Extensive research required to find good school |
Thriving job market with growing economy | Internet speed can be an issue in rural area |
State is filled with art, music, culture and history | Summers can be hot and humid that can be difficult for some people |
Lower taxes with no state income tax and low sales tax | The state experience occasional tornadoes |
What are the best places to live in Arkansas?
When you plan to relocate you might get worried about finding the right place to live there. Researching to find the best location to make your new home is important.In this section, we have compiled details about the best places in Arkansas with their population, median home value and unemployment rate.
City | Population (Estimate) | Median Home Value | Unemployment Rate |
---|---|---|---|
Bentonville | 58,345 | $421,789 | 2.2% |
Fayetteville | 90,342 | $312,456 | 2.4% |
Rogers | 67,829 | $389,210 | 2.7% |
Springdale | 77,541 | $289,176 | 3.1% |
Jonesboro | 70,008 | $218,345 | 4.2% |
Bella Vista | 48,012 | $352,987 | 4.8% |
Cave Springs | 2,047 | $398,123 | 3.4% |
Centerton | 18,342 | $362,366 | 2.7% |
Lowell | 105,648 | $241,879 | 3.8% |
Cabot | 25,193 | $238,456 | 3.5% |
What are the best neighborhoods in Arkansas?
Neighborhood plays an important role as it will provide you with the surroundings to start your life in the new home. Choosing the right neighborhood is important as you can find good educational institutions and required amenities within the range.Here, we have compiled some information about the best neighborhood in Arkansas
- Bentonville- This is a family-friendly neighborhood with good schools, Walmart headquarters and spacious houses. You can enjoy a suburban life here with easy access to job opportunities.
- Rogers- Pinnacle Hills has rolling hills and upscale homes that offer luxurious life.
- Little Rock- This neighborhood is filled with historic charm with beautiful bungalows and tree-lined streets. You can get the close-knit community feel in this neighborhood.
- Conway- This is a revitalized downtown area where you can explore history. There are several mixes of shops, historic buildings and restaurants. The locality has a vibrant atmosphere and is highly walkable.
- Jonesboro- If you are looking for affordable housing with great schools and a close-knit community, then Jonesboro is the perfect neighborhood. This is a quiet suburban neighborhood with a family-friendly environment.
- Maumelle- This locality has a master-planned community with upscale amenities. There are plenty of outdoor recreational facilities with easy access to parks and schools.
- Springdale- This is a historic district with a suburban setting. The shopping and recreation facilities are conveniently accessible
What is the cost of living in Arkansas?
Moving can be financially challenging, and most people move to find a better job, affordable housing and utilities. All these costs including taxes will help you determine the cost of living in Arkansas. The state boasts an affordable cost of living which is significantly lower than the national average. For a thorough understanding of the cost of living in Arkansas, we have compiled some data-Cost of Living by Categories in Arkansas vs USA 2022
Category | Arkansas | USA National Average |
---|---|---|
Housing (Median Home Price) | $275,000 | $428,700 |
Rent (Median Apartment Rent) | $850 | $1,200 |
Groceries (annual) | $3,800 | $4,500 |
Utilities (annual) | $3,200 | $3,800 |
Transportation (annual) | $9,500 | $10,500 |
Total | $19,350 | $24,000 |
Sales Tax (average) | 6.0% | Varies by state (National Average: 5.5%) |
State Income Tax | None | Varies by state (National Average: 4.6%) |
Median House Price in Arkansas vs USA 2022
Location | Median House Price (2022) |
---|---|
Arkansas | $275,000 |
United States | $428,700 |
Median Rent Price in Arkansas vs USA 2022
Location | Median Rent Price |
---|---|
Arkansas | $850 |
United States | $1,200 |
Housing Market in Arkansas
As per the latest statistics provided by Redfin, the housing market is a mix of trends depending on the aspects. The housing is relatively affordable as the median home prices are significantly lower. The competition is high among the buyers while the sales are slightly dipped down.
Average Rental Cost in Arkansas
The average rental cost in Arkansas varies and depends on several factors like Property location, property age, property type and size. The median rent price for Arkansas is estimated to be $850 per month.
Median Home Value in Arkansas
The median home value in Arkansas is estimated to be $275,000 by October 2024. This value is significantly lower than the national average. This encourages Arkansans to opt for house ownership at affordable rates.
How is the Job Market in Arkansas?
People move to a new state in search of better employment opportunities and work culture. Arkansas has a thriving job market where the rate of job openings is slightly higher than the national average.According to the previous year's data, the unemployment rate is below the national average. In this section of our guide, we will explore the job market of Arkansas in detail.
Median Income in Arkansas vs USA
Location | Median Income |
---|---|
Arkansas | $56,335 |
United States | $67,521 |
Unemployment Rate in Arkansas vs USA
Location | Unemployment Rate (September 2023) |
---|---|
Arkansas | 3.3% |
United States | 3.6% |
Major Industries in Arkansas
Arkansas has several established and emerging industries that are offering employment opportunities to its residents. We have listed all the major industries thriving in Arkansas-- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Defense
- Aerospace
- Transportation
- Logistics
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Retail Trade
Top Career Options in Arkansas
There are various high-paying jobs available for newcomers and residents of Arkansas. Here, we have compiled information about the career options in the state with their average and entry-level income.Career Option | Average Salary (Annual) | Entry-Level Salary (Annual) | Number of Employees (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Registered Nurses | $72,240 | $58,000 | 68,100 |
Truck Driver (Heavy & Tractor-Trailer) | $48,340 | $38,440 | 42,390 |
Customer Service Representative | $36,240 | $28,000 | 112,040 |
Retail Salesperson | $28,160 | $22,000 | 138,430 |
Elementary School Teacher | $51,010 | $40,000 | 33,120 |
Biggest Companies in Arkansas by city and number of employees
The state is home to some top companies, and it is better to learn about some of their details before planning a move-
City | Company | Industry | Headquarters Location |
---|---|---|---|
Springdale | Tyson Foods | Food processing | Springdale, AR |
Little Rock | Baptist Health | Healthcare | Little Rock, AR |
Bentonville | Walmart Inc. | Retail | Bentonville, AR |
Fort Smith | ArcBest Corporation | Logistics | Fort Smith, AR |
El Dorado | Murphy Oil Corporation | Oil and Gas | El Dorado, AR |
North Little Rock | Simmons Foods | Food processing | Springdale, AR |
Pine Bluff | Weyerhaeuser Company | Timber | Tacoma, WA (Has significant operations in Arkansas) |
Conway | Nabholz Construction Services | Construction | Conway, AR |
Rogers | J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | Transportation | Lowell, AR (Has significant operations in Rogers) |
Fayetteville | University of Arkansas | Education | Fayetteville, AR |
What are the best things to do in Arkansas?
Explore the Ozark Mountains by planning a trip for hiking, biking, camping or fishing.- Check out the collection of American art from the 18th century till the present at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
- Take a walk through the Victorian-era resort town- Eureka Springs in Ozark Mountain
- Dig into the history of the American Frontier at The Fort Smith National Historic Site.
- Plan a trip to the Buffalo National River and enjoy canoeing, fishing and kayaking.
- Explore the Garavan Woodland Gardens which is a botanical garden located in Hot Springs where you can enjoy walking trails, sculptures and more.
- Visit Walmart Museum which tells the story of Walmart.
- Take a tour of the Clinton Presidential Center and enjoy the exhibits about the life and presidency of Bill Clinton
What are the best schools in Arkansas?
When you move to a new state or city, you look for the best educational institution for your children. The education system of Arkansas focuses on early childhood education. It also emphasizes improving literacy at the school level.So, once you decide to move to Arkansas, start looking for schools and colleges online.
Elementary Schools in Arkansas
- Pulaski Heights Elementary School, Little Rock
- Vandergriff Elementary School, Fayetteville
- Janine Darr Elementary School, Rogers
- Har-Ber Meadow Elementary School, Springdale
- Genoa Central Elementary School, Texarkana
Middle Schools in Arkansas
- Fayetteville Middle School, Fayetteville
- Rogers Freshman Academy, Rogers
- Bentonville West Middle School, Bentonville
- Central Junior High School, Springdale
- West Memphis Middle School, West Memphis
High Schools in Arkansas
- Haas Hall Academy at Bentonville, Bentonville
- Fayetteville High School East, Fayetteville
- Greenbrier High School, Greenbrier
- Bentonville West High School, Centerton
- Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs
Colleges and Universities in Arkansas
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
- Arkansas State University- Mountain Home, Mountain Home
- Hendrix College, Conway
- John Brown University, Siloam Springs
- University of the Ozarks, Clarksville
Which insurance is required in Arkansas?
Having an insurance policy can provide you with mental peace and financial support in your time of need. So, when you move to Arkansas you may have to buy the insurance that is required by law and you find them useful-Auto Insurance- In Arkansas, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the damage and will be responsible for the finances. Auto insurance is mandatory for all drivers. This type of insurance covers the cost of property damage and injuries caused by you to others. This will cover the medical expenses. The minimum required liability coverage is-
- $25,000 Bodily Injury Liability per Person
- $50,000 Bodily Injury Liability per Accident
- $25,000 Property Damage Liability
Individual Health Insurance- This type of insurance covers medical expenses including doctor visits, hospitalization, medication and more.
Employer Health Insurance- Some employers offer health insurance plans to employees.
Arkansas Works- This type of health insurance provides Medicaid coverage for adults between 19-64 years of age and their federal poverty level ranges between 100% and 138%.
Term Life Insurance- This type of medical coverage provides financial support to your family in the event of your death.
Homeowners Insurance- This type of insurance protects your home and belongings against events like theft, fire, weather and vandalism. This will also cover the expenses if someone gets injured on your property.
Renters Insurance- This insurance type protects renters from any damage to their property or belongings and also covers the financial loss due to theft or fire.
Travel Insurance- This type of insurance provides financial coverage for unexpected events during travel like trip cancellation, luggage loss and more.
What different taxes are applicable in Arkansas?
Taxes are one major factor that contributes to the cost of living. So, you must know all the taxes applicable in the state before moving there.- Income Tax- The state has graduated individual income tax rate which means the tax rate increases with the increase in the taxable income. It ranges between 2.0% to 4.9%.
- Sales Tax- There is a 6.5% sales tax rate all across the state. Some counties and cities have their own local sales taxes. This can take the tax rate up to 12.625%.
- Property Taxes- Property taxes are levied by the local government and the effective property tax rate in Arkansas is 0.64%. The tax rate is lower than the national average.
- Excise Taxes- the state imposes excise taxes on several items including cigarettes, gasoline and alcohol.
- Fuel Tax- There is a state motor fuel tax of 24.7 cents per gallon of gasoline and 28.5 cents per gallon of diesel fuel.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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