Median Income
$40,729
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,600
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,070/100K
182% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$619
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.3%
112% higher than US avg
How Arkansas City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population487
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density994/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans1.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,729
Per Capita$20,312
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty26.3%
County GDP$724M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,600
Rent$619
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$83,040
Housing Units276
Rent Burden18.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,070/100K
Property3,807/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking20.3%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI46 (Good)
Rain56.3 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation137 ft (42 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+81.5%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute24 min
Broadband60.6%
Libraries2
Is Arkansas City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Arkansas City receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Arkansas City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Arkansas City is $40,729, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 26.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Arkansas City is $89,600, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $619 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,070 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,807 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Arkansas City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46.
Arkansas City has a population of 487 with a density of 994 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (68%), with 32% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Arkansas City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Arkansas City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Arkansas City is $40,729, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,312 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $911, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 433 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Arkansas City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,729 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,312 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $911 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,214 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 433 |
| County GDP | $724M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,092 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Arkansas City is $89,600, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $83,040. Monthly rent averages $619 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $703 for a one-bedroom to $922 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 276 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,092 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,600 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $83,040 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $619 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $670 |
| 1 Bedroom | $703 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $922 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,159 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,547 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 276 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,092 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.33% |
In Arkansas City, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 43.7% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 38.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,218. The dentist ratio is 1:3,590. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Arkansas City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.7% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.7% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 43.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,218 |
| Dentists | 1:3,590 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,497 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 41.9% |
| Premature Death | 15,390/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Arkansas City has a violent crime rate of 1,070 per 100,000 residents, 182% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,807 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. Overall, Arkansas City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Arkansas City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,069.9/100K |
| 182% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,806.9/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Arkansas City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 56.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46. 61% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 137 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.0°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 137 ft (42 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 994/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.6089°N, 91.2049°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Desha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pinebluff Regional/Grider Field (PBF)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.3"
48% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 46.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 61.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2020.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
52 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
31 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
79 km |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Redfield, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| Apr 11, 1996 |
9 km ENE of Biscoe, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 12, 2017 |
9 km E of Leola, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Oct 20, 1999 |
8 km NE of Clarendon, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 2 |
252 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
254 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
462 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 51 fatalities, 794 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF4 |
88 km |
17 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1992 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1978 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
85 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
69 km |
5 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1976 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1972 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1972 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,134 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,134 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,042 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
LACEY |
1,439 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
DREW |
1,283 |
45 km |
| 2013 |
SINGLETON CREEK |
1,124 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
PINE ISLAND |
757 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
PINE ISLAND |
676 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
BRAD TRAM |
676 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
PINE ISLAND 1 N |
673 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
FOUNTAIN HILL |
655 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
514 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
4.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
5.6 in |
|
Arkansas City has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.9 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.6") and August the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Arkansas City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas City
What is the population of Arkansas City?
Arkansas City has a population of 487 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 994 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Arkansas City expensive to live in?
Arkansas City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,729, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,600 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $619 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Arkansas City safe?
Public safety is a concern in Arkansas City, with a violent crime rate of 1,070 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,807 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Arkansas City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Arkansas City?
Arkansas City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.3 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.
How is the job market in Arkansas City?
The job market in Arkansas City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $911. There are 433 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Arkansas City?
The median home value in Arkansas City is $89,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $83,040. For renters, the median monthly rent is $619. Fair market rent is $703 for a 1-bedroom and $922 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,092.
How are the schools in Arkansas City?
Schools in Arkansas City have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.1% of adults in Arkansas City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Arkansas City?
The obesity rate in Arkansas City is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 38.7% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,218.
What is transportation like in Arkansas City?
The average commute in Arkansas City is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Arkansas City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Arkansas City is 68% White, 32% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.3% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
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