Median Income
$28,143
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,100
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$579
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.7%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
51.1%
312% higher than US avg
How Bearden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population793
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density493/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 45%
Veterans0.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$28,143
Per Capita$15,098
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty51.1%
County GDP$458M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,100
Rent$579
Ownership59.7%
Zillow$100,763
Housing Units409
Rent Burden26.7%
Health
Obesity46.7%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking23.1%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease8.3%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
Rain57.6 in/yr
Elevation235 ft (72 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+84.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute16 min
Broadband90.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Bearden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bearden receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bearden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bearden is $28,143, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 51.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bearden is $76,100, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $579 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Bearden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.6 inches.
Bearden has a population of 793 with a density of 493 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (49.1%), with 44.8% White, 5.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 33.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
793
Total Population
2023 Census
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Bearden is $28,143, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,098 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,416. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 51.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 107 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $28,143 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,098 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,416 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.392 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 51.1% |
| 312% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 107 |
| County GDP | $458M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $925 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Bearden is $76,100, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,763, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $579 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 409 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $925 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,100 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,763 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $579 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.3% |
| Housing Units | 409 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $925 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.22% |
In Bearden, 46.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.3% of residents, above the national average. 46.2% have high blood pressure. 23.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.9% report binge drinking. 42.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,741. 7.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bearden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.7% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.4% |
| Heart Disease | 8.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 10.6% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.1% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.0% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 45.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,741 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 41.1% |
| Premature Death | 17,437/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 7.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Bearden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 235 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.7°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 235 ft (72 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 493/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.7277°N, 92.6187°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Arkansas Regional At Goodwin Field (ELD)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.6"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.02"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very 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: M3.4. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2020.
| Mar 16, 1997 |
6 km SSE of Amity, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Aug 4, 2001 |
16 km SW of Lake Hamilton, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
89 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
60 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
48 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 |
18 km W of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
59 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
70 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
17 km SSE of Plainview, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
22 km NW of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Dec 24, 1997 |
7 km W of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
60 km |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Redfield, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
87 km |
| Jan 12, 2017 |
9 km E of Leola, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
52 km |
| Aug 4, 1991 |
10 km SW of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 2 |
197 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
415 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 701 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
69 km |
6 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
89 km |
10 |
| Mar 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
50 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
74 km |
5 |
| Dec 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
3 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1984 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1983 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1982 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CANEY C 11-14 (2,323 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CANEY C 11-14 |
2,323 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,066 |
60 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,042 |
67 km |
| 1996 |
007 CORNEY LAKE BED |
1,716 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,618 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
MIDDLEFORK UNIT |
1,514 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
LACEY |
1,439 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,325 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
DREW |
1,283 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
SHALLOW LAKE ROAD WEST 2 H |
1,146 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
SINGLETON CREEK |
1,124 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
BOULDIN HOUSE N 3F |
1,061 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
79 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,004 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
ROSE HILL |
1,002 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
SHALLOW LAKE WEST |
900 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
896 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
SHALLOW LAKE W |
892 |
79 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
889 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
839 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
Bearden has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.6 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.0") and September the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Bearden. 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 Bearden
What is the population of Bearden?
Bearden has a population of 793 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 493 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Bearden expensive to live in?
Bearden 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 $28,143, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,100 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $579 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bearden?
Bearden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 57.6 inches, with 1.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bearden?
The job market in Bearden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,416. There are 107 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bearden?
The median home value in Bearden is $76,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,763. For renters, the median monthly rent is $579. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.7%. The average annual property tax is $925.
How are the schools in Bearden?
Schools in Bearden have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.8% of adults in Bearden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bearden?
The obesity rate in Bearden is 46.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.1% of adults are smokers. 42.0% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 7.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,741.
What is transportation like in Bearden?
The average commute in Bearden is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bearden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bearden is 44.8% White, 49.1% Black or African American, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 0.6% of the population are military veterans. 33.2% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.