Median Income
$35,060
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,500
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
197/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$730
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.5%
98% higher than US avg
How Branch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population335
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density107/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$35,060
Per Capita$19,185
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty24.5%
County GDP$689M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,500
Rent$730
Ownership86.2%
Zillow$193,566
Housing Units190
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
F
Violent197/100K
Property907/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking22.3%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain51.6 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation473 ft (144 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+8.6%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute17 min
Broadband68.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Branch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Branch receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Branch has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Branch is $35,060, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. The poverty rate of 24.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Branch is $52,500, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $730 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Branch is below the national average at 197 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 907 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Branch enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Branch has a population of 335 with a density of 107 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (86.9%), with 9.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 75.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Branch is $35,060, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,185 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $855, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 394 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,060 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,185 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $855 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,661 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.5% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 394 |
| County GDP | $689M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 38 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,474 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Branch is $52,500, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,566, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $730 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 190 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $1,474 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,500 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,566 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $730 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.8% |
| Housing Units | 190 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,474 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Branch, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 40.0% have high blood pressure. 22.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 36.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,862. The dentist ratio is 1:5,757. 66.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Branch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.0% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.3% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.4% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.1% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,862 |
| Dentists | 1:5,757 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,367 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 43.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,985/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 38 |
Branch has a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 907 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Branch receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Branch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 197.2/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 907.3/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 301 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 51.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 473 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.5°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 473 ft (144 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 107/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3083°N, 93.9554°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Smith Regional (FSM)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.6"
36% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
250 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 14, 2024.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
145 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Aug 24, 2021 |
1 km S of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
1 km ENE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Feb 16, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Mar 3, 2011 |
0 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Feb 25, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
1 km NW of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
2 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| Aug 22, 2021 |
3 km ESE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
121 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
431 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 69 fatalities, 1,039 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF5 |
69 km |
2 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
3 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
84 km |
13 |
| Apr 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
31 km |
14 |
| May 5, 1960 |
EF4 |
55 km |
5 |
| Jan 22, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
10 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
4 |
| Apr 9, 2009 |
EF3 |
92 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Nov 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1970 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (15,318 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
15,318 |
14 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,993 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,774 |
46 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,929 |
16 km |
| 2016 |
WEST CAVANAL FIRE |
13,100 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
11,929 |
16 km |
| 2024 |
RX FOUCHE VALLEY |
10,912 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,593 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
9,749 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
9,483 |
51 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
9,385 |
38 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,368 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
BILLY CREEK |
9,236 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
W72 BLOOD SPRINGS |
8,674 |
85 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
8,607 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
MIDDLE RIDGE |
8,501 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
NO MANS LAND |
8,250 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,945 |
35 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
7,919 |
52 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,804 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Branch has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 39°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Branch. 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 Branch
What is the population of Branch?
Branch has a population of 335 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 107 people per square mile, spread across 3.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is Branch expensive to live in?
Branch 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 $35,060, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $52,500 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $730 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Branch safe?
Branch is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 907 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Branch receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Branch?
Branch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Branch?
The job market in Branch is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $855. There are 394 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Branch?
The median home value in Branch is $52,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,566. For renters, the median monthly rent is $730. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,474.
How are the schools in Branch?
Schools in Branch score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Branch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Branch?
The obesity rate in Branch is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.3% of adults are smokers. 36.4% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,862.
What is transportation like in Branch?
The average commute in Branch is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Branch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Branch is 86.9% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 35.3% of residents have a disability. 75.1% have health insurance coverage.
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