Median Income
$41,667
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,800
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$481
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
34% higher than US avg
How Caraway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,078
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density469/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,667
Per Capita$22,955
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty16.6%
County GDP$4,152M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,800
Rent$481
Ownership68.7%
Zillow$153,112
Housing Units547
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property158/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary79/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking19.5%
Depression29.4%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain52.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation227 ft (69 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+80.4%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score4.20
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute21 min
Broadband75.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Caraway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Caraway receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Caraway offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Caraway is $41,667, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 16.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Caraway is $73,800, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $481 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Caraway is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 158 per 100,000, 92% below the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Caraway enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Caraway has a population of 1,078 with a density of 469 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.2% female and 52.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.1%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Caraway is $41,667, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,955 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,396. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,019 business establishments, including 88 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,667 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,955 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,396 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,492 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,019 |
| County GDP | $4,152M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 88 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,533 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Caraway is $73,800, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,112, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $481 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 547 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $1,533 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $153,112 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $481 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.3% |
| Housing Units | 547 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,533 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.08% |
In Caraway, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,833. The dentist ratio is 1:2,431. 73.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Caraway vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 29.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,833 |
| Dentists | 1:2,431 |
| Mental Health | 1:690 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 49.9% |
| Premature Death | 18,348/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Caraway has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 158 per 100,000, 92% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 79, burglary at 79, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Caraway receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Caraway vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 158.1/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| Burglary | 79.1/100K |
| Theft | 79.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Caraway enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 82°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 52.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 227 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 61.6°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 227 ft (69 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 469/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7602°N, 90.3221°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mississippi County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arkansas International (BYH) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.2"
37% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
371 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
101 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
18 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
7 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
88 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
42 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
68 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
91 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
17 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
39 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
26 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
90 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
20 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
73 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
55 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
557 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 168 fatalities, 1,873 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
21 km |
8 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
18 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
88 km |
5 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
78 km |
35 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
72 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
56 km |
17 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
87 km |
4 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
16 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
19 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAPANOCCA LAKE (725 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Caraway has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 39°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and August the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Caraway. 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 Caraway
What is the population of Caraway?
Caraway has a population of 1,078 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 469 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.2% female and 52.8% male.
Is Caraway expensive to live in?
Caraway 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 $41,667, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,800 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $481 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Caraway safe?
Caraway is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 158 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Caraway receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Caraway?
Caraway enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.2 inches, with 1.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Caraway?
The job market in Caraway is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,396. There are 1,019 business establishments in the area, including 88 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Caraway?
The median home value in Caraway is $73,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,112. For renters, the median monthly rent is $481. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,533.
How are the schools in Caraway?
Schools in Caraway have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.0% of adults in Caraway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Caraway?
The obesity rate in Caraway is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 29.4% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,833.
What is transportation like in Caraway?
The average commute in Caraway is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Caraway?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Caraway is 90.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.