Median Income
$12,043
84% lower than US avg
Home Value
$37,000
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
439/100K
15% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$537
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
57.5%
364% higher than US avg
How Cotton Plant Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population411
Median Age55.0 yrs
Density395/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 11%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
D
Median Income$12,043
Per Capita$19,772
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty57.5%
County GDP$327M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$37,000
Rent$537
Ownership43.3%
Zillow$98,651
Housing Units302
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent439/100K
Property2,598/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured14.0%
Smoking21.1%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain51.1 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation191 ft (58 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+72.2%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score4.90
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute19 min
Broadband38.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Cotton Plant a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cotton Plant receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Cotton Plant has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cotton Plant is $12,043, 84% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 57.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cotton Plant is $37,000, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $537 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 439 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,598 per 100,000, 33% above the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Cotton Plant 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 51.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cotton Plant has a population of 411 with a density of 395 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 55.0 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly Black (83.2%), with 11.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.0yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cotton Plant 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
Cotton Plant vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cotton Plant is $12,043, which is 84% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,772 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 57.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 185 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cotton Plant vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $12,043 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,333 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 57.5% |
| 364% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 185 |
| County GDP | $327M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,020 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Cotton Plant is $37,000, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,651, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $537 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 302 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $1,020 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% 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 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $37,000 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,651 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $537 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.7% |
| Housing Units | 302 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,020 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In Cotton Plant, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 46.8% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.2% report binge drinking. 40.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,058. The dentist ratio is 1:2,016. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cotton Plant vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.8% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.9% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 47.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.0% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,058 |
| Dentists | 1:2,016 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,491 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Dental Visits | 42.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,239/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Cotton Plant has a violent crime rate of 439 per 100,000 residents, 15% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,598 per 100,000, 33% above the U.S. average. Overall, Cotton Plant receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cotton Plant vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 438.6/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,597.8/100K |
| 33% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cotton Plant 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 51.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 191 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.6°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 191 ft (58 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 395/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0059°N, 91.2521°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodruff County County |
| Nearest Airport | Searcy Regional (SRC)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.1"
34% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
273 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 3, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
104 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
98 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
124 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
105 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
105 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
61 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
105 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
102 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
93 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Feb 16, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
1 km NW of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Feb 25, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
2 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
556 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 202 fatalities, 2,279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
52 km |
5 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
31 km |
3 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
74 km |
7 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
81 km |
35 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
1 km |
29 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
51 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
47 km |
50 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
33 km |
4 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 2002 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
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 |
— |
— |
102 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,938 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,938 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
CAMP |
2,772 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
31 km |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
627 |
26 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
599 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Cotton Plant has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 39°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.7 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.3") and August the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Cotton Plant. 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 Cotton Plant
What is the population of Cotton Plant?
Cotton Plant has a population of 411 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 395 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Cotton Plant expensive to live in?
Cotton Plant 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 $12,043, 84% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $37,000 (87% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $537 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cotton Plant safe?
The violent crime rate in Cotton Plant is 439 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,598 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Cotton Plant receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cotton Plant?
Cotton Plant 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 51.1 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cotton Plant?
The unemployment rate in Cotton Plant is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 185 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cotton Plant?
The median home value in Cotton Plant is $37,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,651. For renters, the median monthly rent is $537. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,020.
How are the schools in Cotton Plant?
Schools in Cotton Plant have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.3% of adults in Cotton Plant hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.2% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cotton Plant?
The obesity rate in Cotton Plant is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 40.9% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 14.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,058.
What is transportation like in Cotton Plant?
The average commute in Cotton Plant is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cotton Plant?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cotton Plant is 11.4% White, 83.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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