Median Income
$62,188
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,700
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.7%
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.0%
174% higher than US avg
How Des Arc Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population193
Median Age26.7 yrs
Density919/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$62,188
Per Capita$20,264
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty34.0%
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,700
Ownership79.4%
Zillow$154,525
Housing Units85
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking22.9%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.8 in/yr
Sunny Days255/yr
Elevation548 ft (167 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.7%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute25 min
Broadband63.0%
EV Stations3
Is Des Arc a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Des Arc receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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, high obesity rates. Des Arc offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Des Arc is $62,188, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 34.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Des Arc is $81,700, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Des Arc 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
4.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Des Arc enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 255 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Des Arc has a population of 193 with a density of 919 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 26.7 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (99.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 84.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.7yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Des Arc is $62,188, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,264 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 34.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 11.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,188 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,264 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.0% |
| 174% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.4% |
The median home value in Des Arc is $81,700, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,525, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 85 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,700 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,525 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Housing Units | 85 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
In Des Arc, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 22.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 34.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Des Arc vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.2% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 54.4% |
Food & Exercise
Des Arc has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average.
Crime Rates: Des Arc vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Des Arc enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 255 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.8 inches. The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 548 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 255 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 548 ft (167 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 919/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2826°N, 90.6373°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Farmington Regional (FAM) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.8"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
240 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
92 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
107 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
129 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
94 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
91 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
117 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
126 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
101 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
53 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 |
4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
9 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 17, 2012 |
6 km NW of Tiptonville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Feb 6, 1993 |
6 km NNW of Catron, Missouri |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 545 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
50 km |
4 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
62 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
60 km |
7 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2002 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
54 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
54 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
38 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
46 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF MOUNTAIN RX |
3,140 |
82 km |
| 1988 |
HANES 1 |
3,139 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Des Arc has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 31°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Des Arc. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Des Arc
What is the population of Des Arc?
Des Arc has a population of 193 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 919 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Des Arc expensive to live in?
Des Arc is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,188, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,700 (71% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Des Arc safe?
Des Arc 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Des Arc?
Des Arc enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 255 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.8 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Des Arc?
The job market in Des Arc is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 11.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Des Arc?
The median home value in Des Arc is $81,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,525. The homeownership rate is 79.4%.
How are the schools in Des Arc?
Schools in Des Arc score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.7% of adults in Des Arc hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Des Arc?
The obesity rate in Des Arc is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.9% of adults are smokers. 34.2% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Des Arc?
The average commute in Des Arc is 25 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Des Arc?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Des Arc is 99.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 84.1% have health insurance coverage.