Median Income
$51,875
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,600
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
288/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.0%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.6%
51% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.2%
31% higher than US avg
How Hector Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population377
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density165/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,875
Per Capita$21,069
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty16.2%
County GDP$1,016M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,600
Rent$675
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$185,279
Housing Units192
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent288/100K
Property2,808/100K
Health
Obesity48.6%
Uninsured15.2%
Smoking24.7%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease8.3%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain51.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation743 ft (226 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.0%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute29 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Hector a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hector receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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. Hector has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hector is $51,875, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hector is $108,600, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hector is below the national average at 288 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,808 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
14.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Hector enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 40°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 51.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hector has a population of 377 with a density of 165 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Hector is $51,875, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,069 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $954, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 499 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,875 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,069 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $954 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,901 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 499 |
| County GDP | $1,016M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,868 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Hector is $108,600, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,279, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 192 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $1,868 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,600 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,279 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 192 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,868 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.72% |
In Hector, 48.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.3% of residents, above the national average. 39.7% have high blood pressure. 24.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 40.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,739. The dentist ratio is 1:2,338. 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hector vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.6% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 12.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.7% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.7% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 23.4% |
| Physical Distress | 19.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 15.2% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,739 |
| Dentists | 1:2,338 |
| Mental Health | 1:422 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 44.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Hector has a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,808 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hector receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hector vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 288.0/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,807.8/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hector enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 40°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 51.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 743 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 61.1°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 743 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 165/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.4629°N, 92.9791°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Conway County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marion County Regional (FLP)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.2"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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
238 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 |
61 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
67 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
59 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
60 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
68 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
60 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
60 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
90 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
59 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
17 km |
| Feb 16, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
60 km |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
1 km NW of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
58 km |
| Mar 3, 2011 |
0 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
59 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
2 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
59 km |
| Feb 25, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
59 km |
| Feb 21, 2011 |
3 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
30 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 103 fatalities, 1,454 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2014 |
EF4 |
82 km |
16 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
41 km |
13 |
| Apr 14, 1996 |
EF4 |
69 km |
7 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
50 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
79 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
38 km |
5 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 2002 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 1999 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,993 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,993 |
40 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,774 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
RX FOUCHE VALLEY |
10,912 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,368 |
40 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
9,226 |
32 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
8,607 |
61 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
8,286 |
29 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,945 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
7,919 |
74 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,804 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,347 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
7,344 |
74 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,804 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
6,457 |
28 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,354 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Hector has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 40°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Hector. 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 Hector
What is the population of Hector?
Hector has a population of 377 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 165 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Hector expensive to live in?
Hector 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 $51,875, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,600 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hector safe?
Hector is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,808 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hector receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hector?
Hector enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 40°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 51.2 inches, with 2.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hector?
Hector has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $954. There are 499 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hector?
The median home value in Hector is $108,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,279. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,868.
How are the schools in Hector?
Schools in Hector score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.0% of adults in Hector hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hector?
The obesity rate in Hector is 48.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.7% of adults are smokers. 40.7% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 15.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,739.
What is transportation like in Hector?
The average commute in Hector is 29 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hector?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hector is 97.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
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