Median Income
$26,850
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,000
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
345/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.5%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$473
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
49.0%
53% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.1%
119% higher than US avg
How Hughes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population898
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density397/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 41%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
D
Median Income$26,850
Per Capita$21,926
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty27.1%
County GDP$245M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,000
Rent$473
Ownership51.6%
Zillow$128,337
Housing Units494
Rent Burden38.3%
Crime
F
Violent345/100K
Property3,107/100K
Health
Obesity49.0%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking20.8%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain56.5 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation204 ft (62 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.5%
High School+83.6%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score2.45
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 50%
Commute33 min
Broadband73.7%
EV Stations8
Libraries1
Is Hughes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hughes receives an overall livability score of 2.3 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. Hughes has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hughes is $26,850, 64% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 27.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hughes is $74,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $473 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hughes is below the national average at 345 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,107 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
6.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Hughes enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 41°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 56.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hughes has a population of 898 with a density of 397 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (54.5%), with 41% White, 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Hughes is $26,850, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,926 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $846, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 212 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,850 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,926 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $846 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,070 |
| Gini Index | 0.563 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.1% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 212 |
| County GDP | $245M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,200 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Hughes is $74,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,337, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $473 (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. 51.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 494 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $1,200 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 38.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,000 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $128,337 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $473 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.4% |
| Housing Units | 494 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,200 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.62% |
In Hughes, 49.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 47.2% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.9% report binge drinking. 41.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.1% report depression. 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,619. The dentist ratio is 1:2,091. 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hughes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 49.0% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.2% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.7% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 49.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,619 |
| Dentists | 1:2,091 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,734 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.0% |
| Dental Visits | 40.7% |
| Premature Death | 18,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 52.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Hughes has a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,107 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hughes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hughes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 345.3/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,107.5/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hughes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 41°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 56.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 204 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 62.7°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 204 ft (62 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 397/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.9481°N, 90.4714°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Memphis International (MEM)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.5"
49% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
125 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
103 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
92 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
122 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
32 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
81 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 |
4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Jan 20, 2010 |
4 km WNW of Lynn, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| Jun 26, 2010 |
10 km NW of Garner, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Apr 23, 1994 |
7 km W of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Aug 19, 1994 |
9 km WSW of Gilt Edge, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Jul 17, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| Jun 28, 2010 |
11 km NW of Garner, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
453 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 128 fatalities, 1,690 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
94 km |
8 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF4 |
80 km |
9 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
90 km |
5 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
29 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
16 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
52 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
60 km |
3 |
| Jan 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
94 km |
3 |
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 |
— |
— |
73 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,363 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,363 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
936 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
812 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
310 WEST OF COMO |
745 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
49 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
664 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
647 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
627 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
599 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (16°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Hughes has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 41°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.6") and August the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Hughes. 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 Hughes
What is the population of Hughes?
Hughes has a population of 898 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 397 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Hughes expensive to live in?
Hughes 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 $26,850, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,000 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $473 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hughes safe?
Hughes is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,107 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hughes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hughes?
Hughes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 41°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 56.5 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hughes?
The job market in Hughes faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $846. There are 212 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hughes?
The median home value in Hughes is $74,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,337. For renters, the median monthly rent is $473. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,200.
How are the schools in Hughes?
Schools in Hughes have an average test score of 2.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.5% of adults in Hughes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.6% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hughes?
The obesity rate in Hughes is 49.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 41.7% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 52.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,619.
What is transportation like in Hughes?
The average commute in Hughes is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hughes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hughes is 41% White, 54.5% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 21.8% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
