Violent Crime
45/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
100.0%
706% higher than US avg
How Pencil Bluff Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population28
Median Age26.1 yrs
Density53/mi²
Male / Female79% / 21%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans16.0%
Economy
Median IncomeN/A
Per CapitaN/A
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty100.0%
County GDP$209M
Housing
Home ValueN/A
RentN/A
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$232,571
Housing Units59
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent45/100K
Property3,810/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking16.4%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain57.9 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation754 ft (230 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.00
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
CommuteN/A
Broadband10.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Pencil Bluff a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pencil Bluff receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Pencil Bluff offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 100.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Pencil Bluff is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,810 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Pencil Bluff enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pencil Bluff has a population of 28 with a density of 53 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 26.1 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 21.4% female and 78.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 41.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.1yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pencil Bluff 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
Pencil Bluff vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pencil Bluff is N/A. The average weekly wage is $707, 51% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 100.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 185 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pencil Bluff vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $707 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,608 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 100.0% |
| 706% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 185 |
| County GDP | $209M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,180 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,571. Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 59 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $2,180 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 59 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,180 |
| 38% below US avg |
In Pencil Bluff, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 14.0% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,305. The dentist ratio is 1:4,278. 97.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pencil Bluff vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,305 |
| Dentists | 1:4,278 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,310 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.2% |
| Dental Visits | 46.2% |
| Premature Death | 13,842/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Pencil Bluff has a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,810 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pencil Bluff receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pencil Bluff vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 45.4/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,809.5/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pencil Bluff enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°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 57.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 754 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 754 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 53/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.6304°N, 93.7350°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Smith Regional (FSM) 60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.9"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
6.14"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
176 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 23, 2021.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
145 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
143 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
143 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Feb 16, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
2 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Feb 25, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Mar 3, 2011 |
0 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
1 km NW of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| May 22, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Feb 19, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
1 km E of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Mar 16, 1997 |
6 km SSE of Amity, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 1 |
298 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
438 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 60 fatalities, 1,034 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
80 km |
13 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Apr 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
80 km |
14 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
7 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2009 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2009 |
EF3 |
56 km |
3 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1999 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1982 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1982 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (15,318 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
15,318 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,929 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
11,929 |
75 km |
| 2024 |
RX FOUCHE VALLEY |
10,912 |
37 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,593 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
9,749 |
12 km |
| 2007 |
BRANTLEY CABIN |
9,666 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
9,483 |
29 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
9,385 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
BILLY CREEK |
9,236 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
W72 BLOOD SPRINGS |
8,674 |
11 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
8,607 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
NO MANS LAND |
8,250 |
25 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
8,217 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,945 |
44 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,347 |
23 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,804 |
20 km |
| 2022 |
RIVER ROAD |
6,722 |
27 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
6,409 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
ASHFORD WELCH |
5,976 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Pencil Bluff has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.1") and January the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Pencil Bluff. 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 Pencil Bluff
What is the population of Pencil Bluff?
Pencil Bluff has a population of 28 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 53 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 21.4% female and 78.6% male.
Is Pencil Bluff expensive to live in?
Pencil Bluff is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Pencil Bluff safe?
Pencil Bluff is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,810 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pencil Bluff receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pencil Bluff?
Pencil Bluff enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.9 inches, with 4.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pencil Bluff?
The job market in Pencil Bluff is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $707. There are 185 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Pencil Bluff?
Schools in Pencil Bluff score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Pencil Bluff hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pencil Bluff?
The obesity rate in Pencil Bluff is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 97.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,305.
What are the demographics of Pencil Bluff?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pencil Bluff is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.0% of the population are military veterans. 41.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.