Home Value
$93,000
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$520
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.3%
131% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.1%
86% higher than US avg
How Perla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population197
Median Age33.9 yrs
Density205/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 29%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
Per Capita$16,497
Unemployment8.3%
Poverty23.1%
County GDP$1,579M
Commute17 min
Housing
Home Value$93,000
Rent$520
Ownership58.7%
Zillow$138,846
Housing Units135
Rent Burden30.7%
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking20.7%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain57.5 in/yr
Elevation313 ft (95 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+84.2%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute17 min
Broadband58.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Perla a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Perla receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Perla faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 8.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 23.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Perla is $93,000, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $520 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Perla enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.5 inches.
Perla has a population of 197 with a density of 205 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 33.9 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.4% female and 38.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (45.7%), with 29.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
197
Total Population
2023 Census
33.9yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Per capita income is $16,497 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 621 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $16,497 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,664 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.3% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.1% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 621 |
| County GDP | $1,579M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 76 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,921 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Perla is $93,000, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,846, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $520 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $1,921 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,000 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $138,846 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $520 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.3% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,921 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.07% |
In Perla, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 43.7% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.2% report binge drinking. 38.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,143. The dentist ratio is 1:3,689. 19.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Perla vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.7% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.3% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 46.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,143 |
| Dentists | 1:3,689 |
| Mental Health | 1:406 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Dental Visits | 41.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,718/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 19.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Perla enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 313 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.3°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 313 ft (95 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 205/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3648°N, 92.7762°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hot Spring County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bill And Hillary Clinton Ntl/Adams Field (LIT)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.5"
51% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
6.05"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
231 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 |
108 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
107 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
107 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
105 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
106 km |
| Feb 25, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Mar 3, 2011 |
0 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
1 km NW of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
2 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Feb 16, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Feb 24, 2011 |
4 km SSW of Guy, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| May 22, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
104 km |
| Feb 21, 2011 |
3 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
106 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 |
265 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
517 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 108 fatalities, 1,730 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2014 |
EF4 |
47 km |
16 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
86 km |
13 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
29 km |
10 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
73 km |
6 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
48 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
99 km |
5 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 2005 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 2002 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 1999 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
39 km |
3 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RX FOUCHE VALLEY (10,912 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
RX FOUCHE VALLEY |
10,912 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
9,749 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
W72 BLOOD SPRINGS |
8,674 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
8,607 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
NO MANS LAND |
8,250 |
99 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,347 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,604 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
5,396 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
FLATSIDE |
5,256 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
LITTLE FIR 16 |
5,096 |
70 km |
| 2024 |
RX MIDDLE NORTH FORK UNITS 3/4/5/6 |
4,854 |
65 km |
| 2020 |
VANDERSLICE 1 AND 2 |
4,647 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,553 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
NO MANS LAND SOUTH |
4,544 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
RX NO MANS LAND SOUTH |
4,496 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
EAST END BEAR MOUNTAIN |
4,472 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
REDBANK CREEK NORTH |
4,466 |
70 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,461 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,436 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,109 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| March |
53°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.7 in |
Driest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| November |
51°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Perla has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 41°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.5 inches, with April being the wettest month (6.1") and August the driest (3.7").
Average costs for common services in Perla. 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 Perla
What is the population of Perla?
Perla has a population of 197 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 205 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.4% female and 38.6% male.
Is Perla expensive to live in?
Perla is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $93,000 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $520 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Perla?
Perla enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 57.5 inches, with 1.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Perla?
The job market in Perla faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 621 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Perla?
The median home value in Perla is $93,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $138,846. For renters, the median monthly rent is $520. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,921.
How are the schools in Perla?
Schools in Perla score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.4% of adults in Perla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.2% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Perla?
The obesity rate in Perla is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 38.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 19.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,143.
What is transportation like in Perla?
The average commute in Perla is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Perla?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Perla is 29.4% White, 45.7% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.4% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.