Median Income
$62,917
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,600
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
24.3%
575% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.4%
56% higher than US avg
How Thornton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population315
Median Age53.6 yrs
Density164/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$62,917
Per Capita$26,183
Unemployment24.3%
Poverty19.4%
County GDP$458M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,600
Rent$625
Ownership85.2%
Zillow$111,002
Housing Units139
Rent Burden10.0%
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured1.0%
Smoking16.8%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
Rain57.6 in/yr
Elevation297 ft (91 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+85.4%
Graduate+0.3%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute18 min
Broadband71.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Thornton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thornton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Thornton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thornton is $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. At 24.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 19.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thornton is $57,600, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Thornton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.6 inches.
Thornton has a population of 315 with a density of 164 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 53.6 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (81%), with 18.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 35.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
315
Total Population
2023 Census
53.6yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Thornton is $62,917, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,183 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,416. The unemployment rate is 24.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 107 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,917 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,183 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,416 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.392 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 24.3% |
| 575% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 107 |
| County GDP | $458M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $925 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in Thornton is $57,600, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,002, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 139 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $925 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 10.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,600 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $111,002 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 10.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.8% |
| Housing Units | 139 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $925 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.61% |
In Thornton, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 39.7% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 15.4% report binge drinking. 32.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 1.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,741. 7.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thornton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.7% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.0% |
| Uninsured | 1.0% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,741 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 53.5% |
| Premature Death | 17,437/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 7.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Thornton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 297 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.7°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 297 ft (91 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 164/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.7749°N, 92.4877°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pinebluff Regional/Grider Field (PBF)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.6"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
6.02"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2020.
| Mar 16, 1997 |
6 km SSE of Amity, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Aug 4, 2001 |
16 km SW of Lake Hamilton, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
93 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
67 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
54 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 |
18 km W of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
67 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
65 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
17 km SSE of Plainview, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
22 km NW of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Dec 24, 1997 |
7 km W of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
68 km |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Redfield, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
77 km |
| Jan 12, 2017 |
9 km E of Leola, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
45 km |
| Aug 4, 1991 |
10 km SW of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 2 |
206 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
428 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 55 fatalities, 882 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
95 km |
5 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
83 km |
10 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
79 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
42 km |
7 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
61 km |
5 |
| Dec 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
86 km |
3 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1984 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1983 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1982 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,134 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,134 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,066 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,042 |
63 km |
| 1996 |
007 CORNEY LAKE BED |
1,716 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
LACEY |
1,439 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
DREW |
1,283 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
SHALLOW LAKE ROAD WEST 2 H |
1,146 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
SINGLETON CREEK |
1,124 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
BOULDIN HOUSE N 3F |
1,061 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
77 km |
| 2012 |
ROSE HILL |
1,002 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
SHALLOW LAKE WEST |
900 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
896 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
SHALLOW LAKE W |
892 |
78 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
889 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
839 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
EAST CAMDEN |
837 |
26 km |
| 1989 |
SHALLOW LAKE |
820 |
78 km |
| 1996 |
RIDGE ROAD |
804 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
PINE ISLAND |
757 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
Thornton has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.6 inches, with December being the wettest month (6.0") and September the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Thornton. 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 Thornton
What is the population of Thornton?
Thornton has a population of 315 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 164 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Thornton expensive to live in?
Thornton 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 $62,917, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,600 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Thornton?
Thornton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 57.6 inches, with 1.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Thornton?
The job market in Thornton faces challenges, with unemployment at 24.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,416. There are 107 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thornton?
The median home value in Thornton is $57,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,002. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.2%. The average annual property tax is $925.
How are the schools in Thornton?
Schools in Thornton have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.0% of adults in Thornton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. 0.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thornton?
The obesity rate in Thornton is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 32.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 1.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 7.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,741.
What is transportation like in Thornton?
The average commute in Thornton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thornton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thornton is 81% White, 18.1% Black or African American. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 35.2% of residents have a disability. 99.0% have health insurance coverage.