Arkansas · Metropolitan Area
West Memphis is a small city in Arkansas with a population of 24,147. Residents earn $41,860 per year, which is 44% below the national average.
Based on current data, West Memphis receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. West Memphis has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in West Memphis is $41,860, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
The median home value in West Memphis is $119,100, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $847 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.
With 1,431 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,778 per 100,000, 195% above the national average.
14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
West Memphis enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 98.1% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.9% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $41,860 |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $22,608 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,959 |
| Unemployment | 7.8% |
| 117% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 22.0% |
| 77% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,096 |
| County GDP | $2,345M |
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Retail | 145 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,342 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.97% |
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
| Census Median | $119,100 |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $128,016 |
| Median List Price | $167,500 |
| Median List Price | $167,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $112 |
| Homes Sold | 15 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.4% |
| Price Drops | 15.3% |
| Inventory | 72 |
| Census Median Rent | $847 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.4% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,342 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.97% |
| Obesity | 49.6% |
| 55% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 16.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.6% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
| Binge Drinking | 12.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.8% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 80.9% |
| Premature Death | 17,011/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
| Total Violent | 1,430.8/100K |
| 277% above US avg | |
| Murder | 15.8/100K |
| 150% above US avg | |
| Rape | 189.2/100K |
| Robbery | 185.3/100K |
| Assault | 1,040.6/100K |
| Total Property | 5,778.5/100K |
| 195% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,576.7/100K |
| Theft | 3,870.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 331.1/100K |
| Arson | 35.5/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg | |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 55.9 inches |
| 47% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 1.7 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 208 ft (63 m) |
| Area | 29.8 sq mi (77.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 809/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.1496°N, 90.1993°W |
| County FIPS | 05035 |
Winner: Democrat by 2.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.8% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 83.9% |
| School Test Score | 4.91 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 809/sq mi |
| Total Area | 29.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 6 |
| Public Libraries | 8 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
| Restaurants | 113 |
| Retail Stores | 145 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Avg Commute | 20.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |