Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
138/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.5%
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.4%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Whelen Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population47
Median Age30.9 yrs
Density204/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans31.0%
Economy
Per Capita$25,151
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$318M
Commute32 min
Housing
Home Value$137,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$112,680
Housing Units17
Rent Burden34.7%
Crime
F
Violent138/100K
Property1,292/100K
Health
Obesity44.4%
Smoking17.0%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain56.6 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation254 ft (77 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.5%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.61
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute32 min
Broadband16.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Whelen Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whelen Springs receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Whelen Springs faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Whelen Springs is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Whelen Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
6.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Whelen Springs 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. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Whelen Springs has a population of 47 with a density of 204 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 30.9 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 31.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.9yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whelen Springs 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
Whelen Springs vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $25,151 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 188 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whelen Springs vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,151 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,124 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $318M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 36.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Whelen Springs is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,680, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 17 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $1,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $112,680 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 17 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.38% |
In Whelen Springs, 44.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 42.8% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.9% report binge drinking. 35.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,094. 47.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whelen Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.4% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 44.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,094 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,160 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.5% |
| Dental Visits | 53.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,042/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Whelen Springs has a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Whelen Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Whelen Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 138.4/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,291.5/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Whelen Springs 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. The area gets 304 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 56.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 254 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 254 ft (77 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 204/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8331°N, 93.1260°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nevada County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Arkansas Regional At Goodwin Field (ELD) 46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.6"
49% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jan 18, 2025.
| Jan 18, 2025 |
0 km WSW of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Mar 16, 1997 |
6 km SSE of Amity, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
51 km |
| Aug 4, 2001 |
16 km SW of Lake Hamilton, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
57 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Jan 6, 2025 |
4 km ESE of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
78 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
84 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 |
18 km W of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
88 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
98 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Dec 24, 1997 |
7 km W of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
79 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
22 km NW of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
17 km SSE of Plainview, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Redfield, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Jan 12, 2017 |
9 km E of Leola, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
70 km |
| Aug 4, 1991 |
10 km SW of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
75 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 |
204 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
431 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 48 fatalities, 527 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
20 km |
6 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
95 km |
10 |
| Mar 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
98 km |
7 |
| Dec 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
55 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
85 km |
7 |
| Apr 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1999 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1984 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1982 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1982 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1982 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NO MANS LAND (8,250 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
NO MANS LAND |
8,250 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
LITTLE FIR 16 |
5,096 |
93 km |
| 2020 |
VANDERSLICE 1 AND 2 |
4,647 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
NO MANS LAND SOUTH |
4,544 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
RX NO MANS LAND SOUTH |
4,496 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
EAST END BEAR MOUNTAIN |
4,472 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,109 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
CW CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN |
3,943 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
RX - FULTON BRANCH AREA 3-9 |
3,893 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
NO MANS LAND NORTH |
3,571 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
CW SHARP TOP 1 |
3,539 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
RX NO MANS LAND NORTH |
3,514 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,501 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
RX EAST END BEAR MTN |
3,498 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
RX SHARP TOP 1 |
3,423 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
HICKORY NUT MOUNTAIN |
3,262 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
RX CRYSTAL MTN CHARLTON EASTERN 1 NORTH |
3,218 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RX HICKORY NUT MTN GAP CREEK 12 13 14 |
3,214 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
RX MT IDA 9 10 |
3,082 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
5.1 in |
|
Whelen Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and August the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Whelen Springs. 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 Whelen Springs
What is the population of Whelen Springs?
Whelen Springs has a population of 47 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 204 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Whelen Springs expensive to live in?
Whelen Springs 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 $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median).
Is Whelen Springs safe?
Whelen Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Whelen Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whelen Springs?
Whelen Springs 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. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.6 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Whelen Springs?
The job market in Whelen Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 188 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whelen Springs?
The median home value in Whelen Springs is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,680. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,900.
How are the schools in Whelen Springs?
Schools in Whelen Springs have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.5% of adults in Whelen Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whelen Springs?
The obesity rate in Whelen Springs is 44.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 35.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 47.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,094.
What is transportation like in Whelen Springs?
The average commute in Whelen Springs is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 36.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whelen Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whelen Springs is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 31.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 89.1% have health insurance coverage.