Median Income
$43,750
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$50,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,196/100K
215% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$563
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.9%
49% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Widener Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population221
Median Age25.0 yrs
Density402/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans2.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,750
Per Capita$18,805
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$943M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$50,000
Rent$563
Ownership86.7%
Zillow$68,743
Housing Units89
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,196/100K
Property6,426/100K
Health
Obesity47.9%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking20.7%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain50.6 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation200 ft (61 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+54.5%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score3.06
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 49%
Commute26 min
Broadband60.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries1
Is Widener a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Widener receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Widener has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Widener is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Widener is $50,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $563 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,196 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 6,426 per 100,000, 228% above the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.5% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.1/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Widener 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. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Widener has a population of 221 with a density of 402 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 25.0 years, 36% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.8% female and 65.2% male. The city is predominantly White (49.8%), with 4.1% Hispanic, 43.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.0yrs
Median Age
36% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Widener is $43,750, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,805 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $934, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above 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 585 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,750 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,805 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $934 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,263 |
| Gini Index | 0.499 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 585 |
| County GDP | $943M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,516 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Widener is $50,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $68,743, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $563 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 89 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $1,516 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $68,743 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $563 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.3% |
| Housing Units | 89 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,516 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Widener, 47.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 46.6% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.6% report binge drinking. 41.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.3% report depression. 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,749. The dentist ratio is 1:2,245. 72.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Widener vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.1% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 47.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,749 |
| Dentists | 1:2,245 |
| Mental Health | 1:270 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Dental Visits | 43.7% |
| Premature Death | 15,430/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Widener has a violent crime rate of 1,196 per 100,000 residents, 215% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,426 per 100,000, 228% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Widener receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Widener vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,195.8/100K |
| 215% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,425.9/100K |
| 228% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 203 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Widener enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 82°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 50.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 200 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 62.2°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 402/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0235°N, 90.6819°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Francis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Memphis International (MEM) 40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.6"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 11.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
146 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
149 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
102 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
91 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
124 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
21 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
74 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
68 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 |
4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Jun 26, 2010 |
10 km NW of Garner, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Oct 5, 2011 |
5 km WSW of Quitman, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Jan 20, 2010 |
4 km WNW of Lynn, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
124 km |
| Apr 23, 1994 |
7 km W of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jun 28, 2010 |
11 km NW of Garner, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Aug 19, 1994 |
9 km WSW of Gilt Edge, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
506 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 215 fatalities, 2,448 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
86 km |
8 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
70 km |
5 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
100 km |
7 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
91 km |
35 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
53 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
52 km |
29 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
93 km |
16 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
95 km |
50 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
31 km |
4 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
69 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,334 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
812 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
310 WEST OF COMO |
745 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
54 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
647 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
627 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
599 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Widener has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 40°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and October the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Widener. 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 Widener
What is the population of Widener?
Widener has a population of 221 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 402 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.8% female and 65.2% male.
Is Widener expensive to live in?
Widener 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 $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $50,000 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $563 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Widener safe?
Public safety is a concern in Widener, with a violent crime rate of 1,196 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,426 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Widener receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Widener?
Widener enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.6 inches, with 2.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Widener?
The unemployment rate in Widener is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $934. There are 585 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Widener?
The median home value in Widener is $50,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $68,743. For renters, the median monthly rent is $563. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,516.
How are the schools in Widener?
Schools in Widener have an average test score of 3.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.5% of adults in Widener hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 54.5% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Widener?
The obesity rate in Widener is 47.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 41.1% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,749.
What is transportation like in Widener?
The average commute in Widener is 26 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Widener?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Widener is 49.8% White, 43.4% Black or African American, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.