Moving to Arkansas in 2023? Complete Relocation Guide

Are you mulling over moving to Arkansas?

If you’d love to live in a state with low costs of living, lots of employment opportunities, great weather, and rich art scenes, moving to Arkansas is perfect for you.

The Natural State is one of the top destinations for many families in America. Arkansas’s low housing costs, high quality of life, and lots of outdoor recreation make it one of the best places to live in America.

If you’d like to enjoy some of the best of southern hospitality and a laid-back attitude, moving to Arkansas could be all you need.

If you’re considering moving to Arkansas and wondering if the state is right for you or not, this guide contains all the information you need to know about the Natural State to make the right decision.

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  Arkansas Demographics

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  Quick Facts of Arkansas

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  Top Reasons to move to Arkansas

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  Pros & Cons of living in Arkansas

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  Best Places to Live in Arkansas

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  Cost of living in Arkansas

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  Arkansas Job Market

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  Taxes in Arkansas

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  Arkansas Most Known For?

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  Schools in Arkansas

Arkansas Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Arkansas.

Male vs Female Population of Arkansas 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Arkansas 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Arkansas 2021

Quick facts to know before moving to Arkansas

• The average costs of homes in Arkansas are below the national average
• The median age in Arkansas is 36 making it a state of millennials
• Arkansas gets 217 sunny days in a year. The U.S. average is 205 sunny days
• The costs of living in Arkansas are lower than the U.S. average
• None of the cities in Arkansas have local income taxes
• The unemployment rates in Arkansas are lower than the national average
• The average annual pay for the average job in Arkansas is $59,389

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Top 10 Reasons to Move to Arkansas

Why are people moving to Arkansas? Every year, thousands of people move to Arkansas for various reasons.

Since you’re considering moving to Arkansas, here are the top ten reasons why so many people are making that decision:

• Affordable homes

  The median house cost in Arkansas is $128,800 which is about 8.7% below the national average. However, the home prices have gone up by 19% over the last year and a house can be a good investment. Even the home rentals are lower than the national average and you can rent a studio apartment for $537while a 1-bedroom home would cost you $586 a month. The average home rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $991an a 4-bedroom apartment is $1,167

• Low cost of living

  Arkansas has a cost of living 14% less than the national average. Grocery, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare – everything costs here less. The state also has one of the lowest tax systems in the country.

• The southern hospitality and laid-back attitude

  Arkansas as a whole is more like a small town where people put a lot of value in personal relationships. Don’t be surprised when you walk into your local sushi restaurant, the staff knows you by name

• The breathtaking mountains

  Arkansas is home to two distinct mountain ranges: the Ouachitas and the Ozarks. And both the ranges have amazing mountains to hike, trail, bike, or rock climb.

  Some of the beautiful mountains in Arkansas are:

  • Mount Magazine
  • Rich Mountain
  • Poteau Mountain
  • Black Fork Mountain
  • Boston Mountains
  • Petit Jean Mountain
  • Whiting Mountain
  • Shepherd Mountain
  • Horn Mountain
  • Deckard Mountain

• Beautiful rivers

  When speaking about rivers in Arkansas, our attention goes to the glorious Arkansas River, the mighty Mississippi, and even the Illinois River. However, the state has many more waters worth exploring and capturing on film.

  Here’s a list of majestic rivers in Arkansas

  • St. Francis River
  • Saline River
  • Black River
  • North Fork River
  • Eleven Point River
  • Fourche LaFave River
  • Mulberry River
  • Cache River
  • L'Anguille River
  • Kings River

• Scenic lakes

  Arkansas’s lakes are a beautiful beacon for those who enjoy the outdoors. Whether one is into fishing, paddling, boating, or other water adventures, the waters of The Natural State are a stunning sight to behold.

  Here is the list of best lakes in Arkansas

  • Beaver Lake
  • Lake Hamilton
  • Norfork Lake
  • Lake Chicot
  • Lake Maumelle
  • Greers Ferry Lake
  • Lake Catherine
  • Lake Dardanelle
  • DeGray Lake
  • Bull Shoals Lake

• Appealing hiking trails

  The best way to explore the beauty of the state is to take the hiking trails spread across the state. There are almost 300 miles of hiking trails in Arkansas through mountain terrain and alongside rivers and streams.

  Here’s the list of top-rated hiking trails in Arkansas

  • Arboretum Trail
  • Arkansas Trail
  • Austell Trail
  • Base Trail
  • Bear Cave Trail
  • Bear Creek Cycle Trail
  • Bear Hollow Trail
  • Beech Ridge Trail
  • River Corridor Trail
  • Cane Creek trail

• Vibrant nightlife

  Arkansas gets into a vibrant mood once the sun goes down, especially in the larger cities. There is live music of all sorts, dance clubs, theatrical performances, or just perfect spots to share a drink with friends.

• Museum, galleries, and street art galore

  Arkansas has a vibrant history which it takes pride in displaying through museums and art galleries. The state also has a robust street art culture.

  Some of the best museums and art galleries in Arkansas to explore are:

  • Arkansas Arts Center
  • The Bernice Garden
  • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
  • Good Weather Gallery
  • Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
  • The Walmart Museum
  • Gangster Museum of America
  • Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery
  • Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

• Lots of outdoor recreational options

  The Nature State has abundant options to refresh your spirit with adventure. From diverse terrain spanning the scenic mountains of the northwest to the lush Mississippi River Delta in the east, Arkansas has got unlimited options to keep you busy outdoors.

  Here are some of the activities to keep you busy outside in Arkansas

  • Backpacking along the Pigeon Roost Trail at Hobbs State Park
  • Spelunker cave tour at War Eagle Caverns
  • Paddling at Kings River
  • Cycling the Razorback Greenway
  • Go for a run at Lake Atalanta
  • Sign up for the Rogers Cycling Festival
  • Sailing and foiling at Ozark Lakes

Pros & Cons of Living in Arkansas

Mulling over the pros and cons of moving to Arkansas can make it easier for you to figure out if living in the Natural State is right for you or not.

To get started, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the state since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:

Best Places to Live in Arkansas

Where are the best places to live in Arkansas? The Natural State is home to several beautiful cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

Moving to Arkansas could mean living in any of these beautiful neighborhoods. Here’s a list of the ten best places to live in the state if you’re moving to Arkansas:

Arkansans Cities Moving Guides

Cost of Living in Arkansas

Arkansas’s cost of living is rated 79.0. The United States average is rated 100. That means the cost of living in Arkansas is lower than the United States average.

The low cost of living in the state is one of the key perks of moving to Arkansas.

100 = National Average

Cost of Living	Arkansas	United States
Overall	79	100
Grocery	92.7	100
Health	86.5	100
Housing	55.7	100
Median Home Cost	$128,800	$231,200
Utilities	95.6	100
Transportation	81.6	100
Miscellaneous	93.9	100

Median House Price in Arkansas vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Arkansas vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Arkansas vs USA 2021

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Arkansas housing market info

What’s the best housing option if you’re moving to Arkansas?

Buying a home or renting are both good housing options for anyone moving to Arkansas. The state’s median home cost is $128,800. Over the last ten years, home value in the state has increased by 19.1%. The value of homes in Arkansas is currently up by 5.3%.

What’s the median home rental cost in Arkansas?

If you’re considering renting a home after moving to Arkansas, you’re not alone. Renters account for 28.5% of the state’s population. Also, 2.8% of homes and apartments in Arkansas are open to renting. Here’s the average cost of renting various homes or apartments in the state since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:

• The average cost of a studio apartment in Arkansas is $537
• The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Arkansas is $586
• The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Arkansas is $736
• The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Arkansas is $991
• The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Arkansas is $1,167

How is the job market in Arkansas?

If you’re moving to Arkansas, getting a new job could be a key part of your plans.

So, we’ve collated key stats about the Natural State’s job performance. Here’s a quick summary of the Arkansas job market:

• The unemployment rate in Arkansas is 4.8. The national average is 6.0
• Arkansas jobs have reduced by -0.4% over the last year
• Over the next 10 years, future job growth is predicted to hit 29.8%
• Arkansas job growth has been negative so far

Employment Information	Arkansas	United States
The income per Cap	$24,426	$31,177
Household Income	$43,813	$57,652
Unemployment Rate	4.8	6.0
Recent Job Growth	-3.40%	-6.18%
Future Job Growth	29.83%	33.51%

What’s the average pay in Arkansas?

There’s no one-size-fits-all payment structure in the Natural State. However, to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Arkansas, here are key stats of the state’s average pay:

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• The average annual pay for the average job in Arkansas is $59,389
• The average hourly pay for the average job in Arkansas is $28.55 an hour
• The average weekly pay for the average job in Arkansas is $1,142
• The average monthly pay for the average job in Arkansas is $4,949
• The average salaries in Arkansas could be as high as $119,848 and as low as $18,065

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What are the top Career Options in Arkansas

If you’re considering a new career after moving to Arkansas, you’d most likely be interested in the top career options in the state. Check out this list of the top ten career options in the Natural State since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:

Rank	Job Title	AVERAGE SALARY	ENTRY LEVEL SALARY	# OF PEOPLE
1	Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists	$248,380	$130,440	170
2	Family Medicine Physicians	$218,870	$59,870	1,310
3	Obstetricians And Gynecologists	$203,050	$97,150	80
4	Pediatricians, General	$201,280	$83,370	100
5	Nurse Anesthetists	$182,960	$87,880	360
6	Psychiatrists	$180,820	$53,230	160
7	Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric	$174,440	$53,760	3,170
8	Dentists, General	$168,420	$79,670	830
9	Dentists, All Other Specialists	$159,960	$105,370	30
10	Marketing Managers	$152,410	$73,360	1,320

Top industries in Arkansas

Some of the largest industries in the U.S. are present in Arkansas. Moving to Arkansas could mean getting a chance to be a part of these industries. Here are the largest industries in the Natural State since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:

• Aerospace and defense
• Food and beverage
• Metals
• Timber and forest products
• Technology
• Forearms and ammunition
• Distribution and logistics
• Transportation equipment
• Corporate and shared services

Who are the Largest employers in Arkansas

Arkansas economy is powered by several large companies in various industries. Moving to Arkansas could mean working for any of these companies. We’ve made a list of the top 10 largest companies by employees in the Natural State since you’re considering moving to Arkansas:

Rank	Company	City	Employees
1	Walmart	Bentonville	2,200,000
2	Tyson Foods	Springdale	122,000
3	Dillard’s	Little Rock	40,000
4	J.B. Hunt Transport Services	Lowell	22,190
5	Action	Barling	22,077
6	ArcBest	Fort Smith	13,000
7	Windstream Holdings	Little Rock	11,870
8	The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences	Little Rock	9,670
9	Optus	Jonesboro	8,000
10	Tyson Chicken	Springdale	7,800

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Average Jobs in Arkansas

Similar to several other states in the U.S., you can get some cities in Arkansas to offer higher pay than others. Moving to any of these cities often means getting higher salaries and income regardless of your job. Since you’re considering moving to Arkansas, here are the top ten highest paying cities in the state:

City	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
Conway	$64,251	$5,354	$1,236	$30.89
Bentonville	$64,172	$5,348	$1,234	$30.85
Rogers	$63,969	$5,331	$1,230	$30.75
North Little Rock	$57,966	$4,830	$1,115	$27.87
Little Rock	$57,574	$4,798	$1,107	$27.68
Fayetteville	$57,176	$4,765	$1,100	$27.49
Jonesboro	$56,647	$4,721	$1,089	$27.23
Springdale	$56,409	$4,701	$1,085	$27.12
Hot Springs	$56,201	$4,683	$1,081	$27.02
Fort Smith	$51,679	$4,307	$994	$24.85

Arkansas tax info

None of the cities in Arkansas have local income taxes.

Since you’re considering moving to Arkansas, check out this simple breakdown of the state’s tax rates:

• Arkansas income tax rate is 0% - 6.60%
• Arkansas sales tax is 6.50% - 11.625%
• Arkansas property tax is 0.61% average effective rate
• Arkansas gas tax is 24.5 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
• Gas tax per gallon of regular diesel is 28.5 cents

Best things to do in Arkansas

What are the most exciting things you can do if you’re moving to Arkansas?

The Natural State is known for several amazing activities and beautiful attractions. We’ve made a list of the best things you can do in the state since you’re moving to Arkansas:

• See the famous Little Rock Central High School

  Little Rock Central High School was the epicenter of confrontation that later paved way for the fundamental change in American history when African Americans gained the right to study along with white students.

• Visit another state via the USA’s longest pedestrian bridge

  The 1,200-mile Dam Bridge crossing the Arkansas River from Little Rock to North Little Rock is the longest pedestrian bridge in North America. Opened in 2006, this is a hot cycling spot and all vehicles are banned from using the bridge.

• Catch a glimpse of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

  The 460-acre Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge homes more than 100 animals, including big cats, lions, leopards, lingers, black bears, and more. The refuge is operated on a non-profit basis and also offers educational tours.

• Explore the Museum of Native American History

  The museum in Bentonville displays artifacts from across the Americas covering over 14,000 years of history. It focuses on the broader history of Native Americans as a whole, rather than any specific tribe.

• Stand on the edge of the world at Hawksbill Crag

  One of the most photographed points in Arkansans, Hawksbill Crag is a popular trailing destination and the best place to be sun-kissed.

• Go Kayaking on the world’s longest bayou

  The 364-mile Bayou Bartholomew between Arkansas and Louisiana is the longest bayou in the world. Naturally created about 2,000 years back, the bayou is home to about 117 species of fish and 35 species of mussels. For adventure lovers, this bayou is a hot kayaking destination.

• Get the chance to see an underground waterfall

  Waterfalls are common but Arkansas has something rare in-store – underground waterfalls. There are more than 100 underground waterfalls in Arkansas but only a few are accessible to the public.

• Stay in America’s most haunted hotel

  The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs is called the most haunted hotel in the US and offers a ghost tour for a fee. Multiple paranormal activities are reported in the hotel and it has also been featured in many movies.

• Visit a precise replica of the White House’s Oval Office

  Situated in downtown Little Rock, Clinton Presidential Center has a replica of the Oval Office, which offers a first-hand look into the life and work of the 42nd President of the United States William Jefferson Clinton.

• Explore a supermarket museum

  The Walmart Museum at Bentonville offers a tour of the history of Walmart and its achievements.

• Visit the Magic Spring Water and Theme Park

  The amusement park at Hot Springs has over 80 attractions including roller coasters and thrill rides. Open daily, the theme park is a favorite destination for children in Arkansas.

• Spend the night in a vintage Texaco gas station

  Assembled by an Arkansas collector of gas station signs, the vintage Texaco gas station is one of the most photographed in the state. Tourists and natives flock here to take snaps with the gestation in the backdrop.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Arkansans.

How safe is (crime rate) in Arkansas?

If crime is one of your key concerns before making up your mind about moving to Arkansas, this section contains key information about the state’s crime rates. This will make it easier for you to make an informed decision about moving to Arkansas.

• The violent crime rate in Arkansas is 30.0. The national average is 22.7
• The property crime rate in Arkansas is 44.6. The national average is 35.4
• Both the property and violent crime rates in Arkansas are higher than the U.S. average

Safest cities in Arkansas

If you’re moving to Arkansas, chances are that you’ll be interested in living in the safest cities in the state. We’ve made a list of the 10 safest cities in the cities to make your house hunting easier if you’re moving to Arkansas:

Rank	City	Population	Violent Crimes Per 100k	Property Crimes Per 100k
1	Cave Springs, AR	5,580	53	358
2	Greenbrier, AR	5,660	176	282
3	Bella Vista, AR	28,931	169	649
4	White Hall, AR	5,014	99	1,376
5	Greenwood, AR	9,436	243	381
6	Bentonville, AR	53,434	222	1,373
7	Walnut Ridge, AR	5,019	219	1,374
8	Maumelle, AR	18,223	153	1,651
9	Centerton, AR	16,542	320	840
10	Magnolia, AR	11,440	122	2,578

Best Schools & Universities in Arkansas

Moving to Arkansas means you’ll most likely get the chance to attend some of the best schools in the United States.

The Natural State is home to several top-quality elementary, middle, and high schools including universities and colleges.

Since you’re mulling over moving to Arkansas, here are the best universities, colleges, elementary, middle, and high schools in the state: