Moving to Arkansas statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Arkansas?

Approximately 73,123 people moved to Arkansas in 2023, while 63,179 moved out. This represents a net gain of 9,944 residents. The state received approximately 61 movers per day between 2022 and 2023, mostly driven by domestic migration.

The Natural State has been growing in popularity among domestic migrants, attracting more than neighboring Mississippi or Louisiana. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Arkansas ranked as the 11th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Arkansas

Arkansas ranks as the 40th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, as its poor economy and safety rankings hold it back. However, with the ninth highest affordability ranking in the country, the state’s up-and-coming appeal can partially be attributed to a cheap housing market and low cost of living.

People moving to the Natural State favor cities and towns in the northwestern and central regions. The northwestern hub of Fayetteville attracted the most new residents, adding 7,368 (7.8% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Another northwestern city, Bentonville, experienced the most population growth, growing at a rate of 9.7% during the same period.

A few cities located near Little Rock — the center of Arkansas — also gained population. Conway added 5,438 new residents (8.5% growth), while Benton gained 2,542 (7.3% growth).

The top five Arkansas cities people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to Arkansas?

Whether you’re a mountain bike enthusiast or want to partake in a natural hot spring, many people are attracted to Arkansas’ diverse array of outdoor activities. Movers from California and Texas also move here in search of job opportunities and affordable housing. Of the 44,271 inbound license transfers in 2023, 27.7% came from one of those two states.

The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, education and health services, and government. Collectively, these industries employ just over 51% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is also education and health services, growing by 5.7% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Arkansas housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,101.25 and a median home sale price of $249,300, Arkansas renters and homeowners can expect to pay a significant 40.7% less than the national median for housing.

Arkansas also has the 12th lowest property tax rate in the U.S. at 0.64%. The tax rate here is less than half that of the 15 most expensive states. In 2021, the average property owner in Washington County — where Fayetteville is located — paid $1,294 in annual property taxes. The most expensive county is Benton County, where residents paid an average of $1,442, while the most affordable county is Lafayette County, where residents paid as little as $387 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Arkansas

Arkansas’ cost-of-living index is 90.3, making it the ninth most affordable state in the union. Gas prices are also considerably less than the national average ($3.26) at $2.95 per gallon. This is the case despite the low oil and gas production compared to neighboring Texas and Oklahoma. However, Arkansas only ranks as the 39th most green state, partly due to high carbon emissions and a lack of renewable energy generation.

Though Arkansas does have a lower-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income is only $56,778. That means the typical household here earns 24.7% less than the national median of $75,358. Luckily, unemployment is also lower (3.3%) than the national average (4.2%).

Overall, Arkansas offers a desirably low cost of living but with the caveat that you’ll also likely earn less than the national average. Would-be residents should budget carefully and be mindful of the job opportunities available.

Who lives in Arkansas?

An estimated 3,067,732 people live in Arkansas as of 2023, making it the 33rd largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 21,328 people compared to 2022.

Arkansas’ population skews slightly female, with women accounting for 50.7% and men accounting for 49.3% of residents. In 2023, approximately 1.55 million Arkansas residents were female, and 1.51 million were male.

On average, Arkansas’ population is also slightly younger (38.7 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 25% of the population.

White residents account for the largest share of Arkansans, representing 78.4% of the population (2.4 million people). The state also has a large share of Black and Hispanic residents, representing 15.6% and 9.2% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Arkansas

Not sure how to start your move to Arkansas? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

While Arkansas offers the ninth lowest cost of living in the nation, including affordable housing prices, a below-average median household income can pose challenges for new movers. Rural areas are generally cheaper but may offer less access to high-paying job opportunities. Meanwhile, Little Rock and Fayetteville are popular but less affordable. Before moving, research specific regions and use resources like Arkansas.gov to understand the local cost of living.

2. Explore the job market

Arkansas offers a diverse economy, with opportunities available in health and education, manufacturing, and more. From Walmart to Tyson, northwest Arkansas is a hub for corporate headquarters that provide professional job opportunities. Other major cities like Little Rock also offer a variety of opportunities, though you should expect salaries to be below the national median. Utilize local job boards and resources like the Arkansas Workforce Connections website to find opportunities in your field.

3. Prepare for seasonal weather

Arkansas’ central location in the U.S. means you can expect hot, humid summers and cool, rainy or snowy winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 90 degrees, however, the potential for spring flooding and seasonal tornadoes will be your primary concern. We recommend investing in effective home heating and cooling systems as well as ensuring you have a safe place to shelter in place in the event of severe weather. Stay updated and learn emergency preparation tips on the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management website.

4. Research transportation needs

Though major hubs like Little Rock offer some public transportation options, most of Arkansas is rural and car dependent. Driving in the Ozark Mountains can be especially challenging, so we recommend investing in all-season or all-terrain tires. You can familiarize yourself with local roadways, traffic patterns and public transportation availability through the Arkansas Department of Transportation website.

5. Take advantage of outdoor activities

Known as the Natural State, Arkansas boasts an unmatched haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ozark and Ouachita mountains are home to some of the best mountain biking trails, hiking and water sports in the country. When moving here, we encourage you to embrace the scenic beauty and enjoy activities like kayaking on the Buffalo River or riding on Bentonville’s network of biking trails. Visit the Arkansas State Parks website for more information.

6. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Arkansas, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.