ArkansasPop. 31,697Small cities
Is Bella Vista a Good Place to Live? Bella Vista, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bella Vista ranks #156 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.7%, #7 of 182) and low poverty (3.6%, #9 of 208), and trails on long commutes (27.9 min, #183 of 208).
Bella Vista by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bella Vista's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bella Vista?
Bella Vista's cost of living index is 91.4, 9% below the US level of 100 and #256 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,395/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $359,421, 58% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Bella Vista | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.4#256 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $359,421#535 of 1,187 | $227,264 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,839/mo#607 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $296,700#521 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,395/mo#634 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19%#337 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bella Vista housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bella Vista is in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Bella Vista safe?
Bella Vista recorded 167 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 69% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #277 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #54 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bella Vista Police Department. Property crime runs 376 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bella Vista | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 167#277 of 1,085 | 532 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 376#7 of 1,085 | 1,645 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bella Vista?
The median household in Bella Vista earns $88,055, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 42% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bella Vista | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $88,055#492 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 3.6%#32 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +3.7%#40 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bella Vista?
The median resident of Bella Vista is 51.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 88% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bella Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 51.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 41.8%#418 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 88% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bella Vista's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Bella Vista to describe its public schools. 33.1% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Bella Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.1%#624 of 1,311 | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13.9%#130 of 1,311 | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 6.7%#218 of 1,311 | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Bella Vista?
The average commute in Bella Vista is 27.9 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0% of workers take transit and 21.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bella Vista scores 6.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.4°F and winters 37.5°F, with 47.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bella Vista | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 27.9 min#993 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 70.5% | 78.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.3% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 21.5% | 8.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.4#1280 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.2 | 24.2 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 51.4 | 27.2 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 60 | 35.5 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 69.4 | 44 | 4.8 |
| May | 76.6 | 53.9 | 6.3 |
| Jun | 84.8 | 62.9 | 5.5 |
| Jul | 89.4 | 66.5 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 89.5 | 65.2 | 2.7 |
| Sep | 82.2 | 57.2 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 71.4 | 45.9 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 59 | 35.9 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 49.2 | 26.9 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bentonville 4 S.
| Measure | Bella Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 57.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 37.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 47.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bentonville 4 S.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bella Vista?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Bella Vista's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Benton County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Bella Vista | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#480 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Benton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Benton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.022% | 97% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0014% | 85% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0042% | 76% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0055% | 68% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0022% | 52% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 43% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 35% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0032% | 29% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bella Vista compare with similar-size cities?
Bella Vista is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #32 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 31,697.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #156 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 | 27.9 min |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #503 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 | 24 min |
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #698 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 | 16.6 min |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #223 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 | 33.3 min |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #237 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 | 15.1 min |
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #1004 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 | 22.3 min |
| Shawnee, OKPop. 31,671 | #1044 | 49.1 | $55,815 | $936/mo | 483 | 20.2 min |
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #332 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data | 23.4 min |
| Northport, ALPop. 31,218 | #576 | 57.0 | $80,913 | $982/mo | 387 | 21.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bella Vista compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Bella Vista ranks #2 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 66 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 42% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 58% above the typical Arkansas home.
| City | Rank in AR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentonville, ARPop. 58,249 | #1 | 68.2 | $112,792 | $1,344/mo | 174 |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #2 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 |
| Rogers, ARPop. 72,981 | #3 | 61.5 | $86,728 | $1,270/mo | 273 |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #4 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 |
| Benton, ARPop. 36,595 | #5 | 56.8 | $72,876 | $1,072/mo | 445 |
| Cabot, ARPop. 26,960 | #6 | 54.8 | $75,000 | $1,110/mo | 359 |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #7 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 |
| Springdale, ARPop. 88,160 | #8 | 54.2 | $69,787 | $1,071/mo | 527 |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #9 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 |
| Paragould, ARPop. 30,215 | #10 | 49.9 | $56,980 | $925/mo | 268 |
| Russellville, ARPop. 29,162 | #11 | 49.7 | $50,877 | $842/mo | 460 |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #12 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #13 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #14 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #15 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #16 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 |
| Jacksonville, ARPop. 29,221 | #17 | 41.9 | $49,666 | $930/mo | 971 |
| Texarkana, ARPop. 29,177 | #18 | 39.7 | $45,835 | $909/mo | 1,230 |
| West Memphis, ARPop. 23,929 | #19 | 35.3 | $42,674 | $870/mo | 1,785 |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #20 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 |
All 20 Arkansas cities we track, by overall score. Arkansas statewide: median income $62,106, violent crime 531.8 per 100,000.
How is Bella Vista's score calculated?
Bella Vista scores 66 out of 100, #156 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Arkansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bella Vista. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.9 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bella Vista's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
92.6 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bella Vista. Similar-size median 52.2.
60.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Bella Vista's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
73.4 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bella Vista. Similar-size median 46.7.
72.0 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bella Vista. Similar-size median 44.2.
78.5 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bella Vista. Similar-size median 47.3.
52.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bella Vista's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
28.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
64.9 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Bella Vista.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bella Vista's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bella Vista has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bella Vista
Is Bella Vista, AR a good place to live?
Bella Vista ranks #156 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.7%, #7 of 182) and low poverty (3.6%, #9 of 208), and trails on long commutes (27.9 min, #183 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Bella Vista?
Bella Vista's cost of living index is 91.4, 9% below the US level of 100 and #256 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,395/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $359,421, 58% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Bella Vista?
Bella Vista recorded 167 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 49% below the US rate of 328 and 69% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #277 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #54 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bella Vista Police Department. Property crime runs 376 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bella Vista?
The median household in Bella Vista earns $88,055, 6% above the US figure of $83,163 and 42% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 3.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bella Vista?
Median rent in Bella Vista is $1,395/mo (Census), #634 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,839/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bella Vista?
The typical home value in Bella Vista is $359,421, up 1.9% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $296,700.
How are the public schools in Bella Vista?
We have too few school records for Bella Vista to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Bella Vista?
The average commute is 27.9 minutes, #993 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Arkansas. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bella Vista?
Bella Vista averages 57.3°F over the year, 76.4°F in summer and 37.5°F in winter, with 47.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bella Vista walkable?
Bella Vista scores 6.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bella Vista at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Benton County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, winter weather, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
Who lives in Bella Vista?
Bella Vista has 31,697 residents. The median resident of Bella Vista is 51.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 88% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bella Vista compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Bella Vista ranks #2 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 66 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 42% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 69% below the statewide rate. Homes are 58% above the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Bella Vista?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bella Vista's population of 31,697 are Nicholasville, KY (#503 overall), Bangor, ME (#698 overall), Naugatuck, CT (#223 overall), Juneau, AK (#237 overall), and Carlsbad, NM (#1004 overall). Bella Vista is #156.