ArkansasPop. 99,319Smaller cities
Is Fayetteville a Good Place to Live? Fayetteville, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fayetteville ranks #539 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #244 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.8%, #29 of 468) and low living costs (91.4, #60 of 524), and trails on high poverty (20.6%, #466 of 524) and low household income ($62,695, #417 of 524).
Fayetteville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fayetteville'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 Fayetteville?
Fayetteville'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 $1,065/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $383,552, 69% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Fayetteville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91.4#256 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $383,552#590 of 1,187 | $227,264 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,612/mo#430 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $349,600#647 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,065/mo#281 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.4%#500 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Fayetteville 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. Fayetteville is in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Fayetteville safe?
Fayetteville recorded 446 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #779 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #347 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fayetteville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,910 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fayetteville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 446#779 of 1,085 | 532 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,910#671 of 1,085 | 1,645 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Fayetteville?
The median household in Fayetteville earns $62,695, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fayetteville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $62,695#983 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 20.6%#1132 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.8%#56 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fayetteville?
The median resident of Fayetteville is 28.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fayetteville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 28.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 49%#280 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 41.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fayetteville's schools and health?
Fayetteville's 18 public schools graduate 90.8% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $12,901 spent per pupil. 33.5% of adults are obese and 7.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Fayetteville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90.8%#339 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,901#844 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.5%#655 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.5%#71 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.8%#1239 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.5%#718 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,770 students are enrolled in Fayetteville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fayetteville?
The average commute in Fayetteville is 18.5 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 1.1% of workers take transit and 14.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fayetteville scores 10.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #609 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 39°F, with 46.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fayetteville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.5%#103 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.9% | 78.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.7% | 1.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.9% | 8.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.8#609 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 46.5 | 26.9 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 51.2 | 30 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 59.1 | 37.9 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 69 | 47.2 | 4.5 |
| May | 75.9 | 56.2 | 6 |
| Jun | 84.1 | 65.5 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 88.7 | 69.4 | 3.6 |
| Aug | 88.6 | 67.7 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 81.4 | 59.8 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 70.9 | 47.9 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 58.6 | 37.7 | 4 |
| Dec | 49.6 | 29.8 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fayetteville Exp Stn.
| Measure | Fayetteville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 58.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 77.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 39°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fayetteville Exp Stn.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fayetteville?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington 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 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Fayetteville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#513 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.02% | 97% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0017% | 90% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0055% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0059% | 74% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0044% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.076% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0036% | 31% 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 Fayetteville compare with similar-size cities?
Fayetteville is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #244 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 99,319.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #657 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 | 26.7 min |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #636 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 | 30.2 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 Fayetteville compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Fayetteville ranks #4 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 1% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 69% 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 Fayetteville's score calculated?
Fayetteville scores 57.4 out of 100, #539 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fayetteville's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
64.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 58.9.
55.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fayetteville's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fayetteville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
75.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 56.1.
29.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 42.4.
70.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fayetteville. Similar-size median 50.0.
56.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fayetteville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
51.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
61.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fayetteville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
Is Fayetteville, AR a good place to live?
Fayetteville ranks #539 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #244 of 524 smaller cities and #4 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.8%, #29 of 468) and low living costs (91.4, #60 of 524), and trails on high poverty (20.6%, #466 of 524) and low household income ($62,695, #417 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville'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 $1,065/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $383,552, 69% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville recorded 446 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #779 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #347 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fayetteville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,910 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fayetteville?
The median household in Fayetteville earns $62,695, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fayetteville?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,065/mo (Census), #281 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,612/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fayetteville?
The typical home value in Fayetteville is $383,552, up 4% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $349,600.
How are the public schools in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville's 18 public schools graduate 90.8% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $12,901 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fayetteville?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Arkansas. 2.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville averages 58.3°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 39°F in winter, with 46.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fayetteville walkable?
Fayetteville scores 10.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #609 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 Fayetteville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington 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 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fayetteville?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville has 99,319 residents. The median resident of Fayetteville is 28.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fayetteville compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Fayetteville ranks #4 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 57.4 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 1% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 69% above the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Fayetteville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fayetteville's population of 99,319 are Boca Raton, FL (#347 overall), Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall), Federal Way, WA (#770 overall), Longmont, CO (#355 overall), and Kenosha, WI (#583 overall). Fayetteville is #539.