ArkansasPop. 37,920Small cities
Is Hot Springs a Good Place to Live? Hot Springs, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hot Springs ranks #1157 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #182 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.7, #25 of 208) and affordable homes ($165,500, #28 of 208), and trails on low household income ($47,760, #189 of 208) and high violent crime (500 per 100,000, #144 of 174).
Hot Springs by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hot Springs'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 Hot Springs?
Hot Springs's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $914/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $246,145, 8% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Hot Springs | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.7#39 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $246,145#233 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 | $1,218/mo#111 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $165,500#123 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $914/mo#106 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 23%#777 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.
Hot Springs 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. Hot Springs is in the Hot Springs, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Hot Springs safe?
Hot Springs recorded 500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% above the US rate of 328 and 6% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #845 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #144 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hot Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 3,386 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hot Springs | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 500#845 of 1,085 | 532 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,386#998 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 Hot Springs?
The median household in Hot Springs earns $47,760, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hot Springs | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $47,760#1258 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20.5%#1127 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Hot Springs?
The median resident of Hot Springs is 45.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #934 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hot Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 45.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 26.1%#934 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 57% | 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 Hot Springs's schools and health?
Hot Springs's 11 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $13,169 spent per pupil. 41.2% of adults are obese and 16.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hot Springs | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86.3%#635 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,169#807 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.2%#1172 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.2%#1233 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.6%#923 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). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,007 students are enrolled in Hot Springs's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hot Springs?
The average commute in Hot Springs is 16.9 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 6.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hot Springs scores 9.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #791 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 43.8°F, with 58 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hot Springs | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 16.9 min#131 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76.1% | 78.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.8% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 6.8% | 8.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.2#791 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 | 51.7 | 32 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 56.3 | 34.9 | 4.6 |
| Mar | 64.9 | 42.3 | 5.5 |
| Apr | 73.7 | 50.6 | 5.9 |
| May | 80.4 | 60.4 | 6.5 |
| Jun | 88.3 | 68.4 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 93.1 | 72.1 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 93 | 71 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 86.2 | 63.9 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 74.8 | 52.2 | 5.1 |
| Nov | 62.5 | 42 | 4.9 |
| Dec | 53.4 | 34.7 | 5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hot Springs 1 Nne.
| Measure | Hot Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 43.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 58 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 Hot Springs 1 Nne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hot Springs?
Garland County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 49% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Garland County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Hot Springs | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#959 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 Garland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Garland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.015% | 96% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 86% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0099% | 84% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0012% | 83% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 83% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.011% | 80% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0025% | 57% 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 Hot Springs compare with similar-size cities?
Hot Springs is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #182 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 37,920.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #1157 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 | 16.9 min |
| Phenix City, ALPop. 38,499 | #1193 | 45.3 | $50,053 | $967/mo | 708 | 22.1 min |
| Lewiston, MEPop. 38,324 | #748 | 54.2 | $55,393 | $986/mo | 240 | 21 min |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #1027 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 | 16.4 min |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #647 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data | 18.5 min |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #998 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 | 17.5 min |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #677 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 | 18 min |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #519 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 | 26.5 min |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #284 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data | 27.6 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 Hot Springs compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Hot Springs ranks #14 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 23% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% 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 Hot Springs's score calculated?
Hot Springs scores 46.5 out of 100, #1157 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Hot Springs. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hot Springs's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
50.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hot Springs. Similar-size median 52.2.
32.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hot Springs's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hot Springs's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hot Springs. Similar-size median 46.7.
23.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hot Springs. Similar-size median 44.2.
38.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hot Springs. Similar-size median 47.3.
48.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hot Springs's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
43.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
31.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hot Springs'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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
Is Hot Springs, AR a good place to live?
Hot Springs ranks #1157 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #182 of 208 small cities and #14 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.7, #25 of 208) and affordable homes ($165,500, #28 of 208), and trails on low household income ($47,760, #189 of 208) and high violent crime (500 per 100,000, #144 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Hot Springs?
Hot Springs's cost of living index is 85.7, 14% below the US level of 100 and #39 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $914/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $246,145, 8% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Hot Springs?
Hot Springs recorded 500 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 53% above the US rate of 328 and 6% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #845 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #144 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hot Springs Police Department. Property crime runs 3,386 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hot Springs?
The median household in Hot Springs earns $47,760, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 20.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hot Springs?
Median rent in Hot Springs is $914/mo (Census), #106 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,218/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hot Springs?
The typical home value in Hot Springs is $246,145, down 0.1% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $165,500.
How are the public schools in Hot Springs?
Hot Springs's 11 public schools graduate 86.3% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $13,169 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hot Springs?
The average commute is 16.9 minutes, #131 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Arkansas. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hot Springs?
Hot Springs averages 62.6°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 43.8°F in winter, with 58 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hot Springs walkable?
Hot Springs scores 9.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #791 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 Hot Springs at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Garland County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hot Springs?
Garland County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 49% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hot Springs?
Hot Springs has 37,920 residents. The median resident of Hot Springs is 45.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #934 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hot Springs compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Hot Springs ranks #14 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 23% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Hot Springs?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hot Springs's population of 37,920 are Phenix City, AL (#1193 overall), Lewiston, ME (#748 overall), Clovis, NM (#1027 overall), Hilton Head Island, SC (#647 overall), and Bartlesville, OK (#998 overall). Hot Springs is #1157.