ArkansasPop. 29,221Small cities
Is Jacksonville a Good Place to Live? Jacksonville, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Jacksonville ranks #1258 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($163,400, #26 of 208) and low rents ($930/mo, #44 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (971 per 100,000, #166 of 174) and low household income ($49,666, #181 of 208).
Jacksonville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's cost of living index is 89.4, 11% below the US level of 100 and #188 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $930/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $174,038, 23% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Jacksonville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89.4#188 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $174,038#71 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 | $1,227/mo#115 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $163,400#113 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $930/mo#132 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 22.5%#727 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.
Jacksonville 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. Jacksonville is in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Jacksonville safe?
Jacksonville recorded 971 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3 times the US rate of 328 and 83% above Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1038 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #166 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jacksonville Police Department. Property crime runs 3,282 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Jacksonville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 971#1038 of 1,085 | 532 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,282#986 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 Jacksonville?
The median household in Jacksonville earns $49,666, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Jacksonville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $49,666#1237 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 19.8%#1107 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 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 Jacksonville?
The median resident of Jacksonville is 32.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1089 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 32.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 22.1%#1089 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 49.6% | 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 Jacksonville's schools and health?
Jacksonville's 7 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $11,586 spent per pupil. 41.5% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Jacksonville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 81.7%#836 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,586#1008 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.5%#1185 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.8%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.9%#864 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. 3,317 students are enrolled in Jacksonville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Jacksonville?
The average commute in Jacksonville is 20.3 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0.1% of workers take transit and 7.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Jacksonville scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.1°F and winters 42.8°F, with 51.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Jacksonville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 20.3 min#369 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.5%#103 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 73.9% | 78.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7.8% | 8.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.9#1084 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 | 48.9 | 32.2 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 53.7 | 35.8 | 3.9 |
| Mar | 62.5 | 43.5 | 5.1 |
| Apr | 71.6 | 51.9 | 5.5 |
| May | 79.3 | 60.7 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 68.7 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 91 | 71.9 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 90.7 | 70.8 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 63.9 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 72.9 | 52.9 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 60.4 | 42.3 | 4.7 |
| Dec | 51.2 | 35.2 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Little Rock.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.8°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 42.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 51.9 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 Little Rock.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Jacksonville?
Pulaski County's air had a median air quality index of 55, and 31% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pulaski County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Jacksonville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 55#982 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.2%#936 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 Pulaski County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pulaski County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0097% | 92% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.033% | 89% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 84% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0012% | 81% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 75% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0033% | 60% 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 Jacksonville compare with similar-size cities?
Jacksonville is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #196 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 29,221.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, ARPop. 29,221 | #1258 | 41.9 | $49,666 | $930/mo | 971 | 20.3 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #317 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 | 27.8 min |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #273 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 | 25.2 min |
| Parkersburg, WVPop. 29,240 | #1107 | 47.8 | $49,025 | $785/mo | 269 | 19.2 min |
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #48 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 | 19.8 min |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #342 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 | 21.5 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 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 Jacksonville compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Jacksonville ranks #17 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 41.9 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 20% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 83% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below 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 Jacksonville's score calculated?
Jacksonville scores 41.9 out of 100, #1258 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Jacksonville. Similar-size median 52.9.
36.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Jacksonville's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
21.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 52.2.
36.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Jacksonville's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
52.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Jacksonville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 46.7.
25.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 44.2.
45.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Jacksonville. Similar-size median 47.3.
46.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Jacksonville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
36.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
28.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Is Jacksonville, AR a good place to live?
Jacksonville ranks #1258 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($163,400, #26 of 208) and low rents ($930/mo, #44 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (971 per 100,000, #166 of 174) and low household income ($49,666, #181 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's cost of living index is 89.4, 11% below the US level of 100 and #188 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $930/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $174,038, 23% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville recorded 971 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3 times the US rate of 328 and 83% above Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1038 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #166 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Jacksonville Police Department. Property crime runs 3,282 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Jacksonville?
The median household in Jacksonville earns $49,666, 40% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Jacksonville?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $930/mo (Census), #132 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,227/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Jacksonville?
The typical home value in Jacksonville is $174,038, up 6.1% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $163,400.
How are the public schools in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's 7 public schools graduate 81.7% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $11,586 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Jacksonville?
The average commute is 20.3 minutes, #369 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 Jacksonville?
Jacksonville averages 61.8°F over the year, 80.1°F in summer and 42.8°F in winter, with 51.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Jacksonville walkable?
Jacksonville scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 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 Jacksonville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pulaski County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Jacksonville?
Pulaski County's air had a median air quality index of 55, and 31% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville has 29,221 residents. The median resident of Jacksonville is 32.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 22.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1089 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Jacksonville compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Jacksonville ranks #17 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 41.9 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 20% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 83% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Jacksonville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Jacksonville's population of 29,221 are Anderson, SC (#1148 overall), Central, LA (#710 overall), Easton, PA (#317 overall), Daphne, AL (#273 overall), and Parkersburg, WV (#1107 overall). Jacksonville is #1258.