ArkansasPop. 203,436Mid-size cities
Is Little Rock a Good Place to Live? Little Rock, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Little Rock ranks #1190 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #228 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.4, #16 of 256) and short commutes (18.5 min, #23 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,485 per 100,000, #235 of 235) and low graduation rates (80%, #169 of 205).
Little Rock by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Little Rock'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 Little Rock?
Little Rock'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 $1,106/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,588, 2% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Little Rock | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 89.4#188 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $221,588#174 of 1,187 | $227,264 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,212/mo#107 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $236,400#353 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,106/mo#336 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Little Rock 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. Little Rock is in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Little Rock safe?
Little Rock recorded 1,485 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1080 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #235 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Little Rock Police Department. Property crime runs 3,979 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Little Rock | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,485#1080 of 1,085 | 532 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,979#1043 of 1,085 | 1,645 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Little Rock?
The median household in Little Rock earns $63,003, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Little Rock | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $63,003#976 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 17.5%#1015 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Little Rock?
The median resident of Little Rock is 35.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 44.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Little Rock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 44.6%#355 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 53.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Little Rock's schools and health?
Little Rock's 59 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $14,993 spent per pupil. 40.5% of adults are obese and 13.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Little Rock | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 80%#880 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,993#587 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.5%#1143 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.1%#970 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.4%#816 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 26,313 students are enrolled in Little Rock's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Little Rock?
The average commute in Little Rock is 18.5 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0.8% of workers take transit and 12.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Little Rock scores 11 of 20 (above average walkable), #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.1°F and winters 42.8°F, with 50.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Little Rock | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.8% | 78.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.2% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.4% | 8.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11#585 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 50.5 | 30.9 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 55.2 | 34.2 | 4 |
| Mar | 63.7 | 41.8 | 5 |
| Apr | 72.8 | 50.1 | 5.6 |
| May | 80.5 | 59.3 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 88.2 | 67.7 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 91.7 | 71.2 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 91.5 | 70.1 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 85.1 | 62.9 | 3 |
| Oct | 74.2 | 50.9 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 61.9 | 40.2 | 4.7 |
| Dec | 52.6 | 33.3 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Little Rock Airport Adams Fld.
| Measure | Little Rock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 61.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 80.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 50.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Little Rock Airport Adams Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Little Rock?
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 | Little Rock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 55#982 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.2%#936 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Little Rock compare with similar-size cities?
Little Rock is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #228 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 203,436.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #917 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 | 20.9 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #847 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 | 19.6 min |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 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 Little Rock compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Little Rock ranks #15 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 45.3 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 1% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 2% 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 Little Rock's score calculated?
Little Rock scores 45.3 out of 100, #1190 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 Little Rock. Similar-size median 52.9.
46.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Little Rock's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
14.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Little Rock. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Little Rock's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
54.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Little Rock's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
80.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Little Rock. Similar-size median 51.2.
35.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Little Rock. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Little Rock. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Little Rock's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
52.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
28.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Little Rock's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Little Rock 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 Little Rock
Is Little Rock, AR a good place to live?
Little Rock ranks #1190 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #228 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.4, #16 of 256) and short commutes (18.5 min, #23 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,485 per 100,000, #235 of 235) and low graduation rates (80%, #169 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Little Rock?
Little Rock'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 $1,106/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $221,588, 2% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Little Rock?
Little Rock recorded 1,485 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2.8 times Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1080 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #235 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Little Rock Police Department. Property crime runs 3,979 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Little Rock?
The median household in Little Rock earns $63,003, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Little Rock?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,106/mo (Census), #336 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,212/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Little Rock?
The typical home value in Little Rock is $221,588, up 3.7% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $236,400.
How are the public schools in Little Rock?
Little Rock's 59 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $14,993 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Little Rock?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Arkansas. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Little Rock?
Little Rock averages 61.7°F over the year, 80.1°F in summer and 42.8°F in winter, with 50.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Little Rock walkable?
Little Rock scores 11 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #585 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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock?
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 Little Rock?
Little Rock has 203,436 residents. The median resident of Little Rock is 35.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 44.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Little Rock compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Little Rock ranks #15 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 45.3 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 1% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Little Rock?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Little Rock's population of 203,436 are Columbus, GA (#917 overall), Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Amarillo, TX (#847 overall), Tallahassee, FL (#1007 overall), and Sioux Falls, SD (#309 overall). Little Rock is #1190.