ArkansasPop. 39,743Small cities
Is Pine Bluff a Good Place to Live? Pine Bluff, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pine Bluff ranks #1307 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83, #2 of 208) and affordable homes ($89,400, #2 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (6.6%, #181 of 184) and high violent crime (1,393 per 100,000, #171 of 174).
Pine Bluff by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pine Bluff'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 Pine Bluff?
Pine Bluff's cost of living index is 83, 17% below the US level of 100 and #3 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $855/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $73,251, 68% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Pine Bluff | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 83#3 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $73,251#3 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 | $1,058/mo#39 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $89,400#6 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $855/mo#57 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.1x#8 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 24%#900 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.
Pine Bluff 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. Pine Bluff is in the Pine Bluff, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Pine Bluff safe?
Pine Bluff recorded 1,393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1076 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #171 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pine Bluff Police Department. Property crime runs 3,660 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Pine Bluff | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 1,393#1076 of 1,085 | 532 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,660#1026 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 Pine Bluff?
The median household in Pine Bluff earns $42,718, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 6.6% (US 4.3%). 24% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Pine Bluff | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $42,718#1294 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 6.6%#1012 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 24%#1218 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -1.4%#1120 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 Pine Bluff?
The median resident of Pine Bluff is 37.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1162 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pine Bluff | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 20.2%#1162 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 51.6% | 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 Pine Bluff's schools and health?
Pine Bluff's 14 public schools graduate 75.4% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $16,732 spent per pupil. 48.7% of adults are obese and 18.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Pine Bluff | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 75.4%#982 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $16,732#426 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 48.7%#1307 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 18.7%#1291 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.1%#1183 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.8%#933 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. 5,352 students are enrolled in Pine Bluff's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pine Bluff?
The average commute in Pine Bluff is 19.3 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 1% of workers take transit and 4.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pine Bluff scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 44.5°F, with 53.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pine Bluff | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.3 min#287 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% | 84.5% | 78.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4.2% | 8.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.8#1105 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 | 33.2 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 56.1 | 36 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 64.5 | 43.7 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 73.8 | 52.1 | 5.7 |
| May | 81.5 | 61.6 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 88.5 | 69.6 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 91.8 | 73 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 91.4 | 71.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 85.9 | 65.1 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 75.5 | 52.7 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 63.4 | 42.3 | 4.1 |
| Dec | 54.5 | 35.5 | 5.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pine Bluff.
| Measure | Pine Bluff | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 63.2°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 | 44.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 53.6 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 Pine Bluff.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pine Bluff?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Pine Bluff's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Pine Bluff | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#760 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 Jefferson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jefferson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.01% | 93% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.036% | 89% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 79% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0034% | 65% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.001% | 50% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0021% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% 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 Pine Bluff compare with similar-size cities?
Pine Bluff is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #207 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 39,743.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #1307 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 | 19.3 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 min |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #541 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 | 24 min |
| Dover, DEPop. 39,837 | #1203 | 44.9 | $60,199 | $1,344/mo | 847 | 22.9 min |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #1003 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 | 15.6 min |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #166 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 | 19.8 min |
| Kailua (Honolulu County), HIPop. 39,640 | #115 | 68.0 | $148,582 | $3,093/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #95 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 | 20.8 min |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #553 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 | 23.9 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 Pine Bluff compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Pine Bluff ranks #20 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 34.7 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 31% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 68% 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 Pine Bluff's score calculated?
Pine Bluff scores 34.7 out of 100, #1307 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 Pine Bluff. Similar-size median 52.9.
23.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pine Bluff's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
17.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pine Bluff. Similar-size median 52.2.
14.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pine Bluff's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
53.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pine Bluff's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
93.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pine Bluff. Similar-size median 46.7.
14.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pine Bluff. Similar-size median 44.2.
18.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pine Bluff. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pine Bluff's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.8 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% 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.
43.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pine Bluff'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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
Is Pine Bluff, AR a good place to live?
Pine Bluff ranks #1307 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #207 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83, #2 of 208) and affordable homes ($89,400, #2 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (6.6%, #181 of 184) and high violent crime (1,393 per 100,000, #171 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Pine Bluff?
Pine Bluff's cost of living index is 83, 17% below the US level of 100 and #3 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $855/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $73,251, 68% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Pine Bluff?
Pine Bluff recorded 1,393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1076 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #171 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pine Bluff Police Department. Property crime runs 3,660 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Pine Bluff?
The median household in Pine Bluff earns $42,718, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 6.6% (US 4.3%). 24% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Pine Bluff?
Median rent in Pine Bluff is $855/mo (Census), #57 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,058/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pine Bluff?
The typical home value in Pine Bluff is $73,251, down 2.1% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $89,400.
How are the public schools in Pine Bluff?
Pine Bluff's 14 public schools graduate 75.4% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $16,732 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pine Bluff?
The average commute is 19.3 minutes, #287 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 Pine Bluff?
Pine Bluff averages 63.2°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 44.5°F in winter, with 53.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pine Bluff walkable?
Pine Bluff scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 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 Pine Bluff at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
Who lives in Pine Bluff?
Pine Bluff has 39,743 residents. The median resident of Pine Bluff is 37.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1162 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pine Bluff compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Pine Bluff ranks #20 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 34.7 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 31% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 68% below the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Pine Bluff?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pine Bluff's population of 39,743 are West Fargo, ND (#73 overall), Norwich, CT (#541 overall), Dover, DE (#1203 overall), Hutchinson, KS (#1003 overall), and Bettendorf, IA (#166 overall). Pine Bluff is #1307.