ArkansasPop. 29,162Small cities
Is Russellville a Good Place to Live? Russellville, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Russellville ranks #1024 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #159 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83, #2 of 208) and low rents ($842/mo, #11 of 208), and trails on low household income ($50,877, #173 of 208) and high poverty (20.8%, #169 of 208).
Russellville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Russellville'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 Russellville?
Russellville'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 $842/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,718, 3% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Russellville | 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 | $219,718#168 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 | $951/mo#14 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $172,400#148 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $842/mo#45 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.9%#440 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.
Russellville 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. Russellville is in the Russellville, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Russellville safe?
Russellville recorded 460 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% above the US rate of 328 and 14% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #796 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #134 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Russellville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,431 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Russellville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 460#796 of 1,085 | 532 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,431#437 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 Russellville?
The median household in Russellville earns $50,877, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Russellville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $50,877#1218 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20.8%#1138 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 Russellville?
The median resident of Russellville is 30.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Russellville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 30.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.8%#843 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 55.4% | 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 Russellville's schools and health?
Russellville's 8 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $13,246 spent per pupil. 43.8% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Russellville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.5#223 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,246#802 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 43.8%#1263 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 21.1%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 14%#1023 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. 4,920 students are enrolled in Russellville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Russellville?
The average commute in Russellville is 15.7 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0% of workers take transit and 5.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Russellville scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.3°F and winters 42°F, with 46.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Russellville | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.7 min#86 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% | 78.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.9% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.1% | 8.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.6#912 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 | 50.3 | 29.7 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 55 | 33 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 64.3 | 40.8 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 72.9 | 49.1 | 4.8 |
| May | 80.3 | 59 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 88.2 | 67.6 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 92.5 | 71.1 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 92.4 | 69.9 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 85.6 | 61.7 | 3 |
| Oct | 74.4 | 49.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 61.8 | 39.2 | 4.6 |
| Dec | 52.2 | 32 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Russellville Muni Airport.
| Measure | Russellville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 80.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 42°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 46.4 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 Russellville Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Russellville?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Russellville's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pope County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Russellville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.23%#1008 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 Pope County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pope County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.016% | 96% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.022% | 90% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 89% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0014% | 86% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.014% | 83% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0034% | 64% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0014% | 62% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% 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 Russellville compare with similar-size cities?
Russellville is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #159 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 29,162.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russellville, ARPop. 29,162 | #1024 | 49.7 | $50,877 | $842/mo | 460 | 15.7 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 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 |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #1005 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 | 29.1 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 Russellville compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Russellville ranks #11 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 18% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% 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 Russellville's score calculated?
Russellville scores 49.7 out of 100, #1024 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Russellville. Similar-size median 52.9.
39.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Russellville's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
67.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Russellville. Similar-size median 52.2.
33.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Russellville's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
65.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Russellville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
90.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Russellville. Similar-size median 46.7.
23.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Russellville. Similar-size median 44.2.
43.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Russellville. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Russellville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.0 - 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.
20.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Russellville'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 Russellville 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 Russellville
Is Russellville, AR a good place to live?
Russellville ranks #1024 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #159 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83, #2 of 208) and low rents ($842/mo, #11 of 208), and trails on low household income ($50,877, #173 of 208) and high poverty (20.8%, #169 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Russellville?
Russellville'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 $842/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $219,718, 3% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Russellville?
Russellville recorded 460 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% above the US rate of 328 and 14% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #796 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #134 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Russellville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,431 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Russellville?
The median household in Russellville earns $50,877, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Russellville?
Median rent in Russellville is $842/mo (Census), #45 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $951/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Russellville?
The typical home value in Russellville is $219,718, up 3.7% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $172,400.
How are the public schools in Russellville?
Russellville's 8 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.5 students per teacher and $13,246 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Russellville?
The average commute is 15.7 minutes, #86 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 Russellville?
Russellville averages 61.4°F over the year, 80.3°F in summer and 42°F in winter, with 46.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Russellville walkable?
Russellville scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 Russellville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pope County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
Who lives in Russellville?
Russellville has 29,162 residents. The median resident of Russellville is 30.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #843 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Russellville compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Russellville ranks #11 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 18% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 14% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% below the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Russellville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Russellville's population of 29,162 are Anderson, SC (#1148 overall), Easton, PA (#317 overall), Daphne, AL (#273 overall), Parkersburg, WV (#1107 overall), and Waukee, IA (#48 overall). Russellville is #1024.