West Memphis

West Memphis, Arkansas Overview

West Memphis faces challenges across several categories, earning a F grade (30.6/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Arkansas. Even so, the city scores 80/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 8/100.

Income & Employment in West Memphis

With a median household income of $41,860 (26% below the Arkansas median) and a population decline of 1.3%, West Memphis faces compounding economic headwinds. The unemployment rate of 5.3% adds further context to the local economy.

Safety in West Memphis

With a violent crime rate of 2510 per 100,000, West Memphis exceeds the Arkansas average of 579. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4973.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in West Memphis

The median home value is $119,100. Median monthly rent is $847. Renters spend 24.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in West Memphis

The adult obesity rate in West Memphis is 49.6%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 19.1%. Residents report an average of 21.1 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Arkansas ranks #49 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in West Memphis

West Memphis has a high school graduation rate of 88.3%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.1:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $12,947. The city has 10 public schools serving 5,469 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in West Memphis

West Memphis enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 64.3°F. Summers average 81.2°F. Winters average 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 50 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions