ArkansasPop. 23,929Towns
Is West Memphis a Good Place to Live? West Memphis, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Memphis ranks #1306 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #233 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($120,100, #6 of 231) and low rents ($870/mo, #44 of 231), and trails on high unemployment (6.9%, #67 of 67) and high violent crime (1,785 per 100,000, #146 of 146).
West Memphis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Memphis'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 West Memphis?
West Memphis's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $870/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $133,024, 41% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | West Memphis | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 92.2#327 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $133,024#19 of 1,187 | $227,264 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $120,100#33 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $870/mo#64 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 24.5%#945 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
West Memphis 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. West Memphis is in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is West Memphis safe?
West Memphis recorded 1,785 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5.4 times the US rate of 328 and 3.4 times Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1083 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #146 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Memphis Police Department. Property crime runs 3,501 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | West Memphis | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 1,785#1083 of 1,085 | 532 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,501#1012 of 1,085 | 1,645 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 West Memphis?
The median household in West Memphis earns $42,674, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 6.9% (US 4.3%). 29.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | West Memphis | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $42,674#1295 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 6.9%#1025 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 29.1%#1289 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -1.3%#1115 of 1,132 | +0.6% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in West Memphis?
The median resident of West Memphis is 34.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 13.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1282 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Memphis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 34.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 13.9%#1282 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 46.1% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are West Memphis's schools and health?
West Memphis's 10 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $12,947 spent per pupil. 49.6% of adults are obese and 19.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | West Memphis | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 88.3%#508 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,947#835 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 49.6%#1309 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 19.1%#1295 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 21.1%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 13.7%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,469 students are enrolled in West Memphis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Memphis?
The average commute in West Memphis is 20.1 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0.2% of workers take transit and 6.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Memphis scores 12.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #444 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.7°F and winters 43.5°F, with 50.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | West Memphis | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.1 min#349 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 74.8% | 78.4% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.4% | 8.6% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.3#444 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 49.5 | 32.9 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 54.2 | 36 | 4.3 |
| Mar | 63.3 | 43.4 | 5.1 |
| Apr | 73.2 | 52.4 | 5 |
| May | 81.6 | 61.9 | 5 |
| Jun | 89.1 | 69.4 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 91.4 | 72.2 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 91.2 | 71.2 | 2.4 |
| Sep | 86.1 | 64 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 75.2 | 52.2 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 62.3 | 41.9 | 4.5 |
| Dec | 52.6 | 35.9 | 4.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at W Memphis Muni Airport.
| Measure | West Memphis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 62.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 80.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 43.5°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 50.4 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at W Memphis Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West Memphis?
Crittenden County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Crittenden County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.27% of building value, higher than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | West Memphis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.27%#1073 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Crittenden County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Crittenden County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.094% | 97% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0088% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 84% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 55% 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 West Memphis compare with similar-size cities?
West Memphis is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #233 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 23,929.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Memphis, ARPop. 23,929 | #1306 | 35.3 | $42,674 | $870/mo | 1,785 | 20.1 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #811 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 | 17.6 min |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #487 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 | 15.1 min |
| Ponca City, OKPop. 24,326 | #1079 | 48.4 | $55,941 | $850/mo | 500 | 15.7 min |
| Fernley, NVPop. 24,225 | #970 | 50.6 | $89,517 | $1,570/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #777 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 | 12.3 min |
| Brookings, SDPop. 23,948 | #587 | 56.9 | $63,493 | $889/mo | 113 | 12.5 min |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #1158 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 | 19 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 West Memphis compare with the rest of Arkansas?
West Memphis ranks #19 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 35.3 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 31% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 3.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 41% 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 West Memphis's score calculated?
West Memphis scores 35.3 out of 100, #1306 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 West Memphis. Similar-size median 41.9.
21.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West Memphis's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
18.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Memphis. Similar-size median 56.5.
10.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Memphis's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
61.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West Memphis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
86.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Memphis. Similar-size median 50.8.
5.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in West Memphis. Similar-size median 35.2.
17.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Memphis. Similar-size median 48.3.
44.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Memphis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
59.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
38.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Memphis's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories West Memphis 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 West Memphis
Is West Memphis, AR a good place to live?
West Memphis ranks #1306 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #233 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($120,100, #6 of 231) and low rents ($870/mo, #44 of 231), and trails on high unemployment (6.9%, #67 of 67) and high violent crime (1,785 per 100,000, #146 of 146).
What is the cost of living in West Memphis?
West Memphis's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $870/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $133,024, 41% below the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in West Memphis?
West Memphis recorded 1,785 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5.4 times the US rate of 328 and 3.4 times Arkansas's 532. That ranks #1083 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #146 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Memphis Police Department. Property crime runs 3,501 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in West Memphis?
The median household in West Memphis earns $42,674, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 6.9% (US 4.3%). 29.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in West Memphis?
Median rent in West Memphis is $870/mo (Census), #64 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Memphis?
The typical home value in West Memphis is $133,024, up 6.6% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $120,100.
How are the public schools in West Memphis?
West Memphis's 10 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 13.1 students per teacher and $12,947 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Memphis?
The average commute is 20.1 minutes, #349 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Arkansas. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Memphis?
West Memphis averages 62.6°F over the year, 80.7°F in summer and 43.5°F in winter, with 50.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is West Memphis walkable?
West Memphis scores 12.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #444 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 West Memphis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Crittenden County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.27% of building value, higher than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in West Memphis?
Crittenden County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in West Memphis?
West Memphis has 23,929 residents. The median resident of West Memphis is 34.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 13.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1282 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Memphis compare with the rest of Arkansas?
West Memphis ranks #19 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 35.3 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 31% below the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 3.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 41% below the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to West Memphis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Memphis's population of 23,929 are Auburn, ME (#586 overall), Mandan, ND (#811 overall), Columbus, NE (#487 overall), Ponca City, OK (#1079 overall), and Fernley, NV (#970 overall). West Memphis is #1306.