7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Arkansas in 2024
Arkansas is filled with natural beauty from the Ozark Mountains to the Hot Springs National Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. And with charming small towns and vibrant city centers, there are plenty of reasons to consider calling Arkansas home. If you’ve been debating moving to Arkansas or are hoping to relocate to a new city, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. When it comes to buying a home in Arkansas the median home sale price is $263,800.
Don’t worry if that price doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has collected the 7 of the most affordable places to live in Arkansas. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under $263,800. From Little Rock to Jonesboro, let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.
#1: Pine Bluff
Median home price: $100,000
Average sale price per square foot: $62
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $637
Median household income: $39,411
Nearest major metro: Little Rock (45 miles)
Pine Bluff, AR homes for sale
Pine Bluff, AR apartments for rent
Taking the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in Arkansas is Pine Bluff. This charming city is located in the heart of Arkansas and is home to about 39,100 people. The median home sale price is $100,000, which is $163K less than the state’s average. If you’re looking for things to do in Pine Bluff, you can visit the Arkansas Railroad Museum, stop by the AGFC Delta Rivers Nature Center in the expansive Pine Bluff Regional Park, or check out the local shops and restaurants in town.
#2: Hot Springs
Median home price: $165,750
Average sale price per square foot: $132
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $870
Median household income: $46,537
Nearest major metro: Little Rock (55 miles)
Hot Springs, AR homes for sale
Hot Springs, AR apartments for rent
Home to about 37,900 residents is the affordable city of Hot Springs. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is a popular destination for exploring the mountains and the iconic Hot Springs National Park. There is plenty to do in Hot Springs, whether you’re hiking the West Mountain Trail, visiting the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum, or checking out the local distilleries, cafes, and shops in town.
#3: North Little Rock
Median home price: $185,000
Average sale price per square foot: $129
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $627
Median household income: $45,590
Nearest major metro: Little Rock (3 miles)
North Little Rock, AR homes for sale
North Little Rock, AR apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $185,000, North Little Rock claims the third spot on our list of affordable places to live in Arkansas. About 64,600 people live in this city and it’s roughly 3 miles north of the nearest major metropolitan area Little Rock. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to spend the day outside at Burns Park or Emerald Park, explore the Park Hill Historic District and stop by The Old Mill. You can also stroll along the riverfront or visit the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.
#4: Fort Smith
Median home price: $220,000
Average sale price per square foot: $132
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $675
Median household income: $48,033
Nearest major metro: Tulsa, OK (120 miles)
Fort Smith, AR homes for sale
Fort Smith, AR apartments for rent
The fourth spot on our list of affordable cities to live in Arkansas is Fort Smith. When living in this city of 89,200 people, you can visit parks like Ben Geren Regional Park or Fort Smith Park, check out historic sites and museums like Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith Museum of History, and the Clayton House, or stroll along the Ronnie Udouj Walking Trail.
#5: Jonesboro
Median home price: $230,750
Average sale price per square foot: $137
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $840
Median household income: $48,901
Nearest major metro: Memphis, TN (70 miles)
Jonesboro, AR homes for sale
Jonesboro, AR apartments for rent
Fifth is Jonesboro where about 78,600 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $230,750 which is about $30K less than the median home sale price in Arkansas. If you find yourself moving to this affordable place, make sure to explore the Arkansas State University campus, check out downtown Jonesboro, and spend the day at Craighead Forest Lake where you can camp, hike the trails, or fish.
#6: Little Rock
Median home price: $247,150
Average sale price per square foot: $144
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $830
Median household income: $48,033
Little Rock, AR homes for sale
Little Rock, AR apartments for rent
Another great area to add to your list is Little Rock. Home to 202,600 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. In Little Rock, you can visit the Little Rock Zoo, check out riverfront parks like Murray Park or Rebsamen Park, and stop by the Arkansas State Capitol building. There are countless museums in Little Rock like the Historic Arkansas Museum, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, William J. Clinton Library and Museum, and the Museum of Discovery.
#7: Benton
Median home price: $253,616
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $730
Median household income: $66,868
Nearest major metro: Little Rock (25 miles)
Benton, AR homes for sale
Benton, AR apartments for rent
The final city to make our list of the most affordable places to live in Arkansas is Benton. Located southwest of Little Rock, Benton has about 37,500 residents, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a smaller city. In Benton, be sure to visit green spaces like Tyndall Park or Bernard Holland Park, check out the charming downtown, or golf at one of the many courses in town.
Methodology: All cities must have over 35,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Arkansas. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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