Little Rock, AR, known as "The Natural State's Capital," is the political and cultural heart of Arkansas. Located in the central part of the state, Little Rock is approximately 135 miles southwest of Memphis, TN, and 320 miles northeast of Dallas, TX. This medium-sized city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Little Rock's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, making it suitable for outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Riverfront Park and the expansive Pinnacle Mountain State Park, offering hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities.
The cultural scene in Little Rock is diverse and dynamic, with attractions like the Clinton Presidential Center, the Arkansas Arts Center, and the Museum of Discovery. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including Riverfest and the Arkansas State Fair, which draw visitors and residents alike.
Education is a key focus in Little Rock, with institutions like the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Philander Smith College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are well-regarded, making it an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions and businesses supports a strong job market.
Living in Little Rock combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of southern hospitality. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Little Rock offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Little Rock is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Arkansas. The city has a population of 198,067 people. Little Rock is mostly populated by White (50%) and Black or African American (41%) ethnic groups. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 47% of the Little Rock population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Little Rock is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Little Rock could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Arkansas if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Little Rock and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arkansas and national averages.
Little Rock has a livability score of 73 out of 100 and is ranked #11 in Arkansas and #4,272 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Little Rock has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (B+), education (A+) and housing (A-). Unfortunately for Little Rock, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Little Rock, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.73% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Little Rock market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Little Rock meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Little Rock. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Little Rock are simply unattainable. The median home price for Little Rock homes is $172,500, which is 50.4% higher than the Arkansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Little Rock, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 18.5% higher than the Arkansas average.
| Statistic | Little Rock | Arkansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.8% | 82.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.4% | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 1.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.8% | 3.2% | 4.6% |
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