Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alma, AR
Considering a move to Alma, AR? With a friendly population of 5,825 and a low cost of living—median home prices at $160,000 and average rent around $810—Alma offers affordable small-town living. Commutes are short (21.7 minutes), crime rates are moderate for the region, and public schools like Alma High boast a solid reputation. Enjoy a mild climate with 61% sunny days annually, plus easy access to local healthcare and amenities. Alma is ideal for families or anyone seeking an affordable, relaxed lifestyle.
Demographics - Alma, AR
Alma is home to about 5,825 residents, predominantly White (87%), with a median age of 33.8 years and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a moderate population density and a small but notable non-English speaking community, making it a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.
Population:
5,825
Density:
880 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alma, AR?
Alma boasts an affordable cost of living, with median home values near $160,000 and average rents around $810. Utilities and transportation expenses are budget-friendly, and the overall cost of living index at 80.6 is well below the national average, making the city attractive for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$160,000
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$123
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.6
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
90.7
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
87.9
Miscellaneous:
81.5
Crime
Is Alma, AR a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Alma are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 299 per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 47. These figures suggest a generally safe community, though residents should remain aware of property-related incidents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
299
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,419
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 334
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Alma, AR year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate, with winter lows around 30°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The area receives about 47.6 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine nearly two-thirds of the year, making for pleasant outdoor living.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $53,250 and a low unemployment rate of 3.9%. Educational attainment is solid, with over 87% holding a high school diploma or higher, while commute times average a convenient 21.7 minutes.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$53,250
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$38,100
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
16.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Alma, AR?
Alma provides strong educational options, with well-regarded public schools such as Alma High School and Alma Middle School, both offering low student-teacher ratios. Private schooling is also available locally, while higher education opportunities can be found just 18 miles away at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
Public Schools
Name:
Alma High School
Street:
101 E Main St
Phone:
479-632-2162
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
Alma Middle School
Street:
706 Hwy 64 E
Phone:
479-632-5100
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
First Baptist Alma Christian School
Street:
211 N Mountain Grove Rd
Phone:
479-632-2240
Students:
75
Colleges
Name:
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
City:
Fort Smith
State:
AR
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
5,600
Healthcare
Alma offers access to quality healthcare, including a local family medical clinic and larger hospitals nearby in Fort Smith. With 91% of residents covered by health insurance and a healthcare index of 72.4, medical services are accessible for most households.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Alma Family Medical Clinic
Address:
209 Hwy 71 N, Alma, AR 72921
Phone:
(479) 632-2244
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
Address:
7301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone:
(479) 314-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alma, AR?
The housing market in Alma is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $160,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 68%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have seen steady appreciation, making it a favorable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$160,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Alma’s DMV is conveniently managed through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, located on Hwy 71 N. Residents can access standard motor vehicle services locally or online through the state DMV website.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1039 Hwy 71 N, Alma, AR 72921
Phone:
479-632-4417
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.