Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barling, AR
Considering a move to Barling, AR? This friendly city of 4,900 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $164,000 and average rents near $900. Residents enjoy short commutes of about 20 minutes, 62% sunny days a year, and ready access to healthcare and education. While property crime rates are higher than average, Barling’s small-town feel, reasonable cost of living, and proximity to Fort Smith amenities make it a welcoming option for families and individuals alike.
Demographics - Barling, AR
Demographics - Barling, AR
Barling is home to about 4,900 residents, offering a blend of family-friendly living with a median age of 36.2 years. The population is predominantly White, with some diversity, and around 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, contributing to its small-town atmosphere.
Population:
4,900
Density:
880 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.2%
Black:
5.9%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
13.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barling, AR?
Barling features a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $164,000 and average rent of $900 per month. Utility and transportation costs are below the national average, and overall expenses are budget-friendly for families and individuals. State income tax rates are moderate, making Barling an economical choice for relocation.
Median House Value:
$164,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,270
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.8
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
93.9
Transportation:
79.7
Health Care:
89.4
Miscellaneous:
88.7
Crime
Is Barling, AR a safe place to live?
Barling experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 43 chance of property crime, but violent crime remains relatively low with a 1 in 487 chance. While residents should take standard safety precautions, the community retains a generally welcoming and neighborly feel. Many families appreciate the city’s small size and sense of security despite the elevated property crime index.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
205
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,555
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 487
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Barling, AR year-round?
Barling enjoys a mix of mild winters and warm summers, with winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 51°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The city receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities much of the year. Seasonal changes are noticeable, offering a comfortable climate for most residents.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Barling’s community is largely middle-income, with a median household income of about $54,900 and a poverty rate of 17%. The typical commute is under 20 minutes, and most residents rely on personal vehicles, as public transport usage is minimal. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 89% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$30,700
Household Income:
$54,900
Family Income:
$63,400
Per Capita Income:
$26,000
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$30,300
Poverty Rate:
17.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Barling, AR?
Barling offers quality educational opportunities, including local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to nearby private institutions. Higher education is within easy reach at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, just six miles away. Families appreciate the supportive school environment and the proximity to diverse educational resources.

Public Schools
Name:
Barling Elementary School
Street:
1400 D Street
Phone:
479-452-1531
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
East Hills Middle School
Street:
689 E. Pointer Trail, Van Buren
Phone:
479-471-3160
Students:
610
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Private Schools
Name:
Union Christian Academy
Street:
4201 Windsor Dr, Fort Smith
Phone:
479-783-7327
Students:
480

Colleges
Name:
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
City:
Fort Smith
State:
AR
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Residents of Barling have convenient access to quality healthcare, including nearby major hospitals like Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, both offering emergency services. With about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are accessible and reliable. The area’s healthcare index reflects a strong local system for medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Health-Fort Smith
Address:
1001 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone:
(479) 441-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barling, AR?
Barling’s housing market is attractive for buyers and renters, featuring a median home price of $164,000 and average two-bedroom rent of $900. Homeownership is common, with nearly 60% of residents owning their homes, and property values have seen steady appreciation in recent years. The area maintains a healthy rental vacancy rate and low foreclosure risk.
Median Home Price:
$164,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Barling residents can access DMV services at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration office in nearby Fort Smith. The office provides a full range of motor vehicle and licensing services, with information and resources available online or by phone. Convenient location and comprehensive services make handling vehicle registration and licensing straightforward for newcomers.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - DFA Office
Address:
616 Garrison Ave, Room 113, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone:
1-479-783-0279
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.