Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bigelow, AR
Thinking of moving to Bigelow, AR? This small town of 347 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $135,000 and average rents near $790. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, a quiet rural lifestyle, and short commutes averaging 31 minutes. While crime rates are a bit higher than some rural areas, Bigelow is known for its close-knit community, local schools with low student-teacher ratios, and easy access to Conway’s healthcare and higher education options. Mild winters, warm summers, and 60% sunny days round out the appeal for those seeking small-town charm in central Arkansas.
Demographics - Bigelow, AR
Demographics - Bigelow, AR
Bigelow is a close-knit rural town with a population of 347, featuring a median age of about 40 and a nearly even gender balance. The community is predominantly White, with over 96% of residents identifying as such, and less than 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a quiet, spacious lifestyle ideal for those seeking small-town living.
Population:
347
Density:
186 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bigelow, AR?
Bigelow offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.1 and median home values around $135,000. Housing, utilities, and groceries are particularly affordable, making the town appealing for budget-conscious families and retirees. Residents benefit from relatively low state taxes and modest monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$135,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
62.8
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
82.7
Miscellaneous:
86.4
Crime
Is Bigelow, AR a safe place to live?
While Bigelow maintains a strong sense of community, its crime rate is higher than some small towns, with a property crime rate of 2,210 incidents per 100,000 and a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000. This translates to about a 1 in 256 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 45 chance for property crime. Awareness and community vigilance are important for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,600
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Bigelow, AR year-round?
Bigelow experiences mild winters with lows near 31°F and warm, humid summers reaching up to 92°F. The area receives about 51.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days about 60% of the year. These weather conditions support a comfortable, outdoor-friendly lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Local households in Bigelow typically earn a median income of $54,800, with a poverty rate of 13.4%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is just over 30 minutes. The town’s low public transportation usage and strong sense of neighborliness contribute to its rural charm.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$60,200
Per Capita Income:
$24,100
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
30.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.7%
Education
How are the schools in Bigelow, AR?
Bigelow offers public schools with low student-teacher ratios, such as Bigelow High School and Perryville Elementary, providing a supportive learning environment for local children. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is readily available just 22 miles away at the University of Central Arkansas. Families benefit from both strong local schools and nearby college opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Bigelow High School
Street:
101 Wildcat Dr
Phone:
501-759-2813
Students:
225
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Perryville Elementary School
Street:
614 S Fourche Ave, Perryville, AR
Phone:
501-889-5146
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Colleges
Name:
University of Central Arkansas
City:
Conway
State:
AR
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
10,870
Name:
Central Baptist College
City:
Conway
State:
AR
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
700
Healthcare
Residents of Bigelow have access to major hospitals in nearby Conway, including Baptist Health Medical Center and Conway Regional Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible for most. The town’s healthcare index of 68.2 indicates solid but basic medical resources.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Health Medical Center - Conway
Address:
1555 Exchange Ave, Conway, AR 72032
Phone:
(501) 585-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Conway Regional Medical Center
Address:
2302 College Ave, Conway, AR 72034
Phone:
(501) 329-3831
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.7%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bigelow, AR?
Bigelow’s housing market is marked by affordability and stability, with a median home price of $135,000 and owner-occupancy above 80%. Average rent for a two-bedroom is $790, and home values have appreciated by 6.1% over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a steady demand for local housing.
Median Home Price:
$135,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, located in Little Rock. The office offers comprehensive support for licensing and registration, and information is readily available via their website and phone hotline. This state-managed DMV ensures Bigelow residents have convenient access to essential transportation services.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration – Driver Services
Address:
1900 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone:
1-501-682-7059
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.