Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Desha, AR
Thinking of moving to Desha, AR? With a small-town population of about 2,500, Desha offers affordable living with a median home price around $96,000 and average rents near $700. Commute times are low at 21 minutes, and the region has a mild, sunny climate and a strong sense of community. While crime rates are higher than the national average, residents enjoy access to local schools and nearby colleges, plus convenient healthcare options in the area. Explore the low cost of living, housing options, and relaxed pace that Desha has to offer.
Demographics - Desha, AR
Desha, Arkansas is a small town with approximately 2,500 residents, a median age of 41, and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (68.5%) with a significant Black population (27%). With low population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers, newcomers can expect a close-knit, quiet atmosphere.
Population:
2,500
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.5%
Black:
27.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Desha, AR?
Desha offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $96,000 and average rent around $700. Housing, groceries, and utilities are all below the national average, making this an attractive place for budget-conscious individuals and families. State taxes are moderate, and everyday expenses remain manageable compared to most U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$96,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
0.9%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.3
Grocery:
92.8
Housing:
52.1
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
90.7
Miscellaneous:
81.5
Crime
Is Desha, AR a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Desha are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 238 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 45 chance of property crime annually. While property crime is more common, residents should take basic safety precautions. The community remains welcoming, but awareness and vigilance are advised.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,620
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Desha, AR year-round?
Desha experiences mild winters and warm, humid summers, with average highs reaching 92°F in July and lows around 33°F in January. The area receives about 51 inches of rain annually and enjoys 62% sunny days, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities most of the year.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Desha have a median household income of $40,500, with a poverty rate of 21.7%. Most people commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal. The community is primarily made up of high school graduates, with a smaller percentage holding college degrees.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$40,500
Family Income:
$48,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
21.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.4%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Desha, AR?
Desha provides local education through public schools like Desha Elementary, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio. For higher education, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville is just seven miles away. The area supports foundational education and convenient access to college programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Desha Elementary School
Street:
401 Wilburn Rd
Phone:
870-793-6844
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Colleges
Name:
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
City:
Batesville
State:
AR
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Desha is anchored by Unity Health - Harris Medical Center, offering general and emergency services nearby. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% of the population insured, basic medical care is accessible. The healthcare index reflects reasonable service quality for a small community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Unity Health - Harris Medical Center
Address:
1205 McLain St, Newport, AR 72112
Phone:
(870) 523-8911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Desha, AR?
Desha’s housing market is affordable and stable, featuring a median home price of $96,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $700. Most homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters. Home values have seen modest appreciation, indicating steady local demand.
Median Home Price:
$96,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and driver services for Desha residents are handled by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration in Little Rock. The main office offers a range of motor vehicle services and can be reached by phone or online for up-to-date information and appointment scheduling.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1816 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone:
501-682-4692
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.