Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kensett, AR
Thinking about moving to Kensett, AR? With a small-town feel and a population of 1,565, Kensett offers affordable living—median home prices hover around $81,000 and average rents are just $650. Commute times are short at just under 20 minutes, and you'll enjoy plenty of sunny days each year. While crime rates are higher than average, the cost of living is low and essential amenities like schools and healthcare are nearby. If you value affordability and a close-knit community, Kensett could be a great fit for your next move.
Demographics - Kensett, AR
Demographics - Kensett, AR
Kensett is a small town of 1,565 residents with a median age of 38.7, reflecting a balanced mix of working adults and families. The population is predominantly White, with Black residents making up about 10%, and about 5% of locals speak a language other than English at home. The community offers a close-knit atmosphere with a moderate population density.
Population:
1,565
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
10.2%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kensett, AR?
Kensett stands out for its affordable cost of living, with median home values around $81,000 and average rents at $650 per month. The cost of living index is notably low at 78.0, making this city an attractive option for budget-conscious families. Utilities and essentials are reasonably priced, helping residents keep monthly expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$81,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$790
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
0.9%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
48.5
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
82.7
Health Care:
87.2
Miscellaneous:
88.9
Crime
Is Kensett, AR a safe place to live?
Kensett experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at a rate of 720 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 3,100 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 139 chance of being affected by violent crime, so safety is an important consideration. Despite this, many choose Kensett for its affordability and community feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
720
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,100
Crime Index:
3,820
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 139
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Kensett, AR year-round?
Residents in Kensett enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters that rarely dip below 30°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, making the weather comfortable year-round.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
52°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The Kensett community has a median household income of $32,900 and a poverty rate of 23.3%, reflecting modest economic conditions. Most residents commute about 20 minutes to work, and public transportation is rarely used. Educational attainment is solid, with over three-quarters of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$23,800
Household Income:
$32,900
Family Income:
$39,500
Per Capita Income:
$16,600
Income Male:
$28,400
Income Female:
$21,700
Poverty Rate:
23.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
76.5%
Bachelors or More:
8.2%
Education
How are the schools in Kensett, AR?
Kensett offers quality public education with small class sizes at local schools, such as Kensett Elementary and Riverview High School. Higher education opportunities are close by, with Harding University just four miles away in Searcy. Families benefit from accessible schooling options and a supportive learning environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Kensett Elementary School
Street:
1501 E Park Ave
Phone:
501-742-3621
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Riverview High School
Street:
810 Raider Drive
Phone:
501-279-7700
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7

Colleges
Name:
Harding University
City:
Searcy
State:
AR
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Kensett is supported by the nearby Unity Health White County Medical Center, offering general and emergency services. About 86% of residents have health insurance coverage, and physician availability is moderate with 1.5 doctors per 1,000 people. The town provides essential healthcare services for families and individuals alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Unity Health White County Medical Center
Address:
3214 E Race Ave, Searcy, AR 72143
Phone:
(501) 268-6121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.0%
Health Care Index:
64.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kensett, AR?
The local housing market in Kensett is notably affordable, with median home prices at $81,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $650. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a modest annual appreciation of 3.2%. Rental vacancy rates are relatively high, making it easier for newcomers to find housing.
Median Home Price:
$81,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Kensett are served by the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle, located in Little Rock. The DMV offers a full range of vehicle services, and information is easily accessible online or by phone. This ensures convenient support for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1900 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone:
1-501-682-4692
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.