Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mena, AR
Considering a move to Mena, AR? This friendly small town of around 5,500 offers an affordable cost of living, with median home prices at $118,000 and average rents near $710. Residents enjoy short 16-minute commutes, a mild climate with 62% sunny days, and convenient amenities including a local hospital and community college. While crime rates are a bit above the national average, Mena’s strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreation make it a welcoming choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Mena, AR
Mena, Arkansas, is a small city of about 5,500 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of nearly 43, suggesting a mature, close-knit community. The gender ratio is fairly balanced, and very few residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
5,500
Density:
690 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.8
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.2%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
8.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mena, AR?
With a median home value of $118,000 and average rent at $710, Mena offers one of the most affordable living options in Arkansas. The overall cost of living index is 77.4, well below the national average, making daily expenses and housing accessible for most budgets.
Median House Value:
$118,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$990
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.4
Grocery:
92.7
Housing:
54.1
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Mena, AR a safe place to live?
Mena experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 1 in 47 chance of being affected, but violent crime remains relatively low. While residents should be mindful of property safety, the area maintains a generally safe and peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
272
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,125
Crime Index:
2,397
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 367
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Mena, AR year-round?
Mena enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters rarely dipping below 28°F. The city receives over 53 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 62% sunny days, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Typical household incomes in Mena hover around $38,800, with a notable poverty rate of 22.6%. Most residents have completed high school, commute times are short at about 16 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting a car-oriented, tight-knit community.
Median Income:
$28,400
Household Income:
$38,800
Family Income:
$48,900
Per Capita Income:
$20,200
Income Male:
$33,400
Income Female:
$24,700
Poverty Rate:
22.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.3%
Education
How are the schools in Mena, AR?
Mena offers quality education through public and private schools, including Mena High School and Louise Durham Elementary, both known for small class sizes. Higher education options are readily available at Rich Mountain Community College, located right in town, and the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith within driving distance.
Public Schools
Name:
Mena High School
Street:
1200 Dallas Ave
Phone:
479-394-1144
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.3
Name:
Louise Durham Elementary
Street:
1600 Reeves Avenue
Phone:
479-394-2943
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Private Schools
Name:
Mena Christian School
Street:
1400 Hwy 71 N
Phone:
479-394-2671
Students:
65
Colleges
Name:
Rich Mountain Community College
City:
Mena
State:
AR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Name:
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
City:
Fort Smith
State:
AR
Distance:
85 miles
Students:
6,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to local healthcare at Mena Regional Health System, which provides general and emergency services. The city has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% of the population has health insurance, supporting basic medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mena Regional Health System
Address:
311 Morrow St N, Mena, AR 71953
Phone:
(479) 394-6100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
67.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mena, AR?
The housing market in Mena is stable, with a median home price of $118,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 64%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have appreciated by 4% over the past year, signaling steady demand and affordable options for buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$118,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Mena's DMV services are provided by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration at 1104 Pine Street, making vehicle registration and licensing convenient for residents. The local office offers essential motor vehicle services with accessible contact information.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Motor Vehicle
Address:
1104 Pine Street, Mena, AR 71953
Phone:
(479) 394-8113
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.