Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mountain Fork, AR
Thinking of moving to Mountain Fork, AR? With a small community of about 500 residents, Mountain Fork offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with affordable living—median home prices are just $125,000 and average rents around $650. The area enjoys mild winters, warm summers, and more sunny days than most, plus low commute times of under 30 minutes. Local schools are small and personable, healthcare is accessible in nearby towns, and crime rates are a bit above the national average but still manageable for a rural setting. Explore this scenic Arkansas locale for a relaxed pace and great value.
Demographics - Mountain Fork, AR
Demographics - Mountain Fork, AR
Mountain Fork, AR is home to around 500 residents, offering a quiet and close-knit rural environment with a median age of 44.2 years. The community is predominantly White, with a small but diverse mix of Native American, Black, and Hispanic residents. Most locals speak English, making for a welcoming and familiar atmosphere.
Population:
500
Density:
22 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.5%
Black:
3.2%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mountain Fork, AR?
Mountain Fork boasts an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $125,000 and average rents of $650 per month. Monthly essentials like electricity remain low, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents. State taxes are moderate, providing further financial relief for homeowners.
Median House Value:
$125,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$325
State Taxes:
Low:
0.9%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
69.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
87.0
Health Care:
90.5
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Mountain Fork, AR a safe place to live?
While Mountain Fork is generally peaceful, crime rates are slightly above national rural averages, with a 1 in 455 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 59 chance for property crime. Nonetheless, the small-town setting fosters a sense of community awareness and safety. Residents typically enjoy a secure environment with proactive local vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
1,920
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Mountain Fork, AR year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 28°F and warm summers reaching up to 92°F. The area receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 62% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Springs and falls are pleasantly moderate, supporting a variety of recreational activities.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
49°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household in Mountain Fork earns about $45,000 annually, with a median income of $28,200 and a poverty rate of 17.3%. Most residents commute less than 30 minutes to work, and public transportation is virtually nonexistent, reflecting the town’s rural setting. The community is supportive and largely employed, with a high school graduation rate above 84%.
Median Income:
$28,200
Household Income:
$45,000
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
17.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
12.8%
Education
How are the schools in Mountain Fork, AR?
Local public schools in Mountain Fork offer small class sizes and personalized attention, with nearby Wickes Elementary and Cove High School serving the community. Higher education options are accessible, with Cossatot Community College just 32 miles away and Southeastern Oklahoma State University within a reasonable drive. This provides families and students with quality educational opportunities close to home.

Public Schools
Name:
Wickes Elementary School
Street:
120 S 5th St
Phone:
870-385-2344
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Cove High School
Street:
4967 Hwy 8 W
Phone:
870-385-7101
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8

Colleges
Name:
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
City:
De Queen
State:
AR
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
1,400
Name:
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
City:
Durant
State:
OK
Distance:
75 miles
Students:
5,300
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible, with major hospitals like McCurtain Memorial Hospital and Mena Regional Health System located nearby and providing emergency services. The area has about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 88% of locals have health insurance. This ensures residents have reliable access to essential medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
McCurtain Memorial Hospital
Address:
1301 E Lincoln Rd, Idabel, OK 74745
Phone:
(580) 286-7623
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
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:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
65.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mountain Fork, AR?
Mountain Fork’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $125,000 and most homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with two-bedroom units averaging $650 per month, and the area has a healthy home appreciation rate of 4.2%. Low foreclosure and new construction rates highlight a stable and steady market.
Median Home Price:
$125,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Mountain Fork residents are managed by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Office of Motor Vehicle in Little Rock. Residents can access DMV services online or by phone, making it convenient to handle driving and vehicle needs. The main office provides comprehensive support for all motor vehicle transactions.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1900 W 7th St, Ste 1010, 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.