Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pencil Bluff, AR
Considering a move to Pencil Bluff, AR? This small, close-knit town of about 160 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $92,000 and average rents near $650. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days annually, low living costs, and a peaceful rural lifestyle. Commutes average under 29 minutes, and while crime rates are slightly higher than average, the community is welcoming and family-friendly, with access to nearby schools and healthcare in Hot Springs.
Demographics - Pencil Bluff, AR
Demographics - Pencil Bluff, AR
Pencil Bluff is a small, close-knit community of about 160 people, with a median age of 50 and a strong majority of White residents. The population density is low at 75 people per square mile, and the area has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its quiet, rural atmosphere.
Population:
160
Density:
75 per sq mi
Median Age:
50
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
1.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pencil Bluff, AR?
Living in Pencil Bluff is quite affordable, with a median house value of $92,000 and average rents around $650 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$295
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.5
Grocery:
93.6
Housing:
56.2
Utilities:
91.1
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Pencil Bluff, AR a safe place to live?
While Pencil Bluff offers a peaceful rural lifestyle, crime rates are somewhat higher than average, with a 1 in 290 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 47 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should stay informed about local safety measures and neighborhood watch programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
345
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,495
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 290
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Pencil Bluff, AR year-round?
The town experiences mild, comfortable weather throughout the year, with summer highs averaging 93°F and winter lows around 29°F. Residents enjoy a generous 62% of sunny days and about 54 inches of annual rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and gardening.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
52°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
93°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Pencil Bluff have a median income of $38,500, with a poverty rate of 18.8% and an unemployment rate under 5%. Most residents commute about 29 minutes to work, and a high school education or higher is common among neighbors, fostering a friendly and supportive environment.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$47,500
Per Capita Income:
$19,900
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
18.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
28.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.0%
Bachelors or More:
12.5%
Education
How are the schools in Pencil Bluff, AR?
Pencil Bluff is served by small public schools in nearby Mount Ida, featuring low student-to-teacher ratios and a focus on individualized attention. For higher education, National Park College in Hot Springs is located about 23 miles away, offering a range of academic programs to local students.

Public Schools
Name:
Mount Ida Elementary School
Street:
338 Whittington St, Mount Ida, AR 71957
Phone:
870-867-2323
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Mount Ida High School
Street:
338 Whittington St, Mount Ida, AR 71957
Phone:
870-867-2771
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8

Colleges
Name:
National Park College
City:
Hot Springs
State:
AR
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals in nearby Hot Springs, such as CHI St. Vincent and National Park Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 90% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are well-supported locally.

Major Hospitals
Name:
CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs
Address:
300 Werner St, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Phone:
(501) 622-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
National Park Medical Center
Address:
1910 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone:
(501) 321-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
67.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pencil Bluff, AR?
The housing market in Pencil Bluff is dominated by owner-occupied homes, with a median price of $92,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $650. Home values are appreciating at a moderate rate of 3.9% annually, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
For vehicle services and licensing, residents are served by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Motor Vehicle, located in Little Rock. The office provides comprehensive DMV services and information, which can also be accessed online for convenience.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1816 W 7th St, Room 2370, 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.