Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Portia, AR
Thinking of moving to Portia, AR? With a small-town population of just 430 and a median home price of $82,000, Portia offers affordable living and a relaxed rural vibe. The cost of living is well below the national average, and average rents are just $690. Commute times are short at about 21 minutes, and crime rates are low compared to larger cities. While educational attainment is modest, families benefit from close-knit schools and nearby Walnut Ridge’s amenities. Enjoy 61% sunny days a year and friendly, small-town Arkansas charm.
Demographics - Portia, AR
Demographics - Portia, AR
Portia, AR is a close-knit rural community with a population of about 430, predominantly White, and a median age of 42.1 years. The gender balance is nearly even, and a small percentage of residents speak languages other than English, highlighting its traditional, family-oriented atmosphere.
Population:
430
Density:
350 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
3.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Portia, AR?
Portia offers a notably low cost of living, with a median home value around $82,000 and average rents of $690 for residents. The area's overall cost of living index sits well below the national average, making it an affordable option for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$830
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
49.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
86.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Portia, AR a safe place to live?
Portia experiences low crime rates, with violent crime at just 260 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 385 chance of being affected. Residents enjoy a sense of safety commonly found in small-town Arkansas settings.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
260
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,910
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Portia, AR year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs around 91°F and cool winters with lows near 28°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunny conditions about 61% of the year, ideal for those who appreciate a balance of sun and rain.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Typical household incomes in Portia are modest, with a median of $38,000 and a poverty rate of 22.1%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transportation is rarely used, reflecting the small-town, car-dependent lifestyle.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$45,500
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.2%
Bachelors or More:
11.8%
Education
How are the schools in Portia, AR?
Portia families have access to public schools in Walnut Ridge, offering small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio around 13:1. Williams Baptist University is just three miles away, providing higher education options within easy reach.

Public Schools
Name:
Walnut Ridge High School
Street:
508 East Free St
Phone:
870-886-6623
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Walnut Ridge Elementary School
Street:
508 East Free St
Phone:
870-886-3482
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Colleges
Name:
Williams Baptist University
City:
Walnut Ridge
State:
AR
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Portia is supported by nearby Lawrence Memorial Hospital and a solid physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people. Over 85% of the population has health insurance, providing reasonable healthcare coverage for most families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lawrence Memorial Hospital
Address:
1309 West Main Street, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
Phone:
(870) 886-1200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.6%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Portia, AR?
Portia’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $82,000 and owner-occupancy at over 70%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making this a budget-friendly market with potential for modest growth.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For licensing and registration, residents use the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration office in nearby Walnut Ridge. The local office provides a convenient location for all DMV-related services.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Revenue Office
Address:
200 W Main St, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
Phone:
870-886-1111
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.