Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Helena, AR
Considering a move to West Helena, AR? This friendly Delta city of about 6,100 residents offers a low cost of living with median home values around $65,000 and average rents near $710. While the area experiences a higher crime rate, residents enjoy short commute times of just 18 minutes and a warm, sunny climate with 60% sunny days. Local schools and a nearby community college serve the community, making West Helena an affordable choice for those seeking small-town living in eastern Arkansas.
Demographics - West Helena, AR
Demographics - West Helena, AR
West Helena is home to approximately 6,100 residents, with a median age of 36.7 and a population density of 1,400 per square mile. The community is predominantly Black (79.1%), and just over 3% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a diverse yet close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
6,100
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
18.5%
Black:
79.1%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Helena, AR?
The cost of living in West Helena is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 74.2 and median home values around $65,000. Essentials like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are generally less expensive than the national average, making the city an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly living.
Median House Value:
$65,000
Gross Rent:
$710
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.2
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
38.0
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
91.2
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is West Helena, AR a safe place to live?
West Helena has a higher-than-average crime rate, with residents facing a 1 in 95 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 20 chance of property crime. Those considering a move should be aware of these statistics and take appropriate safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,900
Crime Index:
5,950
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 95
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 20
Weather
What is the weather like in West Helena, AR year-round?
Residents enjoy a warm, humid climate with mild winters averaging lows of 32°F and hot summers reaching up to 92°F. The area receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 60% sunny days, making it suitable for those who appreciate sunshine and seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in West Helena are characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $28,200 and a high poverty rate of 41.5%. The community is primarily car-dependent, with very limited public transportation and an average commute time of just over 18 minutes.
Median Income:
$16,700
Household Income:
$28,200
Family Income:
$36,900
Per Capita Income:
$16,100
Income Male:
$27,800
Income Female:
$21,500
Poverty Rate:
41.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$710
Unemployment Rate:
8.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.8%
Bachelors or More:
9.2%
Education
How are the schools in West Helena, AR?
West Helena offers several public and private school options, including Central High School and DeSoto School, as well as access to Phillips Community College just two miles away. Student-to-teacher ratios are favorable, helping to support a focused educational environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Central High School
Street:
103 School Rd
Phone:
870-572-6744
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Eliza Miller Primary School
Street:
2950 Hwy 49
Phone:
870-338-4042
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
DeSoto School
Street:
497 Thunderbird Rd
Phone:
870-572-2352
Students:
225
Colleges
Name:
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
City:
Helena
State:
AR
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
West Helena is served by Helena Regional Medical Center, offering general and emergency care to residents. The city has 1.4 physicians per 1,000 people and a strong health insurance coverage rate of 88.4%, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Helena Regional Medical Center
Address:
1801 Martin Luther King Dr, Helena, AR 72342
Phone:
(870) 338-5800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.4%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Helena, AR?
The local housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $65,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $710. Roughly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate stands at 13.7%, providing a range of options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$65,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$710
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for West Helena residents are provided by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Office of Motor Vehicle, conveniently located at 201 Rector Street in Helena.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
201 Rector Street, Helena, AR 72342
Phone:
870-338-6474
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.