Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Memphis, AR
Thinking of moving to West Memphis, AR? With a population of about 24,800, West Memphis offers affordable living, with median home prices around $97,000 and average rent at $860. The city features short average commutes of just under 20 minutes and a mild Southern climate with 62% sunny days each year. While the cost of living is low, crime rates are higher than average, so review neighborhoods carefully. Local schools, a regional hospital, and proximity to Memphis make West Memphis a practical choice for budget-conscious movers seeking convenience.
Demographics - West Memphis, AR
Demographics - West Memphis, AR
West Memphis is home to nearly 25,000 residents, with a diverse population that is predominantly Black (over 70%) and a median age of 34.9 years. The city maintains a moderate population density and a nearly balanced gender ratio, offering a vibrant community with a small percentage of non-English speakers.
Population:
24,813
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.9
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
22.4%
Black:
72.1%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Memphis, AR?
West Memphis offers a highly affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $97,000 and average rent around $860 per month. Utility costs and expenses like groceries and transportation are also below national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$97,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.1
Grocery:
89.4
Housing:
49.6
Utilities:
95.8
Transportation:
84.3
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is West Memphis, AR a safe place to live?
West Memphis experiences higher crime rates compared to national averages, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 70 and property crime at 1 in 17. Prospective residents should carefully research neighborhoods when considering a move to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,448
Property Crimes Per 100k:
5,750
Crime Index:
7,198
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 70
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 17
Weather
What is the weather like in West Memphis, AR year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Southern climate, with warm summers reaching up to 91°F and winters that rarely dip below freezing. The city sees about 62% sunny days and receives over 54 inches of rainfall annually, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in West Memphis typically earn a median income of $34,200, with a notable poverty rate of 28%. Most residents have completed high school, and the average commute is a convenient 20 minutes, reflecting the city's accessible layout.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$37,500
Family Income:
$43,100
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$28,400
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
6.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.1%
Bachelors or More:
12.6%
Education
How are the schools in West Memphis, AR?
West Memphis offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like West Memphis High with a student-teacher ratio around 15:1, as well as private and nearby higher education options like Arkansas State University Mid-South. The community supports educational advancement from primary through college levels.
Public Schools
Name:
West Memphis High School
Street:
501 West Broadway
Phone:
870-735-3660
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Wonder Junior High School
Street:
801 S 16th St
Phone:
870-735-3660
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael Catholic School
Street:
405 N Missouri St
Phone:
870-735-1730
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Arkansas State University Mid-South
City:
West Memphis
State:
AR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
University of Memphis
City:
Memphis
State:
TN
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
21,000
Healthcare
West Memphis residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including a major hospital providing emergency care and a physician availability of 1.6 per 1,000 people. The majority of locals are insured, ensuring reliable medical support for the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Memorial Hospital - Crittenden
Address:
200 W. Tyler Ave, West Memphis, AR 72301
Phone:
(870) 394-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
66.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Memphis, AR?
The housing market in West Memphis is very affordable, with median home prices at $97,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $860. Nearly half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$97,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Local vehicle services are provided by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Motor Vehicle on Ingram Blvd. Residents benefit from convenient access to licensing and registration services within the city.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1104 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301
Phone:
870-732-7544
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.