City profile · Arkansas · Census ACS 2023

West Memphis, AR

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for West Memphis - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

24,147
Residents
$41,860
Median income
$119,100
Median home
$1,274
Median rent (state)

West Memphis - the verdict

Measured against every US city with at least 1,000 residents, West Memphis lands in the 9th percentile for household income and the 2nd percentile for safety. Source: Census ACS + FBI UCR.

9th
percentile, household income
17th
percentile, home value
44th
percentile, median rent
2nd
percentile, safety
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: West Memphis, AR

Census ACS 2023 estimates count 24,147 residents in West Memphis, a small city within Arkansas. The typical household in West Memphis brings in $41,860 a year, in the lower quartile of U.S. cities for household income, with a poverty rate of 22.0%. West Memphis's housing stock carries a median value of $119,100, and the median resident age is 34.6 years. 14.8% of adults here have a bachelor's degree or higher; 49.8% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

Housing supply pressure shows in Census Building Permit Survey data: 29 residential units were authorized in 2024 (Building Boom), up 142% from five years earlier. West Memphis's reported crime rate runs above the national norm: FBI UCR figures show 6580.0 crimes per 100,000 residents, above the national average (reporting is voluntary across agencies, so treat this as reporting activity rather than a definitive danger score).

Living costs in Arkansas run below the national norm: on BEA's 100-equals-national-average cost index, Arkansas scores 86.9 (Well Below Average), per the 2024 Regional Price Parities release. HUD Fair Market Rent for a typical two-bedroom in this state is $1,274 per month. Monthly utility costs average around $210 across Arkansas, per EIA 2023 residential energy estimates. On FEMA's National Risk Index, this area rates 83.0 out of 100 for natural-hazard exposure (High).

Population

24,147 residents

Census ACS 2023 - Arkansas

Median Household Income

$41,860 /yr

Poverty 22.0%

Cost of Living Index (state)

86.9 (US=100)

Well Below Average - BEA RPP 2024, Arkansas average

How does West Memphis compare to other US cities?

Where West Memphis sits among all US cities (population 1,000+) on each measure, computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 9% higher than other cities
Home value 17% pricier than other cities
Median rent 44% pricier than other cities
Safety 2% safer than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

A national percentile can hide a lot of local variation: narrowed to Arkansas alone, West Memphis ranks #158 of 160 Arkansas cities by lowest crime rate - a different, more locally useful comparison than stacking it against the entire country.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

Each percentile compares West Memphis against every qualifying US city; each in-state rank narrows that to Arkansas only. Full formula and direction notes: methodology.

Arkansas-relative analysis

Median Gross Rent is West Memphis's strongest outlier among Arkansas cities

Among the 524 Arkansas cities PlainCities tracks with reported median gross rent data, West Memphis ranks #43 - the 90th percentile within the state. This is a different, narrower cut than the nationwide percentiles above: it compares West Memphis only against its own state's cities, not the full US field.

Median Household Income
#323 of 495
35th percentile in Arkansas
Median Gross Rent
#43 of 524
90th percentile in Arkansas
Median Home Value
#204 of 482
58th percentile in Arkansas
Poverty Rate
#114 of 524
78th percentile in Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
#224 of 524
57th percentile in Arkansas

Ranked by raw value (highest first); a higher rank is not automatically "better" for every measure, see each metric's own context above. This is a comparison within Arkansas only, not a livability score. See the methodology for the source and calculation.

9thIncome percentile
2ndSafety percentile

9th percentile nationally for median household income · 2nd percentile for safety (lower crime rate). Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

West Memphis's profile vs. every US city

Income, affordability, and safety percentile

West Memphis's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown. 3-axis radar comparing 1 series across Income, Affordability, Safety. IncomeAffordabilitySafety 27 Avg. percentile National median
West Memphis's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown.

How West Memphis's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$119,100 Among the most affordable more affordable than 83% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). Below this entry. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). Below this entry. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). This entry sits in this band. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). Above this entry. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). Above this entry. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. West Memphis $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - West Memphis, AR West Memphis, AR's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not West Memphis, AR-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution West Memphis, AR median $41,860/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
West Memphis, AR's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for West Memphis, AR. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 14.8%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 22.0%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 49.8%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
24,147
Median Income
$41,860
Median Home Value
$119,100
Median Age
34.6
Poverty Rate
22.0%
Labor force participation
49.8%
Bachelor's Degree+
14.8%

Safety & Crime

Total Crime Rate
6580.0
per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime
1922.3
per 100,000 residents
Property Crime
4657.7
per 100,000 residents

Reflects incidents reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program — agency participation is voluntary and reporting completeness varies by jurisdiction and year, so this reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score. Not adjusted for tourism, commuter, or daytime population.

Schools

Total Schools
11
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
23,000 residents23,500 residents24,000 residents24,500 residents25,000 residents 202020212022202320242025 24,463 residents 23,336 residents ▼ -4.6%
West Memphis's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Housing Supply

Census Bureau Building Permits Survey (BPS) - annual residential permits authorized

📈 Building Boom
Total Permits (2024)
29
housing units authorized
Single-Family
29
detached homes
Multifamily
0
apartments & condos
Supply Intensity
1.2
permits per 1,000 residents

5-Year Permit Trend (2019–2024)

Year Total
2019 12
2020 20
2021 16
2022 20
2023 16
2024 29

Permit volume increased 142% from 2019 to 2024.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Drive Alone
79.0%
Carpool
12.9%
Public Transit
0.1%
Walk
1.6%
Work from Home
5.9%

Based on 8,875 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for Arkansas - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$110
avg/month
Natural Gas
$58
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$42
avg/month
Total Utilities
$210
estimated/month

Estimates reflect Arkansas state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a Arkansas state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county West Memphis sits in

Cost of Living Index
86.9
Well Below Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$1,274/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
83.0 / 100
High
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in Arkansas

Van Buren
23,545 people
Searcy
23,115 people
Cabot
26,733 people
Bryant
21,125 people
Centerton
20,212 people
Maumelle
19,286 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to West Memphis's 24,147 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Lexington, SC
24,132 people
Nixa, MO
24,131 people
Collinsville, IL
24,126 people
Shelbyville, TN
24,125 people
North Haven, CT
24,177 people
Liberty Triangle, FL
24,178 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to West Memphis's $41,860 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Warner, NH
$41,855 median income
Fairfield Beach, OH
$41,867 median income
Tazewell, TN
$41,852 median income
Morrill, NE
$41,848 median income
Winter, WI
$41,848 median income
Ashland, AL
$41,875 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - West Memphis, AR Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition West Memphis, AR - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 29.8% 63.9% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1.9% White 29.8% Black or African American 63.9% Asian 0.4% American Indian 0.1% Native Hawaiian 0.0% Some other race 0.2% Two or more races 5.5% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How West Memphis compares to nearby Arkansas cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
West Memphis (this city) 24,147 $41,860
Van Buren 23,545 $59,420
Searcy 23,115 $50,896
Cabot 26,733 $72,656
Census ACS 5-year FIPS AR FBI UCR NCES CCD Census BPS 2024 OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about West Memphis, AR?

What is the population of West Memphis, AR? +

West Memphis, AR counts 24,147 residents according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in West Memphis, AR? +

In West Memphis, the typical household earns $41,860 per year, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in West Memphis? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for West Memphis; the closest available measure is the Arkansas state average, a cost of living index of 86.9 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Well Below Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within Arkansas vary by metro area.

Is West Memphis, AR safe? +

West Memphis has a total crime rate of 6580.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average. This reflects incidents reported to the FBI UCR program, not a definitive safety score -- agency reporting is voluntary and completeness varies by jurisdiction.

What is the median home value in West Memphis, AR? +

The median home value in West Memphis is $119,100, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, FBI UCR, NCES CCD, Census BPS 2024, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.