What to know when moving to Atkins, AR
TL;DR: Atkins at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with a median household income of $66,711 and 25.5% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $894, making housing relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.4%, economic challenges exist for some residents.
- Commute:
- 0.0% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Expect about 41.8 inches of rain annually, so investing in good rain gear is wise.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Atkins has a population of 5,980, with 15.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The housing market is accessible, with a median owner-occupied home value of $140,900. The area sees approximately 55 rainy days each year, impacting outdoor plans. Residents are primarily owners, with 74.5% owning their homes. Probably not your spot if you prefer urban transit options, as only 0.0% of the population uses public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $894, making it a budget-friendly option compared to many urban areas.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $140,900, which suggests a stable housing market.
- 15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, contributing to a moderately educated community.
- The poverty rate is 13.4%, indicating some economic diversity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Arkansas, the crime rates reflect broader state trends. The violent crime rate stands at 541.9 per 100,000, significantly higher than the national average of 325.3. Meanwhile, property crime is at 1,691.2 per 100,000, also above the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 541.9 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3
- Property crime: 1,691.2 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 17.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arkansas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Atkins has access to several educational institutions in the area, primarily located in nearby Russellville.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 3
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 2
- Nearby schools include Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas Beauty College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
Pope County experiences an annual average of 41.8 inches of precipitation, with 55 rainy days each year. Summers can be hot, with an average high of 92°F, while winters are mild, averaging around 45°F.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Petit Jean State Park - 4.9 stars (6,835 reviews)
- Museum of Automobiles - 4.7 stars (576 reviews)
- Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary - 4.7 stars (533 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Pope County's employment landscape shows a labor force of 28,451, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9% in December 2025
- Employment: 27,057 individuals
- Labor force: 28,451 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.