What to know when moving to Bentonville, AR
Bentonville at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 49.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 41.6% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $102,073, providing a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.2% of residents using public transit, it's a car-dependent region.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,197/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Bentonville has a population of 38,072 and a median household income of $102,073, reflecting a community with strong economic stability. The education level is notable, with nearly half of residents holding a bachelor's degree. However, with only 0.2% commuting via public transit, you'll want to plan on having a car to navigate effectively.
Probably not your spot if you prefer public transit options, as the low usage suggests limited access to convenient public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,197, while the median home value is $401,300, illustrating the financial commitments needed for housing.
- 49.5% of residents hold at least a bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community.
- Poverty rate is 6.3%, indicating a relatively low level of economic hardship.
- Only 0.2% of residents commute via public transit, emphasizing a reliance on cars.
- Renter percentage stands at 41.6%, suggesting a balanced mixture of homeowners and renters.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Arkansas indicates trends in both property and violent crime that may be significant for potential movers.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 541.9 per 100k, significantly higher than the national average of 325.3 per 100k, though down 17.9% since 2022.
- Property crime: The state annual rate stands at 1,691.2 per 100k, also above the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k, with a substantial 32.5% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates decreased by 34.9% since 2022, now at 6.8 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arkansas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Bentonville has access to several educational institutions that cater to various fields of study.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 4
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 4
- Named institutions include NorthWest Arkansas Community College and Ecclesia College, located in the region.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Benton County experiences an annual precipitation of about 55.9 inches, with 80 rainy days each year, so be prepared for wet weather. Snowfall is minimal, averaging only 0.6 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - 4.8 stars (15,381 reviews)
- Slaughter Pen Trail - 4.9 stars (1,071 reviews)
- The Walmart Museum - 4.6 stars (3,439 reviews)
- Orchards Park - 4.7 stars (1,223 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Benton County shows promising employment statistics for newcomers.
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% as of December 2025.
- Employed population stands at 165,945.
- The labor force totals 171,206, indicating a robust job environment.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.