What to know when moving to Little Rock, AR
Little Rock at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A well-educated community with 78.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and a high renter percentage of 69.6%.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $112,045, providing a strong economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 8.9%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 5.6% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,344.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Little Rock has a strong educational emphasis, with over three-quarters of the population holding a bachelor's degree. The median gross rent of $1,344 indicates a competitive housing market, with nearly 70% of residents renting. Despite its thriving educational environment, the poverty rate of 8.9% suggests that living here can be a mixed bag for residents.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high public transit usage, as only 5.6% of the community utilizes this option.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent stands at $1,344, while the median owner-occupied home value is $262,300.
- 78.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 8.9%, which may affect community dynamics.
- 69.6% of residents are renters, highlighting the demand for rental properties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Arkansas has seen a decline in crime rates over recent years. The state's property crime rate is 1,691.2 per 100,000 people, which is 9.3% higher than the national average. Violent crime is a significant concern, with a rate of 541.9 per 100,000, which is 66.6% higher than the national average.
- Violent crime: 541.9 per 100k (state), 325.3 per 100k (national)
- Property crime: 1,691.2 per 100k (state), 1,546.9 per 100k (national)
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 34.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arkansas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Little Rock provides access to multiple educational institutions, enhancing its appeal for families and individuals seeking higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 23
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 21
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Pulaski County receives approximately 60.8 inches of rainfall annually, with about 101 rainy days each year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities.
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park - 4.8 stars (2392 reviews)
- Burns Park - 4.6 stars (3508 reviews)
- Museum of Discovery - 4.7 stars (2738 reviews)
- William J. Clinton Library and Museum - 4.5 stars (1793 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Pulaski County's economy is relatively stable, although the unemployment rate of 4.3% indicates some challenges in the job market.
- Unemployment rate: 4.3% as of December 2025
- Employed: 195,994
- Labor force: 204,713
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.