The Most Affordable Cities in Arkansas

With its beautiful natural views, hot springs, and tranquil towns, Arkansas opens its doors to you. Enjoy eating and hiking your way around the state, or kick back and relax alongside one of the many rivers and lakes. Whether you’re looking to retire or simply build a home in Arkansas, it has a wealth of opportunities. NewHomeSource has found the top 10 most affordable cities in Arkansas to help you in your home search.

1. Forrest City

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.11

Average Property Tax: $378

Median Household Income: $30,817

Forrest City tops the list of most affordable cities in Arkansas. Enjoy parks, a sports complex, and plenty of restaurants in this eastern Arkansas city. Acting as the county seat, you can learn more about the county at St. Francis County Museum.

2. Helena 

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.31

Average Property Tax: $404

Median Household Income: $22,177

Helena is located along the Mississippi River and the Mississippi-Arkansas border. Take advantage of this idyllic riverside location by enjoying fishing, paddling, and boating. Fan of the blues? Check out the Delta Cultural Center, a museum dedicated to the Delta blues! 

3. West Memphis 

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.62

Average Property Tax: $547

Median Household Income: $33,103

West Memphis is located along the Arkansas-Tennessee border, just west of greater Memphis. Enjoy spending time at the country club, abundant parks, and Southland Racing Casino. On hot summer days, just head outside the city’s borders and cool down in the Mississippi River. 

4. El Dorado 

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.08

Average Property Tax: $594

Median Household Income: $42,595

Strike gold by moving to El Dorado. One of the city’s biggest attractions is the South Arkansas Arboretum, where you can enjoy nature at its finest and delight your senses as you gaze upon a variety of beautiful flowers. Other notable attractions include the Newton House Museum, country clubs, sports complexes, and Union County Fairgrounds.

5. Blytheville 

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.05

Average Property Tax: $453

Median Household Income: $38,765

It’s blissful in Blytheville. History buffs will love the historical sights and learning opportunities, such as The National Cold War Center, Chickasawba Mound, and Delta Gateway Museum. Every Thanksgiving, the city hosts Lights of the Delta, a spectacular light show you can experience via drive-through!

6. Harrison 

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.93

Average Property Tax: $707

Median Household Income: $40,271

Welcome to Harrison. Learn about local history at the Boone County Heritage Museum, or take a walk through Baker Prairie Natural Area. Harrison hosts several city-wide events every year, including an annual fireworks celebration and the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship. 

7. Hope 

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.06

Average Property Tax: $405

Median Household Income: $37,832

We hope you’ll love the city of Hope. Best known for being the birthplace of the former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Hope has museums and historical sites where you can learn more about the President’s childhood. Additionally, the city has a wealth of grocery stores, parks, places of worship, and a country club.

8. Russellville

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.51

Average Property Tax: $783

Median Household Income: $36,562

Russellville is a sizable city located along the Arkansas River. Enjoy the great outdoors by visiting one of the riverside parks, where you can jog along the water’s edge, boat, and fish. Take a stroll through Russellville Downtown Historic District, which features eight blocks of buildings primarily built from 1875 to 1930. Russellville is also home to Arkansas Tech University, which enrolls over 10,000 students every year. 

9. Camden

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.55

Average Property Tax: $470

Median Household Income: $30,199

Located along the Ouachita River, Camden was the center of a major Civil War campaign. Folks interested in learning more about the city’s Civil War history can check out McCollum-Chidester House, which served as a Union army headquarters, and Fort Southerland Park, part of the Confederacy’s fortifications. Beyond the historical places, Camden offers all the urban amenities you’d want in a city.

10. Searcy

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.54

Average Property Tax: $725

Median Household Income: $41,014

Last but certainly not least is Searcy! Home to Harding University, Searcy is a thriving college town with no shortage of things to do. When you’re not partaking in the city’s many restaurants and parks, visit Pioneer Village for a chance to step back in time to a 19th-century village, or indulge in a citywide event at White County Fair Grounds.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Blytheville
• Hope
• El Dorado