Living in West Memphis, Arkansas

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Memphis · Census data 2020–2024

West Memphis has 23,929 residents with a median age of 34.1. The median household income is $42,674 (30% lower than the Arkansas median), the median home value is $120,100, the median rent is $870/month.

West Memphis at a glance

Population
23,929
Median age
34.1State: 38.5
Median household income
$42,674State: $60,773
Median home value
$120,100State: $188,000
Median rent
$870/moState: $947
Homeowners
46.1%
Bachelor's degree or higher
13.9%
Average commute
20 min

Is West Memphis a good place to live?

Pros: Home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes.

Cons: Median household income 30% lower than the Arkansas median; unemployment of 14.5%; a poverty rate of 29.1%.

The weather is best in April–May and September–October.

Cost of living in West Memphis

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Memphis the median home value is $120,100, 64% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $870 per month, which is 29.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,057 a month in housing costs.

Median home value

West Memphis$120,100
Arkansas$188,000
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

West Memphis$870
Arkansas$947
United States$1,413

West Memphis median household income

The median household income in West Memphis is $42,674 and the income per person is $21,339. 29.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Arkansas: 16%).

Median household income

West Memphis$42,674
Arkansas$60,773
United States$80,734

Housing in West Memphis: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
11,152
Owner-occupied
46.1%
Renter-occupied
53.9%
Vacant
15.9%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1975
Average household size
2.49

West Memphis demographics

Population
23,929
Median age
34.1
Under 18
26.8%
65 and older
15.2%
Households
9,376
Foreign-born
2.2%
Veterans
4.8%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White28.7%
Hispanic or Latino2.9%
Black63.2%
Asian0.6%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Memphis ›

Education in West Memphis

13.9% of adults 25 and older in West Memphis have a bachelor's degree or higher (Arkansas: 25.7%), and 3% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

West Memphis13.9%
Arkansas25.7%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in West Memphis

Unemployment rate
14.5%State: 4.9%
Average commute
20 minState: 23 min
Work from home
6.4%
Drive alone
74.8%
Public transit
0.2%
Walk to work
1.1%
Homes with broadband
83.6%

West Memphis vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
West Memphis23,929$42,674$120,100$870
Marion13,623$78,330$212,400$1,148
Sunset153$27,614—$925
Edmondson308$30,000$137,500$624
Crawfordsville424$83,500$153,600$900
Jericho119$66,528——
Clarkedale468$130,625$306,500—
Memphis618,980$51,736$169,000$1,181
Lynchburg2,161$88,750$222,300$1,915

More for people moving to West Memphis

West Memphis ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in West Memphis: FAQ

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

The median household income in West Memphis is $42,674, 30% lower than the Arkansas median of $60,773 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

What is the average home price in West Memphis?

The median home value in West Memphis is $120,100, compared with $188,000 in Arkansas.

How much is rent in West Memphis?

The median gross rent in West Memphis is $870 per month, about 29.8% of household income.

Is West Memphis, AR a good place to live?

Pluses: home values 36% lower than the state median; an average commute of 20 minutes. Minuses: median household income 30% lower than the Arkansas median; unemployment of 14.5%; a poverty rate of 29.1%.

What is the median age in West Memphis?

The median age in West Memphis is 34.1 years (Arkansas: 38.5).

How long is the commute in West Memphis?

The average commute to work in West Memphis is 20 minutes; 6.4% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in West Memphis?

The unemployment rate in West Memphis is 14.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is West Memphis?

13.9% of adults in West Memphis have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.

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