Little Rock, AR, known as "The Natural State's Capital," is the political and cultural heart of Arkansas. Located in the central part of the state, Little Rock is approximately 135 miles southwest of Memphis, TN, and 320 miles northeast of Dallas, TX. This medium-sized city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Little Rock's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, making it suitable for outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Riverfront Park and the expansive Pinnacle Mountain State Park, offering hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities.
The cultural scene in Little Rock is diverse and dynamic, with attractions like the Clinton Presidential Center, the Arkansas Arts Center, and the Museum of Discovery. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including Riverfest and the Arkansas State Fair, which draw visitors and residents alike.
Education is a key focus in Little Rock, with institutions like the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Philander Smith College providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are well-regarded, making it an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions and businesses supports a strong job market.
Living in Little Rock combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of southern hospitality. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system and well-maintained infrastructure make commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Little Rock offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Little Rock, Arkansas is a big city with a population of 202,086 people. Little Rock is mostly populated by White (50%) and Black or African American (41%) ethnic groups. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 47% of the Little Rock population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Little Rock offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Little Rock can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Arkansas, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Little Rock and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arkansas and national averages.
Little Rock has a livability score of 72/100 and is ranked #28 in Arkansas and #5,740 in the USA. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Little Rock ranks well for cost of living (B+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Little Rock does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Little Rock market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Little Rock. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Little Rock are affordable. Median real estate prices in Little Rock come in at $317,288, which is 51.8% higher than the Arkansas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Little Rock, the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 21.2% higher than the Arkansas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Little Rock | Arkansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.8% | 82.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.4% | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 1.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.8% | 3.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Arkansas
Safest States In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Arkansas
Most Dangerous States In The US