Arkansas Real Estate and Livability Trends

Arkansas has seen a consistent rise in median home values, climbing from $111,400 in 2015 to $162,400 in 2022, making it an attractive option for investors eyeing lower-cost markets with promising appreciation potential. The average residential energy tax credit per tax return surged from $396.51 in 2013 to $2,111.58 in 2021, highlighting potential for lucrative tax benefits tied to... energy-efficient investments. Real estate taxes have almost doubled over the past decade, jumping from $1,715.10 in 2012 to $3,341.70 in 2021, especially peaking between 2017 and 2018, which could influence future financial planning. Not to mention, the percentage of farm tax returns has slightly declined, dropping from 3.47% in 2012 to 3.04% in 2020, with a minor rebound to 3.11% in 2021, indicating subtle shifts in the state’s agricultural landscape. Read more

Arkansas has experienced a notable rise in average taxable income per tax return, climbing from $51,183.70 in 2013 to $78,461.03 in 2021. This growth trend suggests the state is increasingly appealing to higher-earning families. On the flip side, state and local income taxes have surged, particularly from 2018 onwards, reaching $20,078.40 in 2021. The rise in total tax liability, peaking at $13,446.41 in 2021, underscores potential financial pressures for residents. These trends collectively... paint a picture of a robust yet financially demanding environment, which is vital for prospective residents and investors to consider. Read more

In Arkansas, property crime has likely seen a noticeable decline over the past five years. Fraud cases dropped from 11,455 in 2018 to 7,979 in 2022, while larceny-theft incidents fell from 2,007 to 1,658. Embezzlement and forgery also decreased, ending at 530 and 504 cases, respectively, by 2022. This trend might suggest an improving safety landscape, potentially making the state more attractive to investors, real estate agents, and... residents. Read more

In Arkansas, there appears to be a slightly higher female population than male, with educational attainment skewing heavily towards high school graduates and those with some college education. Age distribution suggests a notable presence of young children and middle-aged adults, indicating potential growth and workforce stability. The racial composition is predominantly White, with significant Black or African American representation and smaller percentages of other races. These insights could... be crucial for tailoring public services, policy-making, and market strategies in the state. Read more

Arkansas displayed a notable tilt towards Republican candidates in recent elections, with an estimated 15.6% of votes possibly leaning in their favor. Democratic support lagged behind at roughly 8.7%. Third-party candidates, including Libertarians and the Green Party, as well as the 'Other' category, captured minimal votes, suggesting limited political diversity beyond the two dominant... parties. Read more

Arkansas has maintained a consistently lower student-to-teacher ratio compared to the national average, ranging from 11.93 to 12.82 over the past decade, versus the national average of fourteen. This trend might appeal to families seeking individualized attention in education, enhancing the state's attractiveness for real estate investment and relocation. Smaller class sizes are also a positive indicator for community resources, which could be advantageous for appraisers, insurance agents, and... real estate professionals emphasizing Arkansas' well-supported social infrastructure in their marketing efforts. Read more