Brinkley, AR
Population 2,651 · Arkansas
About Brinkley, AR
Brinkley is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 2,651 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,285 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brinkley features a median home value of $84,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brinkley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $605, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,503 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (749 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (438 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brinkley shows an unemployment rate of 18.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brinkley have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.4% of Brinkley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brinkley, AR
Compared to national averages, Brinkley has a median household income of $38,285 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $84,000, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $605 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Brinkley's income is 27% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 33% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Brinkley, AR?
Brinkley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $84,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $605/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,285) that falls below the national average. However, Brinkley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brinkley has a population of 2,651 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Brinkley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Brinkley
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoxie | 2,623 | $35,234 | $83,000 | Compare |
| Charleston | 2,611 | $60,058 | $116,500 | Compare |
| North Crossett | 2,583 | $38,750 | $74,600 | Compare |
| Bono | 2,575 | $46,897 | $143,100 | Compare |
| Dermott | 2,727 | $25,518 | $77,600 | Compare |
| Salem | 2,727 | $79,692 | $192,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 2,574 | $52,077 | $112,700 | Compare |
| England | 2,568 | $47,379 | $92,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brinkley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brinkley
What is the population of Brinkley, AR?
The population of Brinkley, AR is 2,651 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Brinkley?
The median household income in Brinkley, AR is $38,285 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brinkley?
The median home value in Brinkley, AR is $84,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brinkley?
The median monthly rent in Brinkley, AR is $605, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brinkley?
The unemployment rate in Brinkley, AR is 18.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brinkley, AR a good place to live?
Brinkley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,651 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brinkley, AR?
14.4% of residents in Brinkley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Brinkley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brinkley, AR: median home value is $84,000 (66% below national), median rent is $605/month, and median household income is $38,285. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brinkley?
The poverty rate in Brinkley, AR is 30.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Brinkley, AR?
Brinkley's population is 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 55.5% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.