Bull Shoals, AR
Population 1,687 · Arkansas
About Bull Shoals, AR
Bull Shoals is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 1,687 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,848 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.1 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 Bull Shoals features a median home value of $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bull Shoals in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $670, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,168 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (588 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (202 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bull Shoals shows an unemployment rate of 13.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bull Shoals have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.8% of Bull Shoals 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 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bull Shoals, AR
Compared to national averages, Bull Shoals has a median household income of $46,848 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,200, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $670 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Bull Shoals's income is 10% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 25% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Bull Shoals, AR?
Bull Shoals offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $670/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,848) that falls below the national average. However, Bull Shoals’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bull Shoals has a population of 1,687 with a median age of 58.1 years. Compare Bull Shoals with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Bull Shoals
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rector | 1,631 | $41,534 | $82,500 | Compare |
| Glenwood | 1,746 | $33,889 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Cedarville | 1,750 | $54,821 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Gurdon | 1,777 | $45,769 | $94,300 | Compare |
| Calico Rock | 1,795 | $26,250 | $119,300 | Compare |
| Mulberry | 1,573 | $47,596 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Clarendon | 1,565 | $33,500 | $72,400 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro | 1,815 | $48,125 | $105,500 | 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 Bull Shoals With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bull Shoals
What is the population of Bull Shoals, AR?
The population of Bull Shoals, AR is 1,687 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 Bull Shoals?
The median household income in Bull Shoals, AR is $46,848 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bull Shoals?
The median home value in Bull Shoals, AR is $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bull Shoals?
The median monthly rent in Bull Shoals, AR is $670, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bull Shoals?
The unemployment rate in Bull Shoals, AR is 13.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bull Shoals, AR a good place to live?
Bull Shoals offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,687 and a median age of 58.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bull Shoals, AR?
17.8% of residents in Bull Shoals 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 Bull Shoals?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bull Shoals, AR: median home value is $157,200 (36% below national), median rent is $670/month, and median household income is $46,848. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bull Shoals?
The poverty rate in Bull Shoals, AR is 15.2%, 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 Bull Shoals, AR?
Bull Shoals's population is 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.