Central City, AR
Population 570 · Arkansas
About Central City, AR
Central City is a small community located in Arkansas with a population of 570 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,071 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Central City features a median home value of $123,000, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Central City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,014, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 202 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (178 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (24 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Central City shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Central City have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.8% of Central City 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 9.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Central City, AR
Compared to national averages, Central City has a median household income of $71,071 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,000, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,014 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Central City's income is 36% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 2% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Central City, AR?
Central City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,014/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,071) that falls below the national average. However, Central City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Central City has a population of 570 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Central City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Central City
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Central City
What is the population of Central City, AR?
The population of Central City, AR is 570 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Central City?
The median household income in Central City, AR is $71,071 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Central City?
The median home value in Central City, AR is $123,000, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Central City?
The median monthly rent in Central City, AR is $1,014, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Central City?
The unemployment rate in Central City, AR is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Central City, AR a good place to live?
Central City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 570 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Central City, AR?
11.8% of residents in Central City 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 Central City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Central City, AR: median home value is $123,000 (50% below national), median rent is $1,014/month, and median household income is $71,071. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Central City?
The poverty rate in Central City, AR is 12.9%, 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 Central City, AR?
Central City's population is 9.1% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.