Des Arc, AR
Population 1,447 · Arkansas
About Des Arc, AR
Des Arc is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 1,447 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,328 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50 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 Des Arc features a median home value of $86,800, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Des Arc one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $503, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 733 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (364 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (225 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Des Arc shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Des Arc have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.7% of Des Arc 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 1.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Des Arc Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Des Arc, AR
Compared to national averages, Des Arc has a median household income of $31,328 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $86,800, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $503 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Des Arc's income is 40% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 31% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Des Arc, AR?
Des Arc offers affordable housing with a median home value of $86,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $503/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,328) that falls below the national average. However, Des Arc’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Des Arc has a population of 1,447 with a median age of 50 years. Compare Des Arc with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Des Arc
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall | 1,445 | $29,688 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Redfield | 1,456 | $68,125 | $145,500 | Compare |
| Earle | 1,421 | $26,985 | $93,300 | Compare |
| McAlmont | 1,473 | $32,231 | $215,800 | Compare |
| Wrightsville | 1,409 | $45,104 | $62,400 | Compare |
| Monette | 1,385 | $54,063 | $113,300 | Compare |
| Stamps | 1,510 | $33,152 | $71,200 | Compare |
| Tuckerman | 1,382 | $42,500 | $82,200 | 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 Des Arc With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Des Arc
What is the population of Des Arc, AR?
The population of Des Arc, AR is 1,447 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 Des Arc?
The median household income in Des Arc, AR is $31,328 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Des Arc?
The median home value in Des Arc, AR is $86,800, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Des Arc?
The median monthly rent in Des Arc, AR is $503, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Des Arc?
The unemployment rate in Des Arc, AR is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Des Arc, AR a good place to live?
Des Arc offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,447 and a median age of 50, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Des Arc, AR?
7.7% of residents in Des Arc 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 Des Arc?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Des Arc, AR: median home value is $86,800 (65% below national), median rent is $503/month, and median household income is $31,328. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Des Arc?
The poverty rate in Des Arc, AR is 15.7%, 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 Des Arc, AR?
Des Arc's population is 1.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 14.3% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.