El Dorado, AR
Population 17,382 · Arkansas
About El Dorado, AR
El Dorado is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 17,382 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,159 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Dorado features a median home value of $113,100, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes El Dorado one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $845, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,854 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (3,846 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,725 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Dorado shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Dorado have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.0% of El Dorado 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 5.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
El Dorado experiences an annual average temperature of 67°F with 45.45" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 96°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 42°F (December–January).
How El Dorado Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in El Dorado, AR
Compared to national averages, El Dorado has a median household income of $45,159 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,100, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $845 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, El Dorado's income is 14% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 10% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in El Dorado, AR?
El Dorado offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $845/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,159) that falls below the national average. However, El Dorado’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Dorado has a population of 17,382 with a median age of 36 years. Compare El Dorado with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near El Dorado
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siloam Springs | 18,096 | $65,725 | $205,000 | Compare |
| Hot Springs Village | 16,509 | $69,953 | $262,000 | Compare |
| Maumelle | 19,286 | $92,466 | $276,900 | Compare |
| Centerton | 20,212 | $112,920 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Marion | 13,641 | $80,637 | $206,300 | Compare |
| Bryant | 21,125 | $83,219 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Harrison | 13,217 | $40,568 | $165,000 | Compare |
| Blytheville | 13,026 | $49,928 | $101,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in El Dorado
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 65 | 70 | 73 | 84 | 93 | 94 | 99 | 90 | 77 | 66 | 61 |
| Low °F | 43 | 46 | 49 | 53 | 64 | 71 | 75 | 77 | 69 | 58 | 48 | 42 |
| Rain " | 6.3 | 5.4 | 3.4 | 8.9 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 5.2 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 3.3 | 2.2 | 1.5 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare El Dorado With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Dorado
What is the population of El Dorado, AR?
The population of El Dorado, AR is 17,382 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in El Dorado?
The median household income in El Dorado, AR is $45,159 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Dorado?
The median home value in El Dorado, AR is $113,100, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Dorado?
The median monthly rent in El Dorado, AR is $845, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Dorado?
The unemployment rate in El Dorado, AR is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Dorado, AR a good place to live?
El Dorado offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,382 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is El Dorado, AR?
17.0% of residents in El Dorado 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 El Dorado?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Dorado, AR: median home value is $113,100 (54% below national), median rent is $845/month, and median household income is $45,159. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in El Dorado?
The poverty rate in El Dorado, AR is 23.9%, 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 El Dorado, AR?
El Dorado's population is 5.4% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 48.0% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.