Elaine, AR
Population 515 · Arkansas
About Elaine, AR
Elaine is a small community located in Arkansas with a population of 515 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,226 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elaine features a median home value of $55,800, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elaine one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $320, 72% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 271 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (117 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (118 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elaine shows an unemployment rate of 38.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elaine have an average one-way commute time of 14.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
1.1% of Elaine 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 1.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elaine Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Elaine, AR
Compared to national averages, Elaine has a median household income of $39,226 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,800, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $320 is 72% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Elaine's income is 25% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 56% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Elaine, AR?
Elaine offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $320/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,226) that falls below the national average. However, Elaine’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elaine has a population of 515 with a median age of 41.4 years. Compare Elaine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Elaine
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 Elaine
What is the population of Elaine, AR?
The population of Elaine, AR is 515 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 Elaine?
The median household income in Elaine, AR is $39,226 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elaine?
The median home value in Elaine, AR is $55,800, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Elaine?
The median monthly rent in Elaine, AR is $320, which is 72% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elaine?
The unemployment rate in Elaine, AR is 38.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elaine, AR a good place to live?
Elaine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 515 and a median age of 41.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elaine, AR?
1.1% of residents in Elaine 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 Elaine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elaine, AR: median home value is $55,800 (77% below national), median rent is $320/month, and median household income is $39,226. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elaine?
The poverty rate in Elaine, AR is 28.5%, 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 Elaine, AR?
Elaine's population is 1.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 69.1% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.