Fayetteville, AR
Population 97,227 · Arkansas
About Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 97,227 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,074 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fayetteville features a median home value of $322,500, which is 32% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fayetteville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,003, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 44,084 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (16,920 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (23,503 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 Fayetteville shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fayetteville have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
49.8% of Fayetteville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.7% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Fayetteville experiences an annual average temperature of 60.4°F with 41.42" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 35°F (December–January).
How Fayetteville Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Fayetteville, AR
Compared to national averages, Fayetteville has a median household income of $59,074 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $322,500, which is 32% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,003 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Fayetteville's income is 13% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 157% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Fayetteville, AR?
Fayetteville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,003/month, and a well-educated community where 49.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,074) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Fayetteville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fayetteville has a population of 97,227 with a median age of 28.7 years. Compare Fayetteville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Fayetteville
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith | 89,496 | $52,692 | $168,100 | Compare |
| Springdale | 87,388 | $66,044 | $237,200 | Compare |
| Jonesboro | 79,187 | $52,559 | $213,400 | Compare |
| Rogers | 71,411 | $82,993 | $278,000 | Compare |
| Conway | 66,288 | $58,461 | $234,600 | Compare |
| North Little Rock | 64,504 | $51,236 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Bentonville | 56,326 | $108,465 | $370,700 | Compare |
| Pine Bluff | 40,436 | $41,250 | $86,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Fayetteville
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 58 | 59 | 68 | 78 | 87 | 90 | 91 | 85 | 69 | 61 | 53 |
| Low °F | 33 | 37 | 40 | 47 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 37 |
| Rain " | 3.2 | 3.6 | 7.8 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 1.9 | 2.7 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fayetteville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fayetteville
What is the population of Fayetteville, AR?
The population of Fayetteville, AR is 97,227 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 Fayetteville?
The median household income in Fayetteville, AR is $59,074 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fayetteville?
The median home value in Fayetteville, AR is $322,500, which is 32% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fayetteville?
The median monthly rent in Fayetteville, AR is $1,003, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fayetteville?
The unemployment rate in Fayetteville, AR is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fayetteville, AR a good place to live?
Fayetteville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 97,227 and a median age of 28.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fayetteville, AR?
49.8% of residents in Fayetteville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fayetteville, AR: median home value is $322,500 (32% above national), median rent is $1,003/month, and median household income is $59,074. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fayetteville?
The poverty rate in Fayetteville, AR is 21.4%, 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 Fayetteville, AR?
Fayetteville's population is 4.7% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 5.2% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.