Hot Springs, AR
Population 38,023 · Arkansas
About Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 38,023 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,441 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 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 Hot Springs features a median home value of $156,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hot Springs in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $902, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,652 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (10,154 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (7,664 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hot Springs shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hot Springs have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.7% of Hot Springs residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Hot Springs experiences an annual average temperature of 63.9°F with 56.18" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 94°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 39°F (December–January).
How Hot Springs Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Hot Springs, AR
Compared to national averages, Hot Springs has a median household income of $46,441 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,900, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $902 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Hot Springs's income is 11% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 25% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Hot Springs, AR?
Hot Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $902/month, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,441) that falls below the national average. However, Hot Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hot Springs has a population of 38,023 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Hot Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Hot Springs
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton | 35,954 | $69,638 | $199,400 | Compare |
| Pine Bluff | 40,436 | $41,250 | $86,400 | Compare |
| Sherwood | 32,915 | $79,157 | $190,900 | Compare |
| Bella Vista | 30,935 | $85,932 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Paragould | 29,940 | $56,181 | $175,400 | Compare |
| Texarkana | 29,343 | $47,930 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 29,285 | $46,947 | $155,300 | Compare |
| Russellville | 29,057 | $48,708 | $166,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Hot Springs
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 61 | 64 | 70 | 81 | 90 | 93 | 95 | 88 | 73 | 63 | 57 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 45 | 50 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 74 | 68 | 56 | 45 | 39 |
| Rain " | 7.6 | 6.0 | 9.1 | 5.2 | 4.6 | 1.9 | 5.3 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 6.3 | 3.7 | 2.7 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hot Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Springs
What is the population of Hot Springs, AR?
The population of Hot Springs, AR is 38,023 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 Hot Springs?
The median household income in Hot Springs, AR is $46,441 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hot Springs?
The median home value in Hot Springs, AR is $156,900, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hot Springs?
The median monthly rent in Hot Springs, AR is $902, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hot Springs?
The unemployment rate in Hot Springs, AR is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hot Springs, AR a good place to live?
Hot Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 38,023 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hot Springs, AR?
27.7% of residents in Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hot Springs, AR: median home value is $156,900 (36% below national), median rent is $902/month, and median household income is $46,441. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hot Springs?
The poverty rate in Hot Springs, AR is 21.3%, 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 Hot Springs, AR?
Hot Springs's population is 7.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 16.0% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.