Jonesboro, AR
Population 79,187 · Arkansas
About Jonesboro, AR
Jonesboro is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 79,187 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,559 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.7 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 Jonesboro features a median home value of $213,400, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Jonesboro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $926, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,100 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (16,245 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (14,647 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jonesboro shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jonesboro have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.8% of Jonesboro 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 6.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Jonesboro experiences an annual average temperature of 62.8°F with 51.07" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 90°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 38°F (December–January).
How Jonesboro Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Jonesboro, AR
Compared to national averages, Jonesboro has a median household income of $52,559 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $213,400, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $926 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Jonesboro's income is 1% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 70% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Jonesboro, AR?
Jonesboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $213,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $926/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,559) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Jonesboro provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Jonesboro has a population of 79,187 with a median age of 33.7 years. Compare Jonesboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Jonesboro
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | 71,411 | $82,993 | $278,000 | Compare |
| Springdale | 87,388 | $66,044 | $237,200 | Compare |
| Fort Smith | 89,496 | $52,692 | $168,100 | Compare |
| Conway | 66,288 | $58,461 | $234,600 | Compare |
| North Little Rock | 64,504 | $51,236 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 97,227 | $59,074 | $322,500 | 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 Jonesboro
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52 | 59 | 60 | 69 | 82 | 89 | 90 | 89 | 85 | 72 | 62 | 55 |
| Low °F | 37 | 41 | 43 | 51 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 73 | 66 | 55 | 44 | 39 |
| Rain " | 11.5 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 4.0 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 3.9 | 5.3 | 1.3 | 4.9 | 1.8 | 1.4 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Jonesboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jonesboro
What is the population of Jonesboro, AR?
The population of Jonesboro, AR is 79,187 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 Jonesboro?
The median household income in Jonesboro, AR is $52,559 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jonesboro?
The median home value in Jonesboro, AR is $213,400, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jonesboro?
The median monthly rent in Jonesboro, AR is $926, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jonesboro?
The unemployment rate in Jonesboro, AR is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jonesboro, AR a good place to live?
Jonesboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 79,187 and a median age of 33.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Jonesboro, AR?
29.8% of residents in Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jonesboro, AR: median home value is $213,400 (13% below national), median rent is $926/month, and median household income is $52,559. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Jonesboro?
The poverty rate in Jonesboro, AR is 22.4%, 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 Jonesboro, AR?
Jonesboro's population is 6.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 22.6% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.