Kensett, AR
Population 2,027 · Arkansas
About Kensett, AR
Kensett is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 2,027 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $27,839 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kensett features a median home value of $92,200, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kensett one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 823 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (292 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (439 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 Kensett shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 30.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kensett have an average one-way commute time of 16.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
4.3% of Kensett 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 12.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kensett, AR
Compared to national averages, Kensett has a median household income of $27,839 (63% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,200, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Kensett's income is 47% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 27% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Kensett, AR?
Kensett offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($27,839) that falls below the national average. However, Kensett’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kensett has a population of 2,027 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Kensett with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Kensett
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCrory | 2,062 | $49,318 | $94,100 | Compare |
| Judsonia | 2,092 | $43,811 | $114,400 | Compare |
| Hazen | 1,960 | $48,816 | $109,900 | Compare |
| Dover | 1,932 | $33,491 | $106,700 | Compare |
| Danville | 2,123 | $65,625 | $117,400 | Compare |
| Cave City | 1,930 | $41,250 | $119,900 | Compare |
| Smackover | 2,137 | $53,105 | $113,100 | Compare |
| Lake Hamilton | 1,912 | $87,870 | $411,000 | Compare |
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.
Compare Kensett With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kensett
What is the population of Kensett, AR?
The population of Kensett, AR is 2,027 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Kensett?
The median household income in Kensett, AR is $27,839 per year, which is 63% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kensett?
The median home value in Kensett, AR is $92,200, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Kensett?
The median monthly rent in Kensett, AR is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kensett?
The unemployment rate in Kensett, 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 Kensett, AR a good place to live?
Kensett offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,027 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kensett, AR?
4.3% of residents in Kensett 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 Kensett?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kensett, AR: median home value is $92,200 (62% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $27,839. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kensett?
The poverty rate in Kensett, AR is 30.7%, 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 Kensett, AR?
Kensett's population is 12.1% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 21.5% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.