Malvern, AR
Population 10,938 · Arkansas
About Malvern, AR
Malvern is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 10,938 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,602 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Malvern features a median home value of $95,500, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Malvern one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $760, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,030 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,908 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,543 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Malvern shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Malvern have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.7% of Malvern 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 1.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Malvern experiences an annual average temperature of 64.9°F with 54.46" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 96°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 40°F (December–January).
How Malvern Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Malvern, AR
Compared to national averages, Malvern has a median household income of $40,602 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,500, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $760 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Malvern's income is 22% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 24% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Malvern, AR?
Malvern offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $760/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,602) that falls below the national average. However, Malvern’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Malvern has a population of 10,938 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Malvern with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Malvern
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magnolia | 10,973 | $42,188 | $166,500 | Compare |
| Batesville | 11,385 | $54,424 | $159,200 | Compare |
| Lowell | 10,438 | $92,986 | $260,100 | Compare |
| Camden | 10,427 | $51,300 | $108,800 | Compare |
| Arkadelphia | 10,316 | $42,430 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Greenwood | 9,570 | $65,745 | $177,300 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 9,500 | $37,848 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Helena-West Helena | 9,218 | $32,466 | $72,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Malvern
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 62 | 66 | 71 | 82 | 92 | 94 | 97 | 90 | 75 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 40 | 43 | 46 | 51 | 62 | 69 | 74 | 75 | 68 | 56 | 45 | 40 |
| Rain " | 6.5 | 5.9 | 10.3 | 5.3 | 4.3 | 2.5 | 4.4 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 6.0 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Malvern With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Malvern
What is the population of Malvern, AR?
The population of Malvern, AR is 10,938 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 Malvern?
The median household income in Malvern, AR is $40,602 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Malvern?
The median home value in Malvern, AR is $95,500, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Malvern?
The median monthly rent in Malvern, AR is $760, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Malvern?
The unemployment rate in Malvern, AR is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Malvern, AR a good place to live?
Malvern offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,938 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Malvern, AR?
10.7% of residents in Malvern 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 Malvern?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Malvern, AR: median home value is $95,500 (61% below national), median rent is $760/month, and median household income is $40,602. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Malvern?
The poverty rate in Malvern, AR is 21.1%, 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 Malvern, AR?
Malvern's population is 1.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 32.2% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.