Mena, AR
Population 5,605 · Arkansas
About Mena, AR
Mena is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 5,605 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,875 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mena features a median home value of $114,200, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mena one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $720, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,712 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,717 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (532 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mena shows an unemployment rate of 10.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mena have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.9% of Mena 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 3.2% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mena, AR
Compared to national averages, Mena has a median household income of $50,875 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,200, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $720 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Mena's income is 3% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 9% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Mena, AR?
Mena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $720/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,875) that falls below the national average. However, Mena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mena has a population of 5,605 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare Mena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Mena
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Hall | 5,520 | $84,304 | $207,100 | Compare |
| Berryville | 5,715 | $39,548 | $153,500 | Compare |
| Tontitown | 5,739 | $80,987 | $394,200 | Compare |
| Walnut Ridge | 5,440 | $47,612 | $104,500 | Compare |
| Cave Springs | 5,778 | $147,917 | $431,300 | Compare |
| Warren | 5,342 | $35,064 | $86,400 | Compare |
| Greenbrier | 5,875 | $59,099 | $171,100 | Compare |
| Alma | 5,879 | $58,320 | $197,200 | 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 Mena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mena
What is the population of Mena, AR?
The population of Mena, AR is 5,605 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 Mena?
The median household income in Mena, AR is $50,875 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mena?
The median home value in Mena, AR is $114,200, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mena?
The median monthly rent in Mena, AR is $720, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mena?
The unemployment rate in Mena, AR is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mena, AR a good place to live?
Mena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,605 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mena, AR?
18.9% of residents in Mena 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 Mena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mena, AR: median home value is $114,200 (53% below national), median rent is $720/month, and median household income is $50,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mena?
The poverty rate in Mena, AR is 17.5%, 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 Mena, AR?
Mena's population is 3.2% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.