Newport, AR
Population 8,019 · Arkansas
About Newport, AR
Newport is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 8,019 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,693 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Newport features a median home value of $132,200, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Newport one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $605, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,013 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (1,273 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (1,294 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 Newport shows an unemployment rate of 12.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Newport have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.2% of Newport 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 4.9% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Newport Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Newport, AR
Compared to national averages, Newport has a median household income of $32,693 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,200, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $605 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Newport's income is 37% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 5% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Newport, AR?
Newport offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $605/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,693) that falls below the national average. However, Newport’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Newport has a population of 8,019 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Newport with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Newport
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuttgart | 8,060 | $58,906 | $150,600 | Compare |
| Wynne | 8,220 | $40,102 | $125,300 | Compare |
| Monticello | 8,320 | $27,998 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Farmington | 8,469 | $88,541 | $249,900 | Compare |
| Pocahontas | 7,475 | $42,829 | $107,500 | Compare |
| Beebe | 8,580 | $56,424 | $163,400 | Compare |
| Prairie Grove | 7,445 | $58,556 | $226,800 | Compare |
| Trumann | 7,432 | $38,079 | $108,000 | 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 Newport With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Newport
What is the population of Newport, AR?
The population of Newport, AR is 8,019 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 Newport?
The median household income in Newport, AR is $32,693 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Newport?
The median home value in Newport, AR is $132,200, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Newport?
The median monthly rent in Newport, AR is $605, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Newport?
The unemployment rate in Newport, AR is 12.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Newport, AR a good place to live?
Newport offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,019 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Newport, AR?
10.2% of residents in Newport 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 Newport?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Newport, AR: median home value is $132,200 (46% below national), median rent is $605/month, and median household income is $32,693. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Newport?
The poverty rate in Newport, AR is 29.3%, 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 Newport, AR?
Newport's population is 4.9% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 24.8% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.