Paragould, AR
Population 29,940 · Arkansas
About Paragould, AR
Paragould is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 29,940 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,181 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paragould features a median home value of $175,400, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Paragould in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $883, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,485 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (6,493 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (5,108 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paragould shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Paragould have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.3% of Paragould 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 3.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Paragould experiences an annual average temperature of 62.4°F with 45.69" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 89°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 37°F (December–January).
How Paragould Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Paragould, AR
Compared to national averages, Paragould has a median household income of $56,181 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $175,400, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $883 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Paragould's income is 8% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 40% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Paragould, AR?
Paragould offers affordable housing with a median home value of $175,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $883/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,181) that falls below the national average. However, Paragould’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paragould has a population of 29,940 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Paragould with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Paragould
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texarkana | 29,343 | $47,930 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 29,285 | $46,947 | $155,300 | Compare |
| Russellville | 29,057 | $48,708 | $166,500 | Compare |
| Bella Vista | 30,935 | $85,932 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Sherwood | 32,915 | $79,157 | $190,900 | Compare |
| Cabot | 26,733 | $72,656 | $197,000 | Compare |
| West Memphis | 24,147 | $41,860 | $119,100 | Compare |
| Benton | 35,954 | $69,638 | $199,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Paragould
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52 | 59 | 60 | 69 | 81 | 89 | 90 | 89 | 85 | 72 | 61 | 54 |
| Low °F | 37 | 41 | 43 | 50 | 61 | 68 | 73 | 72 | 66 | 54 | 43 | 38 |
| Rain " | 10.9 | 4.8 | 7.0 | 3.5 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Paragould With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paragould
What is the population of Paragould, AR?
The population of Paragould, AR is 29,940 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 Paragould?
The median household income in Paragould, AR is $56,181 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paragould?
The median home value in Paragould, AR is $175,400, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paragould?
The median monthly rent in Paragould, AR is $883, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paragould?
The unemployment rate in Paragould, AR is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Paragould, AR a good place to live?
Paragould offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,940 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paragould, AR?
16.3% of residents in Paragould 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 Paragould?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paragould, AR: median home value is $175,400 (28% below national), median rent is $883/month, and median household income is $56,181. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paragould?
The poverty rate in Paragould, AR is 16.8%, 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 Paragould, AR?
Paragould's population is 3.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 3.4% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.