Rector, AR
Population 1,631 · Arkansas
About Rector, AR
Rector is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 1,631 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,534 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rector features a median home value of $82,500, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rector 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 967 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (459 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (346 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rector shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rector have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.6% of Rector 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 0.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rector, AR
Compared to national averages, Rector has a median household income of $41,534 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $82,500, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $605 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Rector's income is 20% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 34% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Rector, AR?
Rector offers affordable housing with a median home value of $82,500, 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 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,534) that falls below the national average. However, Rector’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rector has a population of 1,631 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Rector with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Rector
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bull Shoals | 1,687 | $46,848 | $157,200 | Compare |
| Mulberry | 1,573 | $47,596 | $122,600 | Compare |
| Clarendon | 1,565 | $33,500 | $72,400 | Compare |
| Avilla | 1,549 | $118,171 | $297,200 | Compare |
| Newark | 1,522 | $34,770 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Decatur | 1,516 | $43,239 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Glenwood | 1,746 | $33,889 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Cedarville | 1,750 | $54,821 | $158,100 | 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 Rector With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rector
What is the population of Rector, AR?
The population of Rector, AR is 1,631 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 Rector?
The median household income in Rector, AR is $41,534 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rector?
The median home value in Rector, AR is $82,500, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rector?
The median monthly rent in Rector, AR is $605, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rector?
The unemployment rate in Rector, AR is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rector, AR a good place to live?
Rector offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,631 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rector, AR?
12.6% of residents in Rector 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 Rector?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rector, AR: median home value is $82,500 (66% below national), median rent is $605/month, and median household income is $41,534. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rector?
The poverty rate in Rector, AR is 20.2%, 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 Rector, AR?
Rector's population is 0.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.