Rison, AR
Population 966 · Arkansas
About Rison, AR
Rison is a small community located in Arkansas with a population of 966 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $24,911 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rison features a median home value of $115,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rison one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $519, 55% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 503 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (181 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (216 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 Rison shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 44.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rison have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.8% of Rison 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rison Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Rison, AR
Compared to national averages, Rison has a median household income of $24,911 (67% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,600, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $519 is 55% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Rison's income is 52% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 8% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Rison, AR?
Rison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $115,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $519/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($24,911) that falls below the national average. However, Rison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rison has a population of 966 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Rison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
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Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rison
What is the population of Rison, AR?
The population of Rison, AR is 966 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Rison?
The median household income in Rison, AR is $24,911 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rison?
The median home value in Rison, AR is $115,600, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rison?
The median monthly rent in Rison, AR is $519, which is 55% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rison?
The unemployment rate in Rison, AR is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rison, AR a good place to live?
Rison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 966 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rison, AR?
15.8% of residents in Rison 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 Rison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rison, AR: median home value is $115,600 (53% below national), median rent is $519/month, and median household income is $24,911. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rison?
The poverty rate in Rison, AR is 44.3%, 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 Rison, AR?
Rison's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 45.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.