Shirley, AR
Population 307 · Arkansas
About Shirley, AR
Shirley is a small community located in Arkansas with a population of 307 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,938 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shirley features a median home value of $92,000, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shirley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $625, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 163 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (104 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (23 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shirley 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 33.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shirley have an average one-way commute time of 41.3 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Shirley 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 0.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shirley, AR
Compared to national averages, Shirley has a median household income of $35,938 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,000, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $625 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Shirley's income is 31% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 27% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Shirley, AR?
Shirley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $625/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,938) that falls below the national average. However, Shirley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shirley has a population of 307 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Shirley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Shirley
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etowah | 306 | $23,125 | $80,600 | Compare |
| Edmondson | 311 | $31,375 | $177,800 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 311 | $34,625 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Strawberry | 311 | $40,625 | $130,100 | Compare |
| Crystal Springs | 302 | $91,250 | $261,000 | Compare |
| Hickory Ridge | 302 | $45,500 | $51,000 | Compare |
| Oden | 312 | $43,250 | $68,200 | Compare |
| Keo | 313 | $39,375 | $0 | 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 Shirley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirley
What is the population of Shirley, AR?
The population of Shirley, AR is 307 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 Shirley?
The median household income in Shirley, AR is $35,938 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shirley?
The median home value in Shirley, AR is $92,000, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shirley?
The median monthly rent in Shirley, AR is $625, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shirley?
The unemployment rate in Shirley, 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 Shirley, AR a good place to live?
Shirley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 307 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shirley, AR?
16.2% of residents in Shirley 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 Shirley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shirley, AR: median home value is $92,000 (62% below national), median rent is $625/month, and median household income is $35,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shirley?
The poverty rate in Shirley, AR is 33.9%, 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 Shirley, AR?
Shirley's population is 0.7% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.