Waldo, AR
Population 1,159 · Arkansas
About Waldo, AR
Waldo is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 1,159 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,958 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Waldo features a median home value of $91,000, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waldo one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $657, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 795 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (389 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (87 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Waldo shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waldo have an average one-way commute time of 40.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
6.5% of Waldo 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waldo, AR
Compared to national averages, Waldo has a median household income of $43,958 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,000, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $657 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Waldo's income is 16% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 27% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Waldo, AR?
Waldo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $657/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,958) that falls below the national average. However, Waldo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waldo has a population of 1,159 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare Waldo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Waldo
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Springs | 1,169 | $54,931 | $132,500 | Compare |
| London | 1,179 | $49,000 | $96,700 | Compare |
| Wooster | 1,135 | $107,813 | $292,900 | Compare |
| Hampton | 1,185 | $48,182 | $86,300 | Compare |
| Highland | 1,124 | $51,250 | $103,400 | Compare |
| Hackett | 1,195 | $50,365 | $125,400 | Compare |
| Sweet Home | 1,206 | $0 | $160,300 | Compare |
| West Crossett | 1,214 | $58,500 | $94,000 | 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 Waldo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waldo
What is the population of Waldo, AR?
The population of Waldo, AR is 1,159 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 Waldo?
The median household income in Waldo, AR is $43,958 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waldo?
The median home value in Waldo, AR is $91,000, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Waldo?
The median monthly rent in Waldo, AR is $657, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waldo?
The unemployment rate in Waldo, AR is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Waldo, AR a good place to live?
Waldo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,159 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Waldo, AR?
6.5% of residents in Waldo 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 Waldo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waldo, AR: median home value is $91,000 (63% below national), median rent is $657/month, and median household income is $43,958. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waldo?
The poverty rate in Waldo, AR is 21.6%, 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 Waldo, AR?
Waldo's population is 0.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 71.1% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.