West Memphis, AR
Population 24,147 · Arkansas
About West Memphis, AR
West Memphis is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 24,147 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,860 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Memphis features a median home value of $119,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Memphis one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $847, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,279 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (4,345 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (5,215 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 West Memphis shows an unemployment rate of 13.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Memphis have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of West Memphis 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 0.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
West Memphis experiences an annual average temperature of 64.3°F with 49.87" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 40°F (December–January).
How West Memphis Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in West Memphis, AR
Compared to national averages, West Memphis has a median household income of $41,860 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,100, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $847 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, West Memphis's income is 20% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 5% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in West Memphis, AR?
West Memphis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $847/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,860) that falls below the national average. However, West Memphis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Memphis has a population of 24,147 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare West Memphis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near West Memphis
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren | 23,545 | $59,420 | $178,000 | Compare |
| Searcy | 23,115 | $50,896 | $176,200 | Compare |
| Cabot | 26,733 | $72,656 | $197,000 | Compare |
| Bryant | 21,125 | $83,219 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Centerton | 20,212 | $112,920 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Maumelle | 19,286 | $92,466 | $276,900 | Compare |
| Russellville | 29,057 | $48,708 | $166,500 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 29,285 | $46,947 | $155,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in West Memphis
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 54 | 60 | 62 | 70 | 83 | 90 | 91 | 90 | 85 | 73 | 63 | 56 |
| Low °F | 40 | 44 | 46 | 52 | 64 | 71 | 75 | 74 | 68 | 57 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 6.4 | 4.9 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.1 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 3.2 | 2.0 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare West Memphis With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Memphis
What is the population of West Memphis, AR?
The population of West Memphis, AR is 24,147 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 West Memphis?
The median household income in West Memphis, AR is $41,860 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Memphis?
The median home value in West Memphis, AR is $119,100, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in West Memphis?
The median monthly rent in West Memphis, AR is $847, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Memphis?
The unemployment rate in West Memphis, AR is 13.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Memphis, AR a good place to live?
West Memphis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 24,147 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is West Memphis, AR?
14.8% of residents in West Memphis 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 West Memphis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Memphis, AR: median home value is $119,100 (51% below national), median rent is $847/month, and median household income is $41,860. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Memphis?
The poverty rate in West Memphis, AR is 27.0%, 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 West Memphis, AR?
West Memphis's population is 0.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 63.9% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.