Thinking of moving to Arkansas? The state’s economy is growing by 5.1% annually, with growing jobs in the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors. Plus, with its low cost of living and affordable housing, Arkansas ranks as the no. 1 state for inbound migration.
But the move comes with trade-offs. Due to its location in the Tornado Alley, Arkansas faces a high risk of tornadoes and severe storms. Still, many are choosing cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville for their lower living costs and a better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Arkansas’ economy is growing by 5.1% annually, with growing jobs in the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors.
- The cost of living in Arkansas is 8% lower than the national average. Housing is also 40% less expensive.
- Arkansas has a graduated income tax of 2% to 3.90% of your annual income.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- Arkansas has a subtropical climate. Summers are usually hot and humid, while winters tend to be mild.
3 Reasons to Move to Arkansas
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Arkansas, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
Arkansas ranks 3rd in the nation for housing affordability. The median home price in Arkansas is $219K, which is 40% lower than the national average. Moreover, renting a house in Arkansas is also 33% less expensive.
Additionally, recent trends show that 23% of homes in Arkansas have recently seen a price drop, and properties spend 7 more days on the market before being sold. This slowdown in the housing market gives more negotiating power to home buyers.
2. Jobs in Arkansas
Home to 4 Fortune 500 companies, the Natural State has nearly 80,000 new job openings in 2025, and aims to add 124,387 more by the year 2030.
- Manufacturing: With over 3,000 manufacturers in the state, Arkansas’ manufacturing sector generates around $2.4 billion, and supports over 161,800 jobs. On average, a manufacturing worker in Arkansas earns $66,795 per year.
- Retail Trade: The sector contributes over $37.2 billion to the state economy, and supports over 27% of the total jobs in Arkansas. Jobs in sales management, customer service, and e-commerce are in high demand in the retail sector.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector in Arkansas contributes over $18 billion to its GDP, and supports 12% of the total jobs in the state. High-demand roles include nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and physical and occupational therapists.
3. Outdoor Activities in Arkansas
The Natural State has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the north, the Ozark Mountains offer hiking trails, caves, and rivers. On the other hand, Ouachita National Forest is known for its hot springs, scenic byways, and abundant wildlife.
Beyond the mountains, Table Rock Lake and the Buffalo National River are popular spots for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Arkansas’ warm and pleasant makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.
Pros and Cons of Living in Arkansas
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of living in Arkansas:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Arkansas has a robust job market with growing jobs in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors. | 1. Due to its location in the Tornado Alley, the state is prone to tornadoes and severe storms. |
| 2. The cost of living is 8% lower, and housing is 33% lower than the US average. | 2. The state ranks among the lowest in the country for its education system. |
| 3. From mountains to forests and river valleys, you have plenty of outdoor recreation options. | 3. There are 6.8 violent crime incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to 4 incidents nationally. |
| 4. The state has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. | 4. The state has some of the highest combined sales taxes in the country. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Arkansas 📌
Here are the things to keep in mind before relocating to Arkansas:
1. Cost of Living in Arkansas
The cost of living in Arkansas is 8% lower than the national average. This means you’ll spend less on everyday expenses like renting, utilities, food, and healthcare.
Arkansas is an attractive option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
The state faces some challenges due to its aging and overburdened infrastructure. 58% of the roads in Arkansas are in in poor or fair condition, and over 700 bridges are currently structurally deficient. 193 dams across the state are considered high-hazard dams.
However, Arkansas is progressively working to improve its infrastructure. The state is set to receive over $3.8 billion in federal funding over the next five years to improve its highways and bridges.
3. Climate in Arkansas
Arkansas has a subtropical climate. Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 100°F. Winters are mild, with temperatures between 22°F and 54°F.
Due to its location in the infamous Tornado Alley, Arkansas is a high-risk state for tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, and earthquakes. It’s crucial to review FEMA guidelines and local hazard maps before moving to Arkansas.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: You have to register your vehicle and obtain an Arkansas driver’s license within 30 days of moving to Arkansas. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to Arkansas with a Gun: No permits are required to buy or carry a firearm for adults aged 21 and over. While it is not mandatory, a permit is useful when you visit another state.
- Recreational Marijuana: Recreational marijuana is not legal in Arkansas. Possession can result in $2,500 to $15,000 in fines, and 1 year to 30 years in prison.
- Pet Registration Laws: In Arkansas, pet registration is typically handled by cities or counties, but the state does require all pets to be vaccinated for rabies. Visit your city website for specific information on pet registration in your area.
5. Tax Burden in Arkansas
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Arkansas’ primary tax burden for an individual:
- Income Tax in Arkansas: Arkansas has a graduated state income tax ranging from 2% to 3.90% of your income. The state does not have local income taxes.
- Sales Tax in Arkansas: With a 6.50% sales tax, Arkansas ranks among the top 10 states with the highest sales taxes in the country. Additionally, cities often levy a local sales tax, which makes the average combined sales tax rate 9.48%.
- Property Tax in Arkansas: With a 0.53% property tax, Arkansas has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. On average, a resident in Arkansas pays $725 in property taxes.
How to Move to Arkansas?
Before buying a house in Arkansas, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $94 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, hiring a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in Arkansas:
- Electricity and Gas: Entergy Arkansas and AEP SWEPCO are among the largest electricity providers. For natural gas, major providers include Entergy Arkansas, CenterPoint Energy Arkansas Gas. Visit their respective websites to check availability in your area.
- Water and Sewer: These are usually managed by the city municipalities, along with some local service providers. You can visit your city website to find out about the service providers in your area.
- Internet and Cable: Optimum, Xfinity, and AT&T are among the largest service providers in Arkansas. On average, internet and cable service costs range from $20 to $80 per month.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Arkansas?
Most schools in Arkansas offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Children must be at least 5 years old for enrollment in both kindergarten and first grade by August 1. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their eligibility to play first to avoid any complications.
- Transfers and Special Cases: Transfers and special cases in Arkansas are usually managed by the local school districts. You can visit your local school district website or the school district office for assistance.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 15.6% of employees in Arkansas work from their homes. If you are someone who works remotely and is moving to Arkansas, you can ask your employer about state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: The Arkansas LAUNCH is a state-run job portal that helps job seekers with career opportunities, training programs, and workforce development resources. You can also visit job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to look for jobs in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Arkansas housing market has been a competitive market for buyers. But recent trends show that nearly 30% of listed homes have seen price drops, and inventory has increased by 13.5%. This means the market is slowly transitioning in favor of buyers.
- In popular cities like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville, the average rent is around $1,400. This rent depends on nearby amenities, and the neighborhood you are moving to.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Little Rock cost around $215K. On the other hand, cities like Helena-West Helena and Forrest City offer more affordable housing options between $45K and $75K.
Should I Move to Arkansas?
Yes, you should definitely move to Arkansas. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Arkansas isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Arkansas’ best home-buying website, buying a house in the Natural State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Arkansas, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Arkansas, long before the moving boxes are packed.
