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Best places to raise a family in Arkansas
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Arkansas using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
#25. Fort Smith
- Population: 87,743
- Median home value: $121,800 (51% own)
- Median rent: $685 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,724
- Top public schools: L.A. Chaffin Junior High School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Christian Academy (A-), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable), Immaculate Conception Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1900 Saint Francis Crst, Fort Smith ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $121,800 (51% own)
- Median rent: $685 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,724
- Top public schools: L.A. Chaffin Junior High School (A), Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Christian Academy (A-), Christ the King Catholic School (unavailable), Immaculate Conception Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1900 Saint Francis Crst, Fort Smith ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#24. Maumelle
- Population: 18,142
- Median home value: $223,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $949 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $84,341
- Top public schools: Maumelle Charter Elementary School (A), Maumelle Charter High School (B+), Pine Forest Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Maumelle Country Club Parkway (unavailable)
- Pictured: 125 Osage Dr, Maumelle ($850,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $223,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $949 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $84,341
- Top public schools: Maumelle Charter Elementary School (A), Maumelle Charter High School (B+), Pine Forest Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Childcare Network Maumelle Country Club Parkway (unavailable)
- Pictured: 125 Osage Dr, Maumelle ($850,000, 6 bedrooms)
#23. Searcy
- Population: 23,767
- Median home value: $145,000 (51% own)
- Median rent: $714 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,014
- Top public schools: Ahlf Junior High School (A-), Southwest Middle School (A-), Westside Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Harding Academy (B+), Crosspointe Preparatory (unavailable), Liberty Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13 Country Club Cir, Searcy ($719,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $145,000 (51% own)
- Median rent: $714 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $41,014
- Top public schools: Ahlf Junior High School (A-), Southwest Middle School (A-), Westside Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Harding Academy (B+), Crosspointe Preparatory (unavailable), Liberty Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 13 Country Club Cir, Searcy ($719,900, 5 bedrooms)
#22. Springdale
- Population: 79,598
- Median home value: $150,900 (49% own)
- Median rent: $777 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $50,343
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Fayetteville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (A-), Oak Grove Montessori School (unavailable), Springdale Adventist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12349 Brush Creek Rd, Springdale ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $150,900 (49% own)
- Median rent: $777 (51% rent)
- Median household income: $50,343
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Fayetteville High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shiloh Christian School (A-), Oak Grove Montessori School (unavailable), Springdale Adventist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12349 Brush Creek Rd, Springdale ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#21. Russellville
- Population: 29,193
- Median home value: $128,300 (51% own)
- Median rent: $675 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $36,562
- Top public schools: Sequoyah Elementary School (A), Pottsville Middle (A), Pottsville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Valley Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 102 Lakeview Dr, Russellville ($750,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $128,300 (51% own)
- Median rent: $675 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $36,562
- Top public schools: Sequoyah Elementary School (A), Pottsville Middle (A), Pottsville Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Valley Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 102 Lakeview Dr, Russellville ($750,000, 3 bedrooms)
#20. Farmington
- Population: 6,992
- Median home value: $176,600 (68% own)
- Median rent: $939 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $57,586
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Jerry Pop Williams Elementary School (A), Farmington Career Academies (A-)
- Pictured: 11128 Shumate Crossing Rd, Farmington ($849,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $176,600 (68% own)
- Median rent: $939 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $57,586
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Jerry Pop Williams Elementary School (A), Farmington Career Academies (A-)
- Pictured: 11128 Shumate Crossing Rd, Farmington ($849,000, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Alexander
- Population: 3,168
- Median home value: $66,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $783 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $42,857
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6020 Centark Cir, Alexander ($572,800, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $66,400 (76% own)
- Median rent: $783 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $42,857
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 6020 Centark Cir, Alexander ($572,800, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Elkins
- Population: 3,139
- Median home value: $139,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,026 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $65,182
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A), Happy Hollow Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 21749 Mount Olive Rd, Elkins ($325,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $139,500 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,026 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $65,182
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A), Happy Hollow Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 21749 Mount Olive Rd, Elkins ($325,000, 3 bedrooms)
#17. Austin
- Population: 3,350
- Median home value: $143,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $960 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $64,681
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A-), Cabot Middle School North (A-), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 75 Crested Butte Rd, Austin ($365,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $143,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $960 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $64,681
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A-), Cabot Middle School North (A-), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 75 Crested Butte Rd, Austin ($365,000, 4 bedrooms)
#16. Cabot
- Population: 26,217
- Median home value: $154,000 (64% own)
- Median rent: $865 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $60,591
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A-), Cabot Middle School North (A-), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 903 Greystone Blvd, Cabot ($599,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $154,000 (64% own)
- Median rent: $865 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $60,591
- Top public schools: Cabot Junior High North (A-), Cabot Middle School North (A-), Mountain Springs Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: 903 Greystone Blvd, Cabot ($599,900, 5 bedrooms)
#15. Greenbrier
- Population: 5,478
- Median home value: $141,200 (58% own)
- Median rent: $847 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $47,028
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Westside Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 123 Greystone Dr, Greenbrier ($345,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $141,200 (58% own)
- Median rent: $847 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $47,028
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Westside Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 123 Greystone Dr, Greenbrier ($345,000, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Conway
- Population: 66,127
- Median home value: $171,600 (48% own)
- Median rent: $825 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $47,221
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Junior High School (A), Greenbrier Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (A-), St. Joseph School (B+), Childcare Network Conway Highway 365 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 420 Janan Ct, Conway ($834,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $171,600 (48% own)
- Median rent: $825 (52% rent)
- Median household income: $47,221
- Top public schools: Greenbrier Wooster Elementary School (A), Greenbrier Junior High School (A), Greenbrier Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Conway Christian School (A-), St. Joseph School (B+), Childcare Network Conway Highway 365 (unavailable)
- Pictured: 420 Janan Ct, Conway ($834,900, 5 bedrooms)
#13. Shannon Hills
- Population: 3,837
- Median home value: $141,500 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,086 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $69,461
- Top public schools: Robert L. Davis Elementary School (A), Bryant Middle School (A), Bryant High School (A-)
- Pictured: 10123 Dublin Dr, Mabelvale ($165,500, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $141,500 (89% own)
- Median rent: $1,086 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $69,461
- Top public schools: Robert L. Davis Elementary School (A), Bryant Middle School (A), Bryant High School (A-)
- Pictured: 10123 Dublin Dr, Mabelvale ($165,500, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Bryant
- Population: 20,231
- Median home value: $165,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $882 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $66,688
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Arkansas Christian Academy (C), Childcare Network Bryant N Prickett Road (unavailable), Childcare Network Bryant Prickett Road (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7217 Havenwood, Benton ($405,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $165,400 (67% own)
- Median rent: $882 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $66,688
- Top public schools: Bethel Middle School (A), Collegeville Elementary School (A), Springhill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Arkansas Christian Academy (C), Childcare Network Bryant N Prickett Road (unavailable), Childcare Network Bryant Prickett Road (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7217 Havenwood, Benton ($405,000, 4 bedrooms)
#11. Tontitown
- Population: 3,677
- Median home value: $265,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,092 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $73,009
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Central Park at Morning Star (A), Hellstern Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 1512 Asbury Ln, Springdale ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $265,300 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,092 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $73,009
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Central Park at Morning Star (A), Hellstern Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 1512 Asbury Ln, Springdale ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#10. Rogers
- Population: 66,344
- Median home value: $178,000 (58% own)
- Median rent: $898 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $61,551
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Classical Christian Academy (A), St. Vincent de Paul School (unavailable), First Baptist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2 S Bruce Lietzke Ct, Rogers ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $178,000 (58% own)
- Median rent: $898 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $61,551
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Providence Classical Christian Academy (A), St. Vincent de Paul School (unavailable), First Baptist Christian School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2 S Bruce Lietzke Ct, Rogers ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#9. Elm Springs
- Population: 2,399
- Median home value: $294,900 (91% own)
- Median rent: $731 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $106,875
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Har-Ber High School (A), Bernice Young Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1520 Elm Ridge Dr, Springdale ($649,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $294,900 (91% own)
- Median rent: $731 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $106,875
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Har-Ber High School (A), Bernice Young Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1520 Elm Ridge Dr, Springdale ($649,900, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Lowell
- Population: 9,175
- Median home value: $157,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $836 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $68,438
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Hunt Elementary School (A), Har-Ber High School (A)
- Top private schools: Grace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15789 Cow Face Rd, Lowell ($700,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $157,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $836 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $68,438
- Top public schools: Hellstern Middle School (A), Hunt Elementary School (A), Har-Ber High School (A)
- Top private schools: Grace Lutheran Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 15789 Cow Face Rd, Lowell ($700,000, 3 bedrooms)
#7. Fayetteville
- Population: 85,166
- Median home value: $207,600 (37% own)
- Median rent: $799 (63% rent)
- Median household income: $43,690
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (A+), Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Fayetteville Christian School (A-), Prism Education Center (A), The New School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2991 S City Lake Rd, Fayetteville ($5.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $207,600 (37% own)
- Median rent: $799 (63% rent)
- Median household income: $43,690
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy (A+), Fayetteville High School (A), McNair Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Fayetteville Christian School (A-), Prism Education Center (A), The New School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2991 S City Lake Rd, Fayetteville ($5.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Bella Vista
- Population: 28,539
- Median home value: $168,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $942 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $67,550
- Top public schools: Bentonville High School (A+), Washington Junior High School (A), Lincoln Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 7 Skye Ln, Bella Vista ($875,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $168,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $942 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $67,550
- Top public schools: Bentonville High School (A+), Washington Junior High School (A), Lincoln Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 7 Skye Ln, Bella Vista ($875,000, 3 bedrooms)
#5. Greenwood
- Population: 9,387
- Median home value: $136,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $744 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $57,500
- Top public schools: Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A), East Pointe Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1117 S Highway 253, Greenwood ($460,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $136,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $744 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $57,500
- Top public schools: Westwood Elementary School (A), Greenwood Junior High School (A), East Pointe Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 1117 S Highway 253, Greenwood ($460,000, 5 bedrooms)
#4. Centerton
- Population: 14,203
- Median home value: $185,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $75,631
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bentonville West High School (A)
- Top private schools: Life Way Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 3611 Oak Tree Dr, Centerton ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,400 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,091 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $75,631
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bentonville West High School (A)
- Top private schools: Life Way Christian School (A-)
- Pictured: 3611 Oak Tree Dr, Centerton ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Johnson
- Population: 3,707
- Median home value: $168,700 (50% own)
- Median rent: $903 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $69,211
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Hellstern Middle School (A), Woodland Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 4438 Caddo Ln, Fayetteville ($999,999, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $168,700 (50% own)
- Median rent: $903 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $69,211
- Top public schools: Fayetteville High School (A), Hellstern Middle School (A), Woodland Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 4438 Caddo Ln, Fayetteville ($999,999, 4 bedrooms)
#2. Bentonville
- Population: 49,467
- Median home value: $232,600 (54% own)
- Median rent: $955 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $80,392
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Bentonville (A+), Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (A-), Bentonville Adventist School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Bentonville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10401 Hoot Owl Rd, Bentonville ($2.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $232,600 (54% own)
- Median rent: $955 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $80,392
- Top public schools: Haas Hall Academy Bentonville (A+), Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Thaden School (A-), Bentonville Adventist School (unavailable), Cadence Academy Preschool - Bentonville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10401 Hoot Owl Rd, Bentonville ($2.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
#1. Cave Springs
- Population: 4,359
- Median home value: $309,600 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $134,740
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 1114 Argyll Ln, Cave Springs ($685,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $309,600 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $134,740
- Top public schools: Fulbright Junior High School (A+), Bentonville High School (A+), Bright Field Middle School (A)
- Pictured: 1114 Argyll Ln, Cave Springs ($685,000, 5 bedrooms)
