Is Hot Springs Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hot Springs

Hot Springs, Arkansas, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and a relaxed pace of life. Known for its thermal springs and the historic Bathhouse Row, the city draws visitors year-round. For those considering a move, understanding the local landscape, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is crucial.

This guide delves into the essential aspects of life in Hot Springs, providing a comprehensive overview for potential residents. It covers everything from the practicalities of daily living to the broader community atmosphere, aiming to equip you with the information needed to make an informed decision about calling Hot Springs home.

Is it Safe to Live in Hot Springs?

Hot Springs presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are notably higher than national averages. The overall crime rate in Hot Springs is 121.65% higher than the national average, with a rate of 4697 per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This means residents have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of crime in the city.

Breaking down the statistics, violent crimes in Hot Springs are 49% higher than the national average, and property crimes are 136.5% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout reports that Hot Springs has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation and experiences one of the higher murder rates when compared to cities of all sizes. However, it’s important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, with some areas being considerably safer than others (according to NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Hot Springs is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Overall, the cost of living is approximately 7% lower than the national average (according to Payscale and Apartments.com). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this lower cost, with housing being about 20.5% less expensive than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

For homeowners, the median home price in Hot Springs was $208,000 as of March 2026 (according to Redfin). For renters, the average rent for an apartment in Hot Springs is around $805 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This includes an average of $678 for a studio, $805 for a one-bedroom, and $913 for a two-bedroom apartment. These figures suggest that housing costs are considerably more accessible in Hot Springs compared to many other parts of the country.

Housing Market Trends

The housing market in Hot Springs has seen some fluctuations. As of March 2026, home prices were up 8.4% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $208,000 (according to Redfin). Homes are selling, on average, after 127 days on the market, which is longer than the previous year’s average of 98 days. This indicates a market that is not overly competitive, offering potential buyers more time to consider their options.

Rental prices have also seen changes, with the average rent decreasing by $105 month-over-month and $255 year-over-year, settling at $1,245 as of April 2026 (according to Zillow). However, other sources indicate a slightly different average rent, with Apartments.com reporting $805 per month as of May 2026. This range in reported rental averages might reflect different methodologies or specific property types included in the calculations.

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Hot Springs offers a range of opportunities, with a notable presence in healthcare, retail, and hospitality. The unemployment rate in Hot Springs was 4.7% as of 2026 (according to Data Commons), which is lower than the long-term average of 6.82% (according to YCharts). This suggests a relatively stable employment landscape.

Major employers in the area include CHI St. Vincent-Hot Springs, with 1,258 employees, and Walmart, with 799 employees across five stores (according to the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce). National Park Medical Center is another significant employer, with 913 employees. Other key employers include the City of Hot Springs, Hot Springs School District, and Garland County.

Average Salary and Income

The average annual salary in Hot Springs is approximately $45,809 as of April 2026, translating to about $22.02 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $47,760 (according to Point2Homes and Data Commons). The U.S. Census Bureau reported an average annual household income of $65,400 in 2024.

Salaries can vary widely depending on the occupation and experience level. Top-paying jobs in Hot Springs can include those in specialized medical fields. The median individual income in Hot Springs was $30,316 in 2024 (according to Data Commons).

Climate and Weather

Hot Springs experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold, wet winters, with the weather being partly cloudy year-round. The temperature typically ranges from 33°F to 92°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 20°F or exceeding 100°F (according to Time and Date). The summer season, from June to September, sees average daily high temperatures above 84°F, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 92°F and a low of 72°F.

The cooler winter season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 59°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 33°F and a high of 52°F. Spring and fall typically bring the most rainfall, and the area can experience sudden weather changes, including severe weather at any time of year, with a higher potential for tornadoes in the springtime (according to the National Park Service).

Education and Schools

Hot Springs offers a range of educational options for its residents, including public and private schools. The Lakeside School District in Hot Springs is a highly rated public school district with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 52% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading within this district.

Among the notable institutions is the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, a public school for grades 10-12, which receives a high rating. Gospel Light Christian School is a highly-rated private school option. For higher education, National Park College is a significant institution in the area.

Demographics

Hot Springs has a population of approximately 37,971 residents as of 2024 (according to Data Commons). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 66.6% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 15.6%, and Hispanic at 10.8% (according to Point2Homes). White, non-Hispanic residents constitute the largest ethnic group, numbering around 79.3k people within a larger metropolitan area population of 100k (according to Data USA).

The median age in Hot Springs is 45.3 years (according to Data Commons and Point2Homes). The gender distribution shows a slightly higher proportion of females, with approximately 54% female and 46% male residents (according to Niche). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 96.6% as of 2024 (according to Data USA).