Is Harrison Safe, Pros and cons of living in Harrison
Moving to a new city involves many considerations, from the cost of living and job market to the quality of schools and overall safety. Harrison, Arkansas, nestled in the Ozark Mountains, offers a unique blend of affordability and natural beauty, making it an attractive option for many. This guide delves into the essential aspects of life in Harrison to help you make an informed decision about whether this charming city is the right fit for your next home.
Understanding the various facets of a city is crucial before making a move. This includes examining economic indicators like the average salary and unemployment rate, assessing housing costs such as median home prices and rent, and understanding the local climate and educational landscape. Furthermore, a look into the city’s demographics provides insight into the community’s composition. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture of what life in Harrison, Arkansas, entails.
Is it Safe to Live in Harrison?
Crime Overview
Harrison’s overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, with some reports indicating it is 1% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). The city experiences an average of 0.78 daily crimes, which includes both violent and property offenses (AreaVibes). While the city’s crime rate is generally considered moderate, specific neighborhoods can vary in their safety levels (DoorProfit).
Violent crimes in Harrison are reported at a rate of 318 per 100,000 individuals, which is 11.5% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Property crimes, however, are slightly higher than the U.S. average, with 1,789 per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 18 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 32 in the southwest (CrimeGrade.org, AreaVibes).
Safety Perceptions and Trends
The crime rate in Harrison is 44.57 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). This figure places Harrison in the 13th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 13% of U.S. cities (CrimeGrade.org). However, other sources suggest the crime rate is moderate compared to national averages, with property crimes like theft and vandalism being more common than violent crimes (DoorProfit).
Recent crime trends indicate that burglaries and vehicle thefts are common concerns. Drug-related offenses are also an area of focus for local law enforcement efforts (DoorProfit). Despite these concerns, the city’s crime map generally shows that most neighborhoods are considered safe for residents and visitors, especially when basic safety precautions are followed (DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Harrison
Housing Expenses
The cost of living in Harrison is significantly lower than the national average, with estimates suggesting it is 12% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Housing costs are a major contributor to this affordability, being 36% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). The median home value in Harrison is approximately $169,600 (Data USA), though other sources place it around $105,900 (HouseCashin) or $146,800 (Kurby AI).
For those looking to rent, the median rent in Harrison is around $750 per month (Zillow, Apartment Finder). This is considerably lower than the national median rent of $1,413 (Niche). Rental prices for houses range between $650 and $1,200, with an average of $750 (Zillow).
Overall Affordability
Harrison’s cost of living index stands at 88, indicating it is 12% less expensive than the national average (AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including food, transportation, and utilities, which are generally less expensive than the U.S. average (ERI Economic Research Institute, Salary.com).
For a single person, monthly living expenses are estimated at $2,255, and for a family of four, it’s approximately $4,966 (Salary.com). This makes Harrison one of America’s least expensive cities for overall living costs (Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
The employment rate in Harrison is generally favorable, with recent data showing employment growth. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Harrison grew at a rate of 2.19%, increasing the number of employees from 19.4k to 19.8k (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (Data USA).
The average annual salary in Harrison is approximately $49,161 as of late April 2026 (ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $23.64 per hour, with most salaries ranging between $32,017 and $64,247 annually (ZipRecruiter). Top-paying jobs in the area include those in Engineering, Nurse Practitioner, and IT fields (ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers and Income
While specific lists of major employers can fluctuate, key sectors like healthcare and manufacturing are significant contributors to the local economy (Data USA). North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and FedEx Freight are noted as employers offering competitive compensation (ReadySetHire).
The median household income in Harrison was reported as $44,056 in 2024 (Data USA). This median income is slightly higher than some other reports, which placed it around $39,677 (Kurby AI) or $45,248 (Livability.com). A portion of families, around 9.0%, live in poverty (Neilsberg).
Climate in Harrison
Temperature Variations
Harrison experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 27°F to 90°F (myPerfectWeather). The hot season lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 81°F (myPerfectWeather, Weather and Climate).
The coldest month is January, with average lows around 27°F and highs near 46°F (myPerfectWeather). Conversely, July and August are the hottest months, with average highs reaching up to 89°F and lows around 70°F (myPerfectWeather, Weather and Climate).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Harrison has a wet climate, with an average annual precipitation of about 46 inches (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, receiving an average of 4.3 to 5.8 inches of rain over approximately 12 to 13 days (Weather and Climate, Extreme Weather Watch). The driest month is generally January or February, with around 2.0 to 2.42 inches of precipitation (Weather and Climate, Extreme Weather Watch).
Snowfall is minimal, with an average annual accumulation of about 3 to 9 inches (Livability.com, myPerfectWeather). The snowy period typically lasts from December to March, with February often seeing the most snowfall (myPerfectWeather).
Education in Harrison
School District Performance
The Harrison School District is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top in Arkansas. For the 2026 school year, it serves approximately 2,746 students across five public schools (Niche). The district boasts an average testing ranking of 10/10, placing it in the top 5% of public school districts in Arkansas (Niche, Public School Review).
Students in Harrison public schools demonstrate strong proficiency scores, with an average math proficiency of 58% and a reading proficiency of 59% (Public School Review). These scores are notably higher than the state averages of 39% for math and 40% for reading (Public School Review).
Student Demographics and Schools
The student body in Harrison public schools is less diverse than the state average, with minority enrollment at 10% (Public School Review). This contrasts with the Arkansas public school average of 42% minority enrollment (Public School Review). The district’s graduation rate is high, at 96%, and has shown improvement over recent school years (Public School Review).
Top-ranked schools within the district include Harrison Middle School, Skyline Heights Elementary School, and Forest Heights Elementary School (Public School Review, Niche). Harrison High School itself is rated B+ and is recognized for its student-teacher ratio and athletic programs (Niche).
Demographics of Harrison
Population and Age Distribution
Harrison has a population of approximately 13,350 residents (Point2Homes, Data USA). The city is experiencing growth, with projections indicating a population of around 13,467 by 2026 (Neilsberg). The median age in Harrison is about 41 years old, with a slightly higher proportion of females (51.8%) than males (48.2%) (Point2Homes).
The age distribution shows about 16.3% of the population are children under 15, and 23.4% are 65 or older (Point2Homes). This indicates a balanced demographic with a significant presence of both younger families and a mature population.
Race and Ethnicity
The racial composition of Harrison is predominantly White, making up approximately 93.2% of the population (Point2Homes, Data USA). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages, including individuals identifying with Two or More Races (5.9%), Black or African American (0.2%), and Asian (0.1%) (Point2Homes).
The vast majority of residents, 98.7%, are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (Data USA). A small percentage, 2.11%, of residents were born outside the country (Data USA).