Is West Memphis Safe, Pros and cons of living in West Memphis
West Memphis, Arkansas, is a city with a distinct character shaped by its location along the Mississippi River and its proximity to Memphis, Tennessee. It serves as a significant point of entry into Arkansas and has a history as a railroad hub. The city’s economy is influenced by logistics, manufacturing, and distribution, with major employers contributing to its economic landscape. West Memphis is part of the larger Memphis metropolitan area, offering residents access to a wider range of amenities and opportunities.
The demographics of West Memphis reveal a diverse population, with a significant African American presence. The city has a median age that suggests a mix of younger and older residents, contributing to its community fabric. Understanding the various facets of West Memphis, from its economic drivers to its social makeup, provides a comprehensive view for those considering a move to this Arkansas city.
Is it Safe to Live in West Memphis?
West Memphis faces significant challenges regarding crime rates, which are considerably above the national average (as reported by Wikipedia). The city has one of the highest murder rates in the nation, with a rate of 72.0 per 100,000 residents, which is more than 11 times the national average (according to FBI data for 2024). Overall crime rates are also substantially higher than the national average, with a total crime rate of 6,584.2 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000 (according to FBI data for 2024).
Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in West Memphis is approximately 1 in 52, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 21 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city ranks very low in safety when compared to other cities in Arkansas and across the United States, placing it in the 1st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 1% of U.S. cities. Residents often consider the western part of the city to be the safest, with crime rates varying by neighborhood.
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in West Memphis presents a more affordable option compared to national averages. The median home value in West Memphis is approximately $131,757, showing an increase of 5.8% over the past year (according to Zillow). Other reports indicate a prevailing median home value of $84,600, which is significantly lower than both the state and national medians (as reported by HouseCashin). The median listing home price is around $169,900 (as reported by Realtor.com).
Rental prices in West Memphis are also considerably lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is around $776 per month, which has increased by 7.81% over the past year (as reported by RentCafe). However, other sources indicate a lower average rent of $664 per month, with a 0.5% decrease in the last year (according to Apartments.com). Zillow reports a higher average rent of $1,350, though still 32.5% lower than the national average. A significant portion of West Memphis households are renter-occupied, with 55% of homes being rented (as reported by RentCafe).
Job Market and Major Employers
West Memphis’s economy is driven by a mix of industries, including logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers in the city include Schneider National Carriers, Southland Park Gaming & Racing, Family Dollar Distribution, FedEx National LTL, and Robert Bosch Power Tools (as noted by Wikipedia). Other significant employers include the West Memphis School District and Arkansas State University Mid-South (as indicated by MakeMyMove).
The unemployment rate in West Memphis was 6.9% as of February 2026, which is slightly lower than the previous month and higher than the previous year (according to YCharts). The labor force consists of approximately 9,947 people (as reported by ZoomProspector). Major employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (as indicated by Data USA). Occupations in office and administrative support, material moving, and sales are also prevalent (according to Data USA).
Climate and Weather Patterns
West Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are long, hot, and muggy, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 90-91°F (32-33°C) and average lows around 72-73°F (22°C) (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Time and Date). Winters are short and cool, with average high temperatures in January around 49°F (9°C) and average lows around 32-33°F (0°C) (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Time and Date).
The city receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an annual average of about 54 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Livability.com). April and May are typically the wettest months, with May receiving an average of 188 mm (7.4 inches) of rain (as reported by Time and Date and Weather and Climate). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of around 2-3 inches annually (as reported by Livability.com). The best times to visit for comfortable weather are generally from April to May and mid-September to October, with daily high temperatures between 65ºF and 86ºF (18°C and 30°C) and low humidity (as noted by myPerfectWeather).
Education in West Memphis
The West Memphis School District serves most of the city, providing education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (as mentioned by Wikipedia). Key schools in the district include Academies of West Memphis High School, East Junior High School, West Junior High School, Wonder Junior High School, and Bragg Elementary School (as noted by Wikipedia). West Memphis also has private school options, such as West Memphis Christian School and St. Michael’s Catholic School (as mentioned by Wikipedia).
Higher education is available through Arkansas State University Mid-South, a community college located in West Memphis that offers associate’s degrees and certificates (as reported by MakeMyMove and ZoomProspector). The institution serves a considerable number of students, with a focus on various degree programs (as indicated by Data USA). Many residents pursue higher education, with a notable percentage holding associate’s or bachelor’s degrees (as reported by ZoomProspector).
Demographics and Population
As of the 2020 census, West Memphis had a population of 24,520 residents (as reported by Wikipedia). Current estimates suggest a population of around 23,538 in 2024 (according to Data Commons), and projections for 2026 estimate the population at 23,071 (as reported by World Population Review). The city’s population has been declining at a rate of approximately 1% annually (as noted by World Population Review).
The racial makeup of West Memphis is predominantly African American, comprising about 63.3% of the population, followed by White residents at around 33.7% (as reported by Wikipedia). Other sources indicate similar figures, with 63.17% Black or African American and 28.66% White (according to World Population Review). The median age in West Memphis is approximately 34.1 years (as reported by Data Commons and World Population Review).
Cost of Living
West Memphis is considered an affordable city, with a cost of living that is lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to housing, which is approximately 45.3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The median home price in West Memphis is significantly below the state and national averages, with one report placing it at $84,600 (as reported by HouseCashin). Monthly rent is also more budget-friendly, with averages ranging from $664 to $1,350 depending on the source and apartment size (as reported by Apartments.com and Zillow). The median household income is around $42,741 (as reported by Livability.com), with a median after-tax salary of $3813, which is enough to cover living expenses for approximately two months (as noted by Livingcost).
Average Salary and Income
The average annual salary in West Memphis is approximately $42,123, which breaks down to about $20.25 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, another source indicates a higher average salary of $63,477 per year, or $31 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income is reported as $42,674 (according to World Population Review).
Salaries in West Memphis typically range between the 25th percentile of $31,193 and the 75th percentile of $51,527 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the top-paying jobs in the city include Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Surgeon Technicians, and Vet Surgeons (as noted by ZipRecruiter). The cost of living is lower than the national average, meaning that incomes can provide a reasonable standard of living for residents (as reported by AreaVibes).