Is Arkansas City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Arkansas City

Arkansas City, located in Desha County, Arkansas, presents a unique profile for potential residents. This town offers a glimpse into a more rural American lifestyle, with a distinct demographic makeup and a cost of living that stands apart from national averages. Understanding the nuances of daily life, from safety to economic opportunities, is key for anyone considering a move to this part of the state.

The community’s character is shaped by its population, economic landscape, and environmental conditions. This article delves into these aspects, providing a comprehensive overview to assist those contemplating Arkansas City as their new home. We will explore the safety of the area, the financial considerations of living there, and the broader environment that defines life in Arkansas City.

Is it Safe to Live in Arkansas City?

Arkansas City, AR, has a crime rate that is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Arkansas City is 1 in 39 (NeighborhoodScout). Based on FBI crime data, Arkansas City is not considered one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Kansas, Arkansas City has a crime rate that is higher than 93% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout).

The violent crime rate in Arkansas City is 4 per one thousand inhabitants, with a property crime rate of 22 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). This makes Arkansas City a place where there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of a property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (NeighborhoodScout). The crime rate in Arkansas City is 44.02 per 1,000 residents in the typical year (CrimeGrade). Residents generally consider the west part of the city to be the safest (CrimeGrade).

Crime Statistics

Violent crime statistics for Arkansas City include an assault rate of 333.3, a murder rate of 0, and a rape rate of 42.7, compared to national averages of 282.7, 6.1, and 40.7, respectively (Niche). Robbery rates stand at 25.6, while the national average is 135.5 (Niche). For property crime statistics, the burglary rate is 401.7, and the overall property crime rate is 1,632.5 (Niche).

The total projected cost of crime in Arkansas City for 2025 is $370,318, translating to approximately $908 per resident (CrimeGrade). These figures reflect tangible costs, including the criminal justice system, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contribution from offenders (CrimeGrade).

Cost of Living and Housing in Arkansas City

The cost of living in Arkansas City, KS, is notably lower than the national average. It is approximately 21% less expensive than the national average and 8% less expensive than the average city in Kansas (ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability is a significant draw for those looking to manage expenses, with particular savings noted in food, transportation, housing, and healthcare costs (ERI Economic Research Institute).

The median home value in Arkansas City, KS, is $76,750 (Livability.com). The median monthly rent is $516 (Livability.com), though more recent data indicates an average rent of $780 per month for all property types (Zillow). Rental prices can range from $500 to $1,095 (Zillow). For those considering a move, understanding these housing costs is crucial for budgeting.

Housing Market Trends

The Arkansas City housing market is described as somewhat competitive. In March 2026, home prices were up 60.5% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $153,000 (Redfin). Homes in Arkansas City sell after an average of 79 days on the market, an increase from 50 days the previous year (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $87, up 5.5% since last year (Redfin).

For renters, the average rent in Arkansas City, KS, is $701 per month as of May 2026 (Apartments.com). This is 57% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages $701 per month, while a two-bedroom averages around $826 (Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

The average salary in Arkansas City, Kansas, is approximately $57,147 per year or $27 per hour, according to ERI SalaryExpert. ZipRecruiter reports a slightly different average of $42,668 per year or $20.51 per hour as of May 2026 (ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Arkansas City typically range between $33,982 and $64,197 annually (ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Arkansas City, KS, is currently 92.96% employment rate, indicating a low unemployment level (BestNeighborhood.org). Statewide, Arkansas had a jobless rate of 4.4% in February 2026 (USAFacts). Major employers in the broader Arkansas City, KS area include GE, Dollar General, Ferguson Enterprises, and BNSF Railway, among others (Lensa).

Major Employers

While specific major employers for Arkansas City itself are not detailed in the provided search results, broader Arkansas employment data points to key industries. In the state of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is a significant public employer (Arkansas Business). Walmart and Tyson Foods are also among the largest employers in Arkansas (Zippia, Arkansas Business).

Within the Kansas region, companies like GE Aviation and GE Appliances are noted (Lensa). For a more localized understanding, consulting local economic development resources would be beneficial.

Climate and Weather

Arkansas City, KS, experiences a climate with significant seasonal variations. Temperatures typically range from 22°F to 92°F throughout the year (Livability.com). The average annual rainfall is approximately 38 inches, with an average annual snowfall of 5 inches (Livability.com).

Summers are generally hot, muggy, wet, and mostly clear, while winters are very cold, snowy, windy, and partly cloudy (Weather and Climate). The hottest month is July, with an average high of 93°F and a low of 72°F. January is the coldest month, with an average low of 26°F and a high of 46°F (Weather and Climate).

Precipitation and Snowfall

The average annual precipitation in Arkansas City is 38 inches (Livability.com). The wettest month is May, with an average monthly precipitation of 6 inches (myPerfectWeather). In contrast, January experiences much drier conditions, with 13 mm of snow/rainfall spread across 3 days (Weather and Climate).

The snowy period of the year lasts for about four months, typically from December to March. The month with the most snowfall is December, with an average of 2.0 inches (myPerfectWeather). Arkansas City receives an annual snowfall of approximately 6 inches (myPerfectWeather).

School Ratings and Demographics

Arkansas City Unified School District, serving PK-12 students, has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). According to state test scores, 18% of students are proficient in math and 22% in reading (Niche). Arkansas City High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all schools in Kansas for overall test scores (Public School Review).

The diversity score of Arkansas City High School is 0.59, which is slightly higher than the state average of 0.57 (Public School Review). Minority enrollment in the school district is 46% of the student body (Public School Review).

Demographic Overview

Arkansas City, AR, has an estimated population of 456, a notable increase from the 376 recorded in the 2020 Census (Census Dots). The population is predominantly White (57.0%) and Black or African American (42.1%), with a smaller percentage identifying as multiracial (Census Dots). The median age in Arkansas City is 46.8 years (World Population Review).

For every 100 females, there are 142.6 males in Arkansas City (World Population Review). Approximately 16.7% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (Data USA). The largest demographic living in poverty consists of males aged 45-54 (Data USA).