Is Pea Ridge Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pea Ridge
Pea Ridge, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and growing opportunities, nestled in the scenic Ozark Mountains. This city provides a compelling option for those seeking a quieter pace of life while remaining connected to the broader economic landscape of Northwest Arkansas. With its rich history, including its pivotal role in the Civil War, Pea Ridge also boasts a strong sense of community and a connection to its past.
The city is strategically located, offering residents access to larger metropolitan areas for broader employment and cultural experiences, yet maintains its distinct identity. This balance makes Pea Ridge an attractive prospect for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Understanding the various facets of living in Pea Ridge, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, is key for anyone considering a move to this burgeoning Arkansas community.
Is it Safe to Live in Pea Ridge?
Pea Ridge generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 54.7% lower than the national average, with property crimes being significantly lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crime rates in Pea Ridge are also lower than the national average, though they are slightly higher than the average for Arkansas as a whole (according to AreaVibes and Crime Explorer).
While the majority of the city is considered safe, specific neighborhoods may have varying crime statistics. Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with the north neighborhoods having fewer incidents compared to central areas (according to CrimeGrade.org and Crime Explorer). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Pea Ridge varies by neighborhood, with some offering a lower risk than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Pea Ridge
The cost of living in Pea Ridge is generally considered favorable, being slightly lower than the national average. Overall living costs are approximately 2% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), but this can vary by expense category. Housing expenses in Pea Ridge are notably lower than the national average, at about 23% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Transportation expenses are also lower than the national average, by about 7% (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly below the national average, by approximately 6% (as reported by Payscale). However, utility prices are marginally higher than the national average, by about 1% (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing in Pea Ridge presents a mixed picture with varying reports on its relation to national averages. The median home value is reported at $157,599 (according to Point2Homes) and also $278,375 (according to Livability.com), suggesting a range depending on the data source and time of reporting. The median listing price is around $429.9K, with a median price per square foot of $209 (according to realtor.com®).
Rental prices in Pea Ridge are also competitive. The median rental price is approximately $1,900 per month (according to Zumper and realtor.com®), which is about 10% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This indicates a robust rental market with consistent demand.
Income and Salary
The median household income in Pea Ridge is notably higher than the state average and the national average. One report indicates a median household income of $88,942 (according to Point2Homes), while another states it as $95,521 (according to Data USA and Census Data). This reflects a strong earning potential for residents within the city.
The average annual salary for employees in Pea Ridge is estimated to be around $78,055, with a typical range of $68,259 to $89,308 (as reported by Salary.com). Another source estimates the average annual salary at $103,360, with a range of $90,820 to $117,000 (according to ZipRecruiter). These figures suggest a healthy job market with competitive compensation.
Job Market and Economy
Pea Ridge’s economy is closely tied to the broader economic landscape of Northwest Arkansas, which is a hub for major corporations. Many residents are employed by large industrial and commercial firms in nearby Rogers and Bentonville (as reported by Encyclopedia of Arkansas).
Key industries in Pea Ridge include Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). The region is known for its strong presence in retail, food, and logistics, with major companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt Transport headquartered nearby (as reported by Northwest Arkansas Workforce Development Area). This provides a diverse range of employment opportunities for Pea Ridge residents.
Major Employers
Major employers in and around Pea Ridge reflect the economic strengths of the region. Walmart, a global retail giant, is a significant employer in Northwest Arkansas (as reported by Indeed.com). Other notable employers in the vicinity include Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt Transport (as reported by Northwest Arkansas Workforce Development Area).
Within Pea Ridge itself, common employers include retail stores, fast-food establishments, and service providers. Companies like Dollar General, McDonald’s, and O’Reilly Auto Parts are present in the city (as reported by Indeed.com). The presence of these diverse businesses contributes to the local employment landscape.
Climate and Weather
Pea Ridge experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and muggy, while winters are cold with some snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Wikipedia). The average annual temperature ranges from approximately 28°F to 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city receives a substantial amount of precipitation throughout the year. Annual precipitation averages around 47 inches (as reported by Livability.com) to 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with May often being the wettest month. Snowfall averages about 14 inches annually (as reported by Livability.com).
Temperature and Rainfall
Summer temperatures in Pea Ridge can be quite warm, with average high temperatures reaching into the high 80s°F in July and August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hot season generally lasts from June to September. Winter temperatures are cold, with average lows in January around 25°F to 28°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Wikipedia).
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with May typically seeing the most rain, averaging around 4.8 inches (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Pea Ridge Arkansas). January tends to be the driest month, with about 1.6 inches of rain (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Pea Ridge Arkansas).
Education and Schools
Pea Ridge School District serves the educational needs of the community and is recognized for its performance within the state. The district is ranked within the top 20% of all school districts in Arkansas, based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data (as reported by Public School Review). This indicates a strong commitment to academic achievement.
The district boasts a high graduation rate, which has shown an increase over recent school years (as reported by Public School Review). Students in the Pea Ridge School District demonstrate proficiency scores in math and reading that are above the Arkansas public school average (as reported by Public School Review).
School Ratings and Performance
Pea Ridge School District has earned a B overall grade on Niche, reflecting its quality of education and student environment. The district is ranked among the best in Arkansas for its teachers and overall district performance (as reported by Niche). Pea Ridge High School also receives a B rating, recognized for its academic offerings and student body (as reported by Niche).
Individual schools within the district, such as Pea Ridge Primary School, also receive positive ratings, indicating a consistent standard of education across grade levels (as reported by Niche and Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is high, placing it in the top tier of public schools in Arkansas (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics
Pea Ridge has a growing population, with a projected population of 9,464 in 2026 (as reported by Census Data). The city is home to a diverse population, with White residents forming the largest racial group, followed by those of Two or More races and Hispanic ethnicity (as reported by Data USA and Census Data).
The median age in Pea Ridge is around 33 years, indicating a mix of younger families and established residents (as reported by Point2Homes and Wikipedia). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with approximately 50% males and 50% females (as reported by Point2Homes).
Population and Diversity
As of recent estimates, Pea Ridge has a population of around 8,108 residents (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The population has seen significant growth, increasing by over 79% since the 2020 census (as reported by Data USA). This growth suggests an increasing appeal for the city.
The racial composition of Pea Ridge is predominantly White, making up about 62.3% of the population, with significant percentages of residents identifying as Two or More races (15.2%) and Hispanic (13.2%) (as reported by Census Data). A smaller percentage of the population identifies as African American (3.8%) or of Asian descent (0.9%) (as reported by Point2Homes).