Is De Queen Safe, Pros and cons of living in De Queen
De Queen, Arkansas, located in Sevier County, is a small city with a population of approximately 6,058 residents as of the most recent data. This community offers a distinct lifestyle, characterized by a more relaxed pace and a strong sense of local connection. De Queen is known for its affordability, with costs of living generally lower than the national average, particularly in housing.
The city’s demographic profile shows a median age of 32.2 years, with a significant portion of its population being Hispanic or Latino. This diversity is a notable characteristic of De Queen, reflecting broader demographic trends in the region. The community is a blend of suburban and rural elements, with most residents renting their homes.
Is it Safe to Live in De Queen?
When considering a move to De Queen, understanding the safety landscape is paramount. The city’s crime rate is a key factor for potential residents evaluating its safety. While specific crime statistics can vary, it’s important to examine the available data to form a comprehensive picture.
De Queen has a crime rate that is reported to be 9% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. However, other analyses indicate that the overall crime rate is 57% above the national average, with De Queen having a higher crime rate than 90% of major U.S. cities. The chance of being a victim of violent crime in De Queen is approximately 1 in 462, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 59. The city’s crime safety grade is C- as of 2026, according to one report.
Violent Crime Statistics
The average violent crime rate in De Queen is reported to be 49.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 53.1% below the national average. Over a five-year period (2019-2023), the city recorded 386 violent crimes. However, specific types of violent crime, such as rape, have an annual rate of 16.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average. Aggravated assault rates are also noted to be higher than the national average.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime in De Queen averages 149.4 per 100,000 residents, which is 8.7% below the national average. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 758 property crimes recorded in the city. The most common property offense is larceny, with burglary and motor vehicle theft also being reported.
Pros and Cons of Living in De Queen
De Queen presents a unique set of advantages and disadvantages for those considering a move. The city’s affordability is a significant draw, offering a lower cost of living compared to many other areas in the United States. This economic advantage can make homeownership and daily living more accessible for residents.
However, the city’s safety profile, as indicated by varied crime statistics, warrants careful consideration. While some data suggests a lower overall crime rate than the national average, other reports highlight higher-than-average rates for certain types of crime. This disparity in reported crime rates suggests that potential residents should conduct thorough research into specific neighborhoods and local safety trends.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in De Queen is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing costs are particularly notable, with a median home value reported around $109,600. The median rent is approximately $757 per month.
Overall monthly expenses for a single person in De Queen are estimated at $1,946, and for a family of four, around $4,395. These figures are considerably lower than the national average, contributing to De Queen’s reputation as an affordable place to live. Food, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs also tend to be below the national average.
Job Market and Economy
De Queen’s job market is supported by a workforce of approximately 2,514 residents. The most common employment sectors include manufacturing, construction, and healthcare and social assistance. Pilgrim’s Pride, a major poultry processing plant, is a significant employer in the area. Other notable employers include Walmart, AutoZone, and the De Queen School District.
The median household income in De Queen was reported at $52,522 in 2024. The unemployment rate in De Queen stands at 4.8%, which is considered typical for the area. This suggests a stable, though not rapidly growing, job market.
Climate
De Queen experiences a climate with distinct seasonal variations. Temperatures typically range from 30°F to 94°F throughout the year. The summers are hot and can feel uncomfortably humid from June to August, with average high temperatures around 92°F in July. Winters are short and can be very cold, with average low temperatures around 32°F in January.
The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 54 inches. May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 12.3 days experiencing precipitation. Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 3 inches per year. The climate is generally considered partly cloudy year-round.
Education in De Queen
The De Queen School District serves the city’s student population, offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. According to state test scores, 45% of students are proficient in math and 36% in reading. The district’s graduation rate is reported at 95%.
De Queen High School is rated with an A-minus, while Dequeen Junior High School and Dequeen Primary School also receive high ratings from Niche. The De Queen School District is ranked among the top 20% of all school districts in Arkansas for its overall performance and proficiency testing data. Minority enrollment in the district is high, with a majority of students being Hispanic.
Demographics of De Queen
De Queen is home to approximately 6,058 residents, with a projected population of 5,874 by 2026. The city’s population has seen a slight decline in recent years. The median age in De Queen is 32.2 years.
The racial and ethnic makeup of De Queen is diverse. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute the largest group, making up 62.2% of the population. White residents account for about 24.7% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 5.4%. A significant portion of residents, 23.3% as of 2024, were born outside the country.
Housing and Living Arrangements
De Queen has 2,161 households, with an average of three members per household. The homeownership rate is 46.9%, indicating that a majority of residents rent their homes. The median property value in De Queen was $109,600 in 2024.
The average commute time for residents is 20.3 minutes, with most people driving alone to work. Car ownership is common, with an average of two cars per household. The city has a Walk Score of 2 out of 100, underscoring its car dependency.
Income and Poverty
The median household income in De Queen was $52,522 in 2024. Households led by individuals aged 45 to 64 report the highest median income, at $86,094. Despite the median income, 11.1% of De Queen families live in poverty, and 17.15% of residents live below the poverty line.
The rent-to-income ratio in the area is 20.8%, indicating the portion of earnings spent on housing expenses. For renters, the median household income was $43,605 according to 2022 data.
Major Employers in De Queen
The economic landscape of De Queen is shaped by several key employers, with Pilgrim’s Pride being a dominant force in the region due to its large poultry processing plant and hatchery. This industry significantly impacts employment and the local economy.
Other substantial employers in De Queen include Walmart, which operates a supercenter, and the De Queen School District, providing numerous educational positions. Additionally, companies like AutoZone and Dollar General have a presence, contributing to the diverse employment opportunities within the city. Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas also plays a role in the local job market and educational landscape.