Is Crossett Safe, Pros and cons of living in Crossett

Crossett, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and industrial heritage. Nestled in Southeast Arkansas, this community provides a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking a close-knit environment. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with the forest products industry, which continues to be a significant presence. Residents often describe a strong sense of connection, where community ties and family history play a central role in daily life.

This guide explores the various facets of living in Crossett, from its safety and cost of living to its employment opportunities and climate. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Arkansas city. The following sections delve into the specifics, offering a comprehensive overview for potential new residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Crossett?

Crossett’s overall crime rate is a significant concern, standing at 48.44 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to Crime Grade). This rate is considerably higher than both the national average and the state average. The city has a crime safety grade of D+, indicating that its crime rate is much higher than that of the average U.S. city (as reported by DoorProfit). Crossett ranks in the 10th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 10% of U.S. cities (as per Crime Grade).

Violent crime rates in Crossett are particularly elevated, with 35 reported violent crimes in a recent period, translating to 777 per 100,000 individuals. This figure is 116.3% higher than the national average (as per AreaVibes). Property crimes also present a challenge, with 128 reported instances, amounting to 2,840 per 100,000 residents, which is 61.4% higher than the U.S. average (as per AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout reports that your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Crossett is 1 in 129, and property crime is 1 in 35.

Housing and Cost of Living

Crossett stands out for its remarkable affordability, particularly in its housing market. The median home value is approximately $102,500, a figure substantially lower than the national average (as reported by Kurby AI). Median rent is also considerably lower, at around $600 per month compared to the national average of $1,163 (according to Kurby AI). Overall, the cost of living in Crossett is 16% lower than the national average (as per Area Vibes). Housing costs specifically are about 47% lower than the national average (as per Area Vibes).

The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100, and Crossett’s index reflects significant savings. Housing expenses are a primary driver of this affordability, with monthly costs for a single person estimated at $827 and $1,516 for a family of four, representing a 31.1% decrease from the U.S. average (according to Salary.com). Food, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also below the national average, contributing to Crossett being one of America’s least expensive cities (as reported by Salary.com).

Home Prices and Rental Trends

The Crossett housing market presents attractive opportunities for buyers and investors. The median listing price for homes is around $158,900, with homes typically selling for about 92% of the asking price (as per realtor.com®). Year-over-year, Crossett has seen a significant increase in median home prices, with a 22.51% rise (as reported by realtor.com®). The inventory of homes for sale is modest but active, with approximately 50 listings available at any given time (according to realtor.com®).

For renters, Crossett offers substantial savings compared to national averages. The median rent is $600 per month, making it a very accessible option for many (as reported by Kurby AI). This affordability extends to various housing types, with original company homes, bungalows, and midcentury ranch-style homes being common styles on residential streets (according to Homes.com). The median list price for homes is approximately $150,000, which is considerably lower than the median for Arkansas overall (as reported by Homes.com).

Job Market and Economy

Crossett’s economy is supported by several key industries, with healthcare and social assistance employing the largest number of people, followed by retail trade and educational services (as reported by Data USA). Transportation and warehousing offer the highest-paying jobs, with an average salary of $53,500, followed by finance and insurance at $50,750, and manufacturing at $50,729 (according to Data USA). The employment sector has shown growth, with a 3.58% increase in jobs from the previous year (as per Data USA).

Major employers in Crossett include Georgia-Pacific, a significant player in the paper mill industry, though it has experienced downsizing in recent years (as per Wikipedia). Other notable employers include Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, and Frito-Lay (according to Indeed.com). The average salary in Crossett is approximately $57,470 annually, which equates to about $27.63 per hour (as per ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a lower average salary, with Zippia reporting $36,000 annually or $17.31 per hour (as per Zippia).

Employment Sectors and Opportunities

The primary employment sectors for Crossett residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as per Data USA). Within these sectors, common job groups include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations, and Education Instruction & Library Occupations (according to Data USA). The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services offers various resources for job seekers, including job search assistance and career counseling (as per Arkansas Workforce Connections).

While Crossett offers employment opportunities, the average salaries can be lower than national averages. The median household income in Crossett is reported as $44,672 (according to Point2Homes), with an average per capita income of $37,137 (as per Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Arkansas was 4.3% in March 2026 (as per USAFacts), indicating a relatively stable job market within the state.

Climate and Environment

Crossett experiences a climate characterized by long, hot summers and short, cold, and wet winters. The summers, from May to September, are typically hot and oppressive, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F (as per Time and Date). July is the hottest month, with average highs of 93°F and lows of 73°F (according to Time and Date).

Winters are cool and wet, with average daily high temperatures below 62°F from November to February. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 38°F and highs of 55°F (as per Time and Date). Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with December receiving the most rain, averaging 4.9 inches, while August receives the least, with 2.6 inches (according to Time and Date). The chance of a wet day is higher from February to August, with May having the most wet days.

Education and Demographics

Crossett School District serves the educational needs of the community, comprising three public schools with approximately 1,629 students (as per Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is 2 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of school districts in Arkansas (as reported by Public School Review). Math proficiency scores average 21%, and reading proficiency scores average 22%, which are below the state averages (according to Public School Review).

The population of Crossett is approximately 4,639 residents (as of recent estimates, per Point2Homes). The racial composition is diverse, with 51.8% identifying as White, 42.6% as Black or African American, and 4.4% as Multiracial (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Crossett is 45 years, with a notable portion of the population aged 65 or older (as per Point2Homes). The town’s population has seen a slight decline in recent years.