Is Barling Safe, Pros and cons of living in Barling

Barling, Arkansas, is a city situated in Sebastian County, offering a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to the larger metropolitan area of Fort Smith. This location provides residents with a balance of peaceful living and proximity to urban amenities and employment opportunities. The community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a focus on quality of life, making it an attractive option for those considering a move to this part of the Natural State.

The city’s strategic position along the Arkansas River and its numerous community parks and green spaces enhance its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a connection with nature. Easy access to major transportation routes, like Interstate 49, further connects Barling to regional attractions and services, including educational institutions and historical sites in nearby Fort Smith.

Is it Safe to Live in Barling?

Barling, Arkansas, presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant consideration for prospective residents. The overall crime rate in Barling is 35.09 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by MetroStatUSA). While some sources indicate a crime rate that is 43% below the national average, others classify it as high risk with a violent crime rate significantly above the national average (as reported by PlainCrime). Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area, with crime risk varying by neighborhood.

The FBI Uniform Crime Report data indicates a violent crime rate of 354.1 per 100,000 residents in Barling for 2024, which is notably higher than the national average (as reported by PlainCrime). Property crime rates are also a factor to consider. However, some reports suggest that Barling has lower crime rates than 81% of major U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $543 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average (as reported by MetroStatUSA).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

Barling, Arkansas, offers a relatively affordable housing market, particularly when compared to national averages. The median home value in Barling was reported as $125,000 (as reported by Kurby AI). Another source indicates the median property value in Barling, AR was $140,000 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), showing an 11.8% increase from the previous year. The median listing home price is $79,950 (as reported by Realtor.com®), though other sources cite higher median sale prices.

The homeownership rate in Barling is robust, standing at 72.4% (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 65.2%. This suggests a strong owner-occupier market within the city. Rental prices in Barling are also generally considered affordable. The average apartment rent is around $1,033 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), which is significantly lower than the national average.

Cost of Living and Affordability

Barling, Arkansas, stands out for its affordability, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. Household bills in Barling are approximately 21% lower than the U.S. median (as reported by doxo). This includes expenses such as utilities and other regular household costs, contributing to a lower overall cost of living for residents.

The median household income in Barling is reported around $50,289 (as reported by Kurby AI), which is slightly below the national average. However, the lower cost of living significantly offsets this difference, providing a considerable advantage to residents. This affordability is a key factor for individuals and families seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without compromising on community and amenities.

Job Market and Major Employers

The economy of Barling, AR, employs approximately 2.53k people, with employment having grown by 4.99% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). Key employment sectors in Barling include Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. The most common job groups for residents are in Office & Administrative Support, Production, and Sales & Related Occupations.

While specific major employers within Barling are not extensively detailed, its proximity to Fort Smith provides access to a broader job market. Large companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Lockheed Martin operate in the wider region, offering diverse employment opportunities. The U.S. Army’s presence with Fort Chaffee also contributes to the local employment landscape, historically influencing the town’s growth and economic development (as reported by Encyclopedia of Arkansas).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Barling, Arkansas, experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The hot season typically runs from June through September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F and lows near 73°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The cold season generally lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 59°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 31°F and highs near 51°F (as reported by Wikipedia). Annual precipitation averages about 50 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving an average of 6 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Barling Elementary School serves students from Prekindergarten to 5th grade. It ranks within the top 50% of all schools in Arkansas, with particularly strong performance in math and reading proficiency testing (as reported by Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio at Barling Elementary is 18:1, which is higher than the Arkansas state average (as reported by Public School Review).

The school consistently outperforms the Fort Smith School District and the state of Arkansas in standardized test scores across various subjects. For instance, in English Language Arts and Reading, Barling Elementary students show higher proficiency rates compared to both the district and the state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Demographics and Population

As of the most recent data, Barling, AR, has a population of approximately 5,007 residents (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Barling is around 42.5 years (as reported by myPerfectWeather), indicating a population that is moderately aged. The racial composition is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), making up a significant majority of the population, with smaller percentages of Hispanic and Asian residents (as reported by Data USA).

The majority of Barling residents are U.S. citizens, with a high homeownership rate. The average commute time is about 17.9 minutes, and most residents drive alone to work, reflecting a car-dependent lifestyle common in many suburban areas (as reported by Data USA).