Is Piney Safe, Pros and cons of living in Piney

Piney, Arkansas, is a community that offers a unique blend of rural charm and accessibility to regional amenities. It is situated in Garland County, providing residents with a quieter pace of life while remaining within reasonable distance of larger urban centers like Hot Springs. The town’s character is shaped by its residential makeup, which includes a mix of mobile homes and single-family houses, with a notable proportion of newer constructions alongside older ones.

The community’s demographic profile shows a predominantly White population, with smaller percentages of Hispanic and Black or African American residents. This composition has seen some shifts in recent years, with an overall decrease in population recorded between the 2020 Census and more recent estimates. The median age in Piney is around 39 years, indicating a community with a mix of age groups.

Is it Safe to Live in Piney?

When considering a move to Piney, understanding the safety and crime rates is paramount. Recent analyses suggest that Piney’s crime rates are higher than the national average, with a D- safety grade indicating it is safer than only 11% of U.S. cities. This means that residents generally face a higher risk of crime compared to many other areas.

The overall crime rate in Piney is reported to be 47.66 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by MetroStatUSA). However, this figure can vary significantly by neighborhood. For instance, residents in the west part of the city are considered to be in the safest areas, while the northeast neighborhoods show a higher incidence of crime. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 17 in the northeast to 1 in 25 in the west (as reported by MetroStatUSA).

Despite these statistics, it is important to note that some sources provide a more optimistic outlook. One report indicates that Piney’s crime rates are 23% lower than the national average, though violent crimes are reported as 5% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Another source gives Piney a B+ crime safety grade, stating the overall crime rate is 43% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). These varying reports highlight the complexity of assessing crime statistics and the importance of considering multiple data points and methodologies.

Cost of Living and Housing in Piney

The cost of living in Piney, Arkansas, presents a mixed picture, with housing being a significant factor. The median home value in Piney is reported to be around $105,885, which is considerably lower than the national average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This makes it a more affordable option for homebuyers compared to many other areas in the United States.

Rental costs in Piney are also relatively affordable. The average rental price for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,258, with a median rent of $1,070 (as reported by Rentometer). For three-bedroom houses, the average rent is around $1,358, with a median rent near $1,345 (as reported by Rentometer). These figures suggest that renting in Piney is more affordable than in approximately 78.3% of Arkansas neighborhoods (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, it is worth noting that the median household income in Piney is reported to be around $50,901 (as reported by Livability.com and CUBIT). This income level, when compared to the housing costs, indicates a significant portion of income may be allocated to housing expenses. The poverty rate in Piney is also noted to be around 28.5% (as reported by CUBIT), which is considerably higher than the national average.

Job Market and Economy in Piney

Piney’s job market and economic landscape are characterized by a moderate unemployment rate and a diverse, though not extensively detailed, employer base. The unemployment rate in Piney is reported at 4.20% (as reported by MetroStatUSA), which is lower than the state average, suggesting a relatively stable job market.

While specific major employers within Piney itself are not extensively detailed in available data, broader regional employers in Arkansas provide context. Companies like Frito-Lay, Safeway, Berry Global, and Harps Food Stores are noted as significant employers in the wider Arkansas region (as reported by Indeed.com). These companies operate in sectors such as manufacturing and retail, contributing to employment opportunities in the vicinity.

The average per capita income in Piney is approximately $26,800 (as reported by CUBIT), and the median household income is around $50,901 (as reported by CUBIT and Livability.com). These figures suggest that while employment opportunities exist, the earning potential may be moderate compared to national averages, especially considering the poverty rate of 28.5% (as reported by CUBIT).

Climate and Weather in Piney

Piney, Arkansas, experiences a climate with distinct seasonal variations, typical of the humid subtropical regions. Summers are generally hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. The hottest month of the year is typically July, with average highs around 92-94°F and lows in the low 70s Fahrenheit (as reported by myPerfectWeather and WeatherWorld.com).

Winters in Piney are characterized by cold temperatures, with average highs in the low 50s Fahrenheit and lows in the low 30s Fahrenheit during January, the coldest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather and WeatherWorld.com). The area experiences a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of about 57 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically May, receiving around 6 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Snowfall is minimal in Piney, with an average annual accumulation of about 1 to 2 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). The climate is generally partly cloudy year-round, and the temperature typically varies between 33°F and 93°F over the course of the year, rarely falling below 20°F or exceeding 100°F (as reported by WeatherWorld.com).

Education and Schools in Piney

The educational landscape serving Piney, Arkansas, is primarily managed by several school districts, each with varying performance ratings. The Lake Hamilton School District, which serves students in grades 10-12, has a rating of 3.71 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews (as reported by Niche). This district is recognized among the best in Arkansas, often ranking within the top 100 school districts in the state.

Other school districts that serve the Piney area include the Hot Springs School District and the Mountain Pine School District. The Hot Springs School District has a rating of 3.71 out of 5 stars, with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 (as reported by Niche). The Mountain Pine School District receives a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, with its high school noted as being “awesome” by students (as reported by Niche).

While specific elementary schools directly within Piney are not detailed, nearby districts like Heber Springs Schools, Pangburn School District, and Quitman School District are noted for their elementary programs. These districts often feature in rankings for the best public elementary schools in Arkansas, with ratings that vary but generally indicate a solid educational foundation for younger students (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Piney

Piney, Arkansas, has a population that has seen a slight decline in recent years, with estimates placing it around 4,436 in 2026 (as reported by CUBIT). The most recent census data from 2020 recorded a population of 5,238 (as reported by Wikipedia and CUBIT). The community is predominantly White, making up approximately 80.6% of the population, followed by Hispanic (8.2%) and Black or African American (6.3%) residents (as reported by CUBIT and Census Dots).

The median age in Piney is approximately 39 years (as reported by CUBIT and Census Reporter). This median age is consistent with figures for Arkansas as a whole and the United States. The gender distribution shows a slightly higher number of males compared to females, with a ratio of 116.4 males for every 100 females (as reported by CUBIT).

Economically, the median household income in Piney is reported at $50,901 (as reported by CUBIT and Livability.com). However, a significant portion of families, around 20.7% to 28.5%, live below the poverty line (as reported by CUBIT and CUBIT). This suggests a community with a substantial economic disparity among its residents.