Bentonville, AR: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Bentonville: The Data Profile (2026)

Bentonville represents a distinct economic outlier in the 2026 landscape. With a population of 56,326, it maintains the infrastructure of a "smaller city" while exhibiting income metrics typically found in major metropolitan hubs. The median income stands at $108,465, which is a staggering +45.4% higher than the US average of $74,580. This wealth is driven by a highly skilled workforce, evidenced by a college education rate of 53.7%, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Bentonville in 2026 is the "Post-Remote" Professional. These are individuals aged 28-45 who have transitioned from fully remote work to hybrid schedules requiring office presence 2-3 days per week. They prioritize housing value and proximity to amenities over the density of a mega-city, seeking to leverage high local salaries against a Cost of Living index where housing is 24.2% below the national average.

Cost of Living Analysis

Despite the high median income, the cost of living remains suppressed relative to the national average. The aggregate COL index sits comfortably below the US baseline. The most significant savings are found in housing (75.8 Index) and healthcare (82.1 Index). However, utilities present a notable variance; electricity costs 12.32 cents/kWh, which is actually 23.0% cheaper than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, a critical factor for climate control in the region's seasonal extremes.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median income ($108,465) takes home approximately $6,500 monthly after taxes. With a total monthly outlay of $2,610, the disposable income remaining is roughly $3,890. This is an exceptionally high savings rate compared to the national average, allowing for aggressive investment or lifestyle inflation that is not consumed by rent.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Bentonville is defined by a "Buyer's Value" curve. While home prices have appreciated due to in-migration, the price-per-square-foot remains $155, compared to the US average of $220. This creates a distinct arbitrage opportunity for those relocating from higher-cost regions. The Housing Index of 75.8 indicates that housing is the primary driver of the region's affordability.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the 24.1% discount on rental units relative to the national average, renting remains a viable strategy for the transient worker. However, the 20.7% discount on median home prices suggests that buying is the financially superior long-term play. With a median income of $108,465, a $325,000 home represents a price-to-income ratio of roughly 3.0, well within the affordable range (typically defined as under 4.3).

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Bentonville's economy is no longer solely reliant on the retail giant that founded it; it has evolved into a diversified hub for logistics, tech, and consumer goods. In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has solidified, with most corporate employers requiring a 2-3 day in-office presence. This has shifted commute patterns. The average commute time is 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27 minutes, due to the lack of interstate gridlock common in larger metros.

The unemployment rate is 4.1%, virtually identical to the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a healthy labor market where demand for labor matches supply. For the hybrid worker, the proximity to Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) provides connectivity to major hubs like Dallas and Chicago, averaging $350 for a round-trip domestic flight.

Quality of Life Audit

Bentonville scores highly on aggregate health metrics but displays specific lifestyle risks. The Health Score of 82.7/100 is robust. However, the obesity rate of 32.3% is slightly higher than the US average of 31.9%, likely influenced by regional cuisine. Conversely, the smoking rate is low at 10.3% (vs 14.0% US), and diabetes rates are notably lower at 7.9% (vs 10.9% US).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 2.1 per 1,000 residents (significantly safer than the US average of 3.8).
• Property Crime: 15.2 per 1,000 residents (slightly above the US average of 13.5, largely driven by theft).
• Air Quality: The AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 6.0 µg/m³ are well below EPA thresholds, making outdoor activities like the extensive trail system highly accessible year-round.
• Schools: The Bentonville School District is rated A-, a primary driver for family relocation.
• Weather: Currently 46.0°F with sunny conditions; winters average highs of 48°F and lows of 28°F, while summers average highs of 89°F.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Arbitrage: A +45.4% income premium over the national average combined with a -24.2% housing discount creates immense financial flexibility.
• Safety: Violent crime is nearly 50% lower than the national average.
• Infrastructure: High-speed internet and modern utilities are widely available, supporting the hybrid workforce.

Cons:

• Health Profile: The obesity rate of 32.3% suggests an environment that may encourage sedentary habits if not actively resisted.
• Cultural Limitations: As a city of 56,326, the arts and dining scene is growing but lacks the depth of a Tier-1 city.
• Regional Isolation: It is a 4-hour drive to the nearest major metro (Kansas City or Dallas), limiting spontaneous weekend trips to other urban centers.

Final Recommendation:
Bentonville is a Tier-1 Relocation Target for 2026 for professionals prioritizing financial accumulation and outdoor access over urban density. It is highly recommended for buyers rather than long-term renters to maximize the 20.7% housing value discount.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Bentonville?
For a single professional to live comfortably (including savings and discretionary spending), a salary of $75,000 is sufficient. For a family of four to maintain a similar standard of living, a combined income of $140,000 is recommended.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Austin or Nashville?
Bentonville offers a ~35% higher purchasing power index than Austin. While Austin offers a larger cultural scene, Bentonville offers $155/sqft versus Austin's $320/sqft, allowing for a significantly larger home for the same capital expenditure.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 is verified. The primary safety concern is property crime (15.2 per 1,000), which is typical for a growing retail hub. Basic security measures are recommended.

4. When is the best time to move?
The best time to move is Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November). Winter moves can be hampered by ice storms, and summer moves coincide with peak tourist traffic around the Crystal Bridges Museum and high humidity (average 75%).