Conway, AR: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Conway: The Data Profile (2026)

Conway presents a distinct economic profile for the 2026 remote worker. With a population of 69,577, it retains the infrastructure of a "smaller city" while offering a cost structure significantly detached from national averages. The median household income sits at $62,886, which is -15.7% below the US median of $74,580. However, this raw income deficit is misleading when analyzed against the local cost of living.

The city possesses a highly educated workforce, with 43.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, eclipsing the national average of 33.1%. This suggests a local economy that supports knowledge work, likely anchored by the University of Central Arkansas and tech-adjacent sectors.

Statistical Target Demographic: The data points to the "High-Efficiency Remote Worker." This is an individual or family earning a national-average salary (or higher) who can leverage the -32.7% housing discount to maximize disposable income. It is less suitable for local wage earners, whose purchasing power is constrained by the $62,886 median income.

Cost of Living Analysis

The "Conway Discount" is most aggressive in housing and utilities. While groceries and transportation hover near the national average (Index 92.1), housing is the primary value driver.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A remote worker earning the US median income of $74,580 (approx. $4,660 monthly net) living as a single adult in Conway retains approximately $2,300 monthly after taxes and essential expenses. This is a ~49% savings rate, significantly higher than the ~30% typical in high-cost cities.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's primary economic differentiator. With a Housing Index of 67.3, the barrier to entry for ownership is low. The median home price is estimated at roughly $235,000, significantly undercutting the US average.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs. Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the disparity between the $950 monthly rent for a 1-bedroom and the $235,000 purchase price, the price-to-rent ratio is approximately 20.6. While this leans slightly toward renting, the -44% discount on property acquisition makes buying a high-yield asset for those planning a stay of 5+ years. For the remote worker, buying locks in a low cost basis, effectively hedging against future inflation.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Conway's economy is insulated by a "multi-polar" structure: education (UCA), government (Faulkner County), and logistics/manufacturing. The post-remote work landscape of 2026 has benefited Conway; residents are not tied to local wages, injecting outside capital into the local economy.

Commute & RTO Impact:
For the 4.1% of the workforce required locally, the average commute time is 19.5 minutes, well below the national average of 27.6 minutes. Traffic congestion is rated "Low" (Traffic Index 112.5). For remote workers, the "commute" is effectively zero, freeing up 1.5 to 2 hours of daily time compared to major metros.

Unemployment Analysis:
The unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, statistically identical to the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a stable, albeit not booming, labor market. The risk of local economic shock is mitigated by the diversity of the public and private sectors.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is overwhelmingly positive, the health and lifestyle metrics present a more complex picture. Conway offers a healthy environment (low pollution, low crime), but the population faces significant lifestyle health risks.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics (2026)

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is 2.2 per 1,000 residents (US avg: 4.0), and property crime is 16.1 per 1,000 (US avg: 19.5). Conway is statistically safer than 72% of US cities.
• Air Quality: AQI is 42 (Good), and PM2.5 is 6.5 µg/m³, well below the EPA threshold. This is ideal for outdoor exercise.
• Schools: The Conway School District graduation rate is 91%, exceeding the state average of 88%.
• Weather: Today's conditions are Sunny with a high of 55°F and a low of 24°F. The annual average temperature is 61.2°F, with 44 inches of rainfall (higher than US avg) and minimal snow.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: The 67.3 Housing Index allows for a mortgage payment roughly 45% lower than the national median.
• Education: A 43.4% college-educated population creates a culturally stimulating environment for a small city.
• Air Quality: PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³ are pristine, offering a health benefit often overlooked in relocation guides.
• Commute: Average commute of 19.5 minutes eliminates traffic stress.

Cons:

• Health Risks: The 40.1% obesity rate is a significant outlier. Access to high-end fitness or specialized wellness services may be limited compared to major metros.
• Income Ceiling: Local wages are -15.7% lower. If remote work ends, earning potential drops significantly.
• Social Scene: As a "smaller city" (69,577 pop), nightlife and dining variety are modest compared to nearby Little Rock (25 min drive).

Final Recommendation:
Conway is a Buy for the remote worker in 2026. The economic arbitrage opportunity—earning a national salary while paying -32.7% on housing—is mathematically compelling. However, prospective residents must be self-disciplined regarding health, as the local environment fosters sedentary habits.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Conway?
For a single adult, a net income of $4,000/month (~$60,000 gross) allows for a comfortable budget including rent, savings, and leisure. For a family, $7,500/month (~$115,000 gross) is recommended to maintain a strong savings rate.

2. How does the value compare to Little Rock?
Conway offers ~15% cheaper housing than Little Rock, but with a ~5% higher crime rate in specific property categories. The trade-off is a quieter, more suburban environment for a lower price.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000, Conway is statistically safer than 90% of similarly sized cities in the Midwest and South.

4. Is now a good time to buy?
Given the projected 3.5% national interest rates in 2026 and the local -44% price discount, buying now is optimal. The local market is predicted to appreciate 4.2% annually, outpacing the cost of renting.