North Little Rock: The Data Profile (2026)

North Little Rock presents a compelling case for cost-conscious relocation, defined by a significant divergence between local economic metrics and national averages. The city supports a population of 64,504, creating a density profile typical of a manageable mid-sized urban center. The primary economic friction point is income potential; the median household income sits at $51,236, which is 31.3% lower than the US median of $74,580. This income depression is partially offset by a highly competitive Cost of Living Index, particularly in housing.

The educational attainment landscape suggests a workforce that is less specialized than the national average. Approximately 30.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target demographic for North Little Rock in 2026 is the post-remote worker seeking to maximize disposable income through low housing overhead, or the geographic arbitrageur converting a coastal salary to Arkansas purchasing power.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate Cost of Living Index for North Little Rock is roughly 20-25% below the national average, driven almost entirely by housing costs. While groceries and transportation hover near parity (Index 92.1), the housing index of 67.3 represents a 32.7% discount.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $51,236 (~$4,270 gross/month) faces a tax burden of approximately 22%, leaving a net take-home of ~$3,330. With a monthly cost of living of $2,260, the disposable income margin is $1,070. This is 15% higher than the national average disposable margin for median earners, driven largely by the $950 housing cost cap.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's primary value proposition. The median home price is projected to be $185,000, a 46.5% discount compared to the US average of $345,000. For renters, the gap is equally stark. A 1-bedroom unit commands $950, which is 32.1% cheaper than the national average.

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

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a price-to-rent ratio of 185,000 / (950*12) = 16.2, buying is slightly favored over the long term (a ratio below 20 generally suggests buying). However, the entry point for renting is exceptionally low. For a remote worker earning a national average salary, converting $2,200 (typical US rent) into $950 (NLR rent) creates an immediate surplus of $1,250/month or $15,000/year.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

North Little Rock's economy is insulated by government and healthcare sectors. However, the local labor market has not fully adapted to the 2026 Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates seen in larger metros. Commute times average 18 minutes, significantly lower than the US average of 27 minutes. This proximity factor is crucial for hybrid workers splitting time between home and a local office.

Unemployment Rate Analysis:
The unemployment rate sits at 4.1%, virtually identical to the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a stable, albeit not booming, labor market. The stability is rooted in the presence of state government jobs and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. However, the 30.1% college education rate suggests a ceiling on high-earning tech or specialized corporate roles, making the city ideal for remote workers rather than local job seekers.

Quality of Life Audit

While the financials are attractive, the Quality of Life (QoL) metrics present a mixed bag. The city scores a 75.6/100 on the general Health Score, which is "Good," but specific risk factors are elevated significantly above national norms.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Violent crime is approximately 6.2 per 1,000 residents (slightly above the US average of 3.8), while property crime is 28.4 per 1,000 (US average 19.5). Vigilance is required in specific neighborhoods.
• Air Quality: The city benefits from low industrial density, boasting an AQI of 42 (Good) and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, well below the WHO guideline.
• Schools: The graduation rate in the local district is approximately 82%, lower than the national average of 88%.
• Weather: Today's conditions are sunny with a high of 55°F and a low of 25°F. The region experiences hot summers (avg high 92°F in July) and mild winters (avg low 32°F in Jan).

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A 46.5% discount on home prices creates massive wealth-building potential.
• Remote Work Leverage: Converting a national salary to local costs yields a ~30% effective raise.
• Air Quality: AQI of 42 and low PM2.5 provide a healthy environment for respiratory health.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Local median income is $51,236; local employment is not a path to wealth.
• Health Risks: Obesity (43.0%) and Diabetes (14.5%) rates are alarmingly high, suggesting a challenging environment for maintaining healthy habits without strict discipline.
• Crime: Property crime rates are 44% higher than the national average.

Recommendation:
North Little Rock is a Buy for remote workers and a Strong Consideration for families seeking urban amenities without urban pricing. It is Not Recommended for career-focused individuals relying on the local job market for advancement.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in North Little Rock?
For a single person, a gross salary of $50,000 allows for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, savings, and discretionary spending. For a family of four, $85,000 is the threshold for median comfort.

2. How does the value compare to other cities?
Compared to the US average, North Little Rock offers a 25% discount on total living expenses. Compared to coastal metros (NYC, SF), the savings exceed 60%.

3. Are the safety stats concerning?
It depends on the metric. Violent crime is slightly elevated at 6.2 per 1k, but property crime is the primary statistical outlier at 28.4 per 1k. Home security systems are a standard recommendation.

4. Is now (2026) a good time to buy?
With a Housing Index of 67.3 and median home prices at $185,000, the market remains undervalued relative to national trends. The interest rate environment in 2026 suggests locking in a fixed rate if you plan to stay 5+ years.