Cost of Living in West Memphis, AR
Population 24,147 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $41,860, median household incomes in West Memphis land roughly 44% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 13.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, West Memphis sits roughly 13 miles west of Memphis. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Memphis
The median home value in West Memphis is $119,100 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $847/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,860/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 72.5°F and lows of 52.8°F. Overall, West Memphis has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 54 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 89 | 91 | 91 | 86 | 75 | 62 | 53 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 43 | 52 | 62 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.82 | 4.31 | 5.10 | 5.03 | 5.03 | 4.10 | 4.12 | 2.37 | 3.05 | 4.09 | 4.50 | 4.88 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in West Memphis, AR?
West Memphis has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in West Memphis, AR?
The median gross rent in West Memphis is $847 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Memphis?
The median home value in West Memphis is $119,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Memphis?
The median household income in West Memphis is $41,860 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Memphis, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Memphis is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is West Memphis, AR affordable?
Yes, West Memphis is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in West Memphis?
West Memphis has average high temperatures of 72.5°F and average lows of 52.8°F. Annual precipitation is 50.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
West Memphis at a Glance
- Population
- 24,147
- Median Income
- $41,860
- Home Value
- $119,100
- Median Rent
- $847/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arkansas Rankings
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