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Bentonville, Arkansas

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

76
Overall Score

Bentonville, Arkansas, has transformed from a quiet Ozark county seat into one of the country's most dynamic and economically vibrant small cities. Best known as the birthplace and global headquarters of Walmart, the city combines corporate powerhouse status with an energetic outdoor culture and a rapidly expanding arts scene. Newcomers are routinely drawn to its clean, modern infrastructure, top-tier public amenities, and a unique mix of Southern charm and cosmopolitan flair.

About Arkansas

Arkansas, known as "The Natural State," offers diverse geography from the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains to the Mississippi River Delta, fostering a relaxed, nature-oriented lifestyle. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture with rice and poultry as leading products, has diversified to include significant contributions from manufacturing (food products, chemicals, wood and paper products, aerospace parts) and a growing service sector, largely influenced by Walmart's presence. Living in Arkansas is generally affordable, with a cost of living consistently below the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers, and while property taxes are low, sales taxes can be high.

58,249
Population
$78K
Avg Salary
102
Cost Index
75.9
Quality Score
How this 76/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 82 / 100 82.0 30% 24.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 102.0 41.3 25% 10.3
Economy & jobs Median household income: $112,792 Income needed to live here: $65,000 Unemployment rate: 2.4% 97.5 20% 19.5
Growth Population growth rate: 2.81% Job growth rate: 2.8% 85.6 15% 12.8
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 86 / 100 86.0 10% 8.6
Overall score 75.9

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (ungrounded) (q=55, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 11 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
86
Livability
85
Affordability
75
Growth
88

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bentonville hovers near or slightly above the national average, heavily influenced by surging demand for housing driven by corporate growth and in-migration. While everyday goods, groceries, and utility costs remain relatively reasonable compared to coastal metropolitan hubs, residential real estate and rental prices have experienced significant upward pressure. This reflects a prosperous local economy characterized by high median household incomes and substantial corporate investments.

Average Rent
$2,000/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$230/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$50.00
Cinema ticket
$13.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$140.00

Salary Insights

Bentonville boasts an exceptionally robust job market centered around retail supply chain management, technology, and corporate services tied to Walmart and its massive ecosystem of hundreds of global suppliers. The city enjoys low unemployment and a high concentration of white-collar professional opportunities, ranging from data analytics and logistics to marketing and software engineering. A thriving entrepreneurial climate further supports startups, particularly in outdoor recreation, sustainable tech, and consumer goods.

The average salary in Bentonville is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $65,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Healthcare and Social Assistance +2.40% Professional and Business Services +3.50% Retail and Wholesale Trade +3.10% Hospitality and Tourism +2.90% Manufacturing and Logistics +1.90%

Climate

🌡️
60°F
Avg Temp
☀️
85°F
Summer High
❄️
29°F
Winter Low
🌧️
40.80"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
264
Sunny Days

Transport

While Bentonville is largely car-dependent like many Midwestern and Southern cities, local investments have vastly improved alternative transit through expanding multi-use greenway trails and bike lanes. The average commute time remains manageable compared to major metros, though peak traffic around corporate corridors can experience congestion. The region is also served by the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XN), providing strong connectivity for business and leisure travel.

19 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
58.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median household income stands at an impressive $112,792 per year per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Home to world-class cultural attractions like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art with free admission.
Extensive network of over 100 miles of world-renowned mountain biking and multi-use greenway trails.
Consistently low local unemployment rate tracking around 2.4% per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Exceptional community safety metrics ranking significantly higher than national and state crime averages.
Drawbacks
Rapid housing demand has driven average property values and rental rates significantly higher than the Arkansas state average.
Traffic congestion peaks noticeably around major corporate and supplier headquarters during traditional rush hours.
Public transportation options are sparse, making personal vehicle ownership virtually essential for daily life.
Cost of living index sits above state averages, creating affordability pressures for lower-income service workers.
Limited traditional nightlife beyond craft breweries and dining centered around the downtown square.

Questions about Bentonville

What people ask about living in and moving to Bentonville, Arkansas.

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Bentonville? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Bentonville is about $2,000 per month, which reflects the overall market for a standard one‑bedroom unit. Rental rates can vary by neighborhood, size, and amenities, so you may find lower prices in outlying areas or slightly higher rates in the most walkable parts of the city. To get a realistic sense of current listings, check regional rental websites, local property management firms, or the city...

How are the public schools rated in Bentonville? Schools & Education 1 answer

Bentonville’s public schools are administered by a district that consistently receives above‑average state ratings, with particular strengths in STEM and extracurricular programs. Test scores and graduation rates tend to be higher than the state median, and the district offers a range of magnet and specialty programs. To evaluate specific schools, visit the district’s official website for performance reports, school...

How does Bentonville's cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Bentonville’s cost‑of‑living index is 102, meaning it is roughly 2 % above the national average of 100. This slight premium is mainly due to housing costs, while groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be close to or a bit below national norms. When you combine the index with the average local salary of $78,000 per year, the purchasing power is comparable to many other mid‑size U.S. cities. For a detailed br...

Is Bentonville considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Bentonville scores 82.0 out of 100 on safety metrics, indicating a relatively low crime level compared to many urban areas. The city’s police department reports that violent crimes are infrequent, and property crimes are comparable to national averages. Neighborhood watch programs and community policing initiatives help maintain this safety record. For the most current crime statistics, you can consult the city’s pub...

What are the biggest employment sectors in Bentonville? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Bentonville’s economy is anchored by a mix of corporate headquarters, retail, and logistics, with a strong presence of national and international firms. The city also has growing opportunities in technology, education, and healthcare. The average salary in the area is $78,000 per year, indicating a relatively competitive wage environment. For job seekers, the city’s workforce development office and the regional chamb...

What public transportation options are available in Bentonville? Getting Around 1 answer

Bentonville is served by a municipal transit authority that operates fixed‑route bus services throughout the city and connects to neighboring towns. The system typically runs from early morning until early evening on weekdays, with reduced weekend service. There are also on‑demand ride‑share programs and regional shuttle services that link major employment centers and shopping districts. For schedules, fare informati...

What recreational activities are popular in Bentonville? Things to Do 1 answer

Bentonville offers a blend of outdoor and cultural attractions. The city maintains an extensive trail system for walking, biking, and running, as well as parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. There are also community arts venues that host exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances throughout the year. For more specific event calendars and trail maps, consult the city’s parks and recreation dep...

What utilities should I set up before moving to Bentonville? Moving Here 1 answer

Before you move, arrange for electricity, natural gas (if applicable), water, and trash collection through the municipal utility providers. Internet and cable services are offered by several regional providers, and you can compare plans on their websites or through consumer review sites. It’s also a good idea to register your vehicle and update your driver’s license with the state’s motor vehicle department within 30...

How does the climate in Bentonville affect daily life? General 1 answer

Bentonville experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and can be humid, while winters are cool with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are generally mild, making them popular times for outdoor activities. Seasonal weather can influence heating and cooling costs, which are typically in line with national averages. For detailed climate data, you can check the National Weathe...

Where can I find hospitals or urgent care in Bentonville? Healthcare 1 answer

The city has a primary medical center that offers emergency services, inpatient care, and a range of specialty clinics. In addition, there are several urgent‑care facilities and outpatient centers scattered across the metropolitan area, providing convenient options for non‑life‑threatening issues. To locate the nearest provider, use the health department’s provider directory or the state’s hospital locator tool, whic...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Bentonville? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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