City Profile
Jonesboro, Arkansas
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Jonesboro serves as the cultural, economic, and educational hub of Northeast Arkansas, uniquely situated atop Crowley's Ridge. Established in 1859 and named after state senator William A. Jones, the city has blossomed into the fifth-most-populous municipality in the state. Characterized by a blend of Southern hospitality and progressive industrial growth, Jonesboro attracts new residents with its robust local economy, family-friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of community pride.
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.
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 84.0 | 63.8 | 25% | 15.9 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $55,424 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 3.5% | 67.6 | 20% | 13.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.17% Job growth rate: 1.9% | 56.1 | 15% | 8.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 65.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (ungrounded, q=89), 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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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Jonesboro is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees looking to stretch their dollars. Housing costs, utilities, and grocery prices all track well below national benchmarks, offering residents significant financial breathing room compared to larger metropolitan hubs. This favorable cost structure allows for a comfortable lifestyle without the intense financial pressures typical of coastal or major urban centers.
Income
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Jonesboro boasts a resilient and diversified economy anchored by advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agribusiness. Major employers like St. Bernards Healthcare, Arkansas State University, and a thriving manufacturing sector—featuring giants like Nestlé and Unilever—provide steady employment opportunities. The local job market continues to experience stable growth, supported by pro-business municipal policies and a skilled workforce trained by local institutions.
The average salary in Jonesboro is $52,000 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Jonesboro is heavily car-centric, with most residents enjoying short, manageable commutes averaging under 20 minutes. The city's layout features a well-maintained grid of roadways, including major thoroughfares like Caraway Road and Red Wolf Boulevard, which make navigating commercial and residential zones straightforward. While public transit options are limited, traffic congestion remains minimal compared to larger metropolitan areas.
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