City Profile
West Memphis, Arkansas
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
West Memphis is located in Crittenden County, Arkansas, directly across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee, serving as a vital part of the greater Memphis metropolitan area. Founded in the early 20th century and incorporated in 1927, the city has historically functioned as a crucial transportation and logistics gateway in the Mid-South region. Today, it characteristically blends a small-town Southern atmosphere with the bustling economic infrastructure of a major shipping and distribution hub.
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 53/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 52 / 100 | 52.0 | 30% | 15.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 84.0 | 63.8 | 25% | 15.9 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $42,674 Income needed to live here: $42,000 Unemployment rate: 5.9% | 39.1 | 20% | 7.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 1.2% | 44.0 | 15% | 6.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 52.5 | |||
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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Cost of Living
The cost of living in West Memphis is substantially lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious families and individuals seeking affordable housing. Key drivers of this affordability include lower-than-average real estate prices and property values, which contrast sharply with larger metropolitan centers nearby. While utility and grocery costs align closely with regional Southern trends, overall expenses remain quite manageable for residents earning local wages.
Income
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West Memphis boasts a thriving economy anchored heavily by logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and transportation due to its strategic intersection of major interstate highways and rail lines. Major distribution facilities and fulfillment centers serve as primary employers for the local workforce, alongside regional healthcare and retail services. Although local median household incomes lag behind national figures, the robust sector of supply chain operations continues to provide steady employment opportunities.
The average salary in West Memphis is $45,000 per year. You would need approximately $42,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in West Memphis is heavily centered around automobile use, with major thoroughfares like Interstate 40 and Interstate 55 providing rapid connectivity across the region. The average commute time remains relatively short at approximately 20 minutes, given the compact geographic layout of the city and nearby employment hubs. While public transit options are limited, the strategic highway placement makes driving the primary and most efficient mode of travel.
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