These are the most livable ‘small’ cities in Arkansas: study

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Wonder if you live in one of the most “livable” cities in the Natural State. Half of them are in Northwest Arkansas.

Financial technology company SmartAsset ranked 281 “small” cities with populations between 65,000 and 100,000.

“Housing affordability, the spread of business offerings, financial standing and unemployment levels, average commute times and healthcare coverage can all affect the well-being and comfort of the community as a whole,” SmartAsset said.

To determine the rankings, SmartAsset looked at

• Housing costs as a percentage of household income
• Percentage of residents below the poverty line
• Unemployment rate
• Percentage of residents with health insurance
• Average commute time

Here are the top cities in Arkansas:

Conway

No. 1 in Arkansas (No. 76 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 17.7%
• Population below poverty level: 17.3%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.1%
• Commute time: 19.9 minutes

Jonesboro

No. 2 in Arkansas (No. 79 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 17.8%
• Population below poverty level: 19.2%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.1%
• Commute time: 19.2 minutes

Fort Smith

No. 3 in Arkansas (No. 100 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.3%
• Population below poverty level: 19.9%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.1%
• Commute time: 16.5 minutes

Springdale

No. 4 in Arkansas (No. 104 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 19.6%
• Population below poverty level: 14.9%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.3%
• Commute time: 18.3 minutes

Rogers

No. 5 in Arkansas (No. 121 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 17.8%
• Population below poverty level: 12.3%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.4%
• Commute time: 20.5 minutes

Fayetteville

No. 6 in Arkansas (No. 137 in U.S.)

• Annual housing costs as a percent of income: 22.6%
• Population below poverty level: 22.2%
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses: 1.3%
• Commute time: 18.5 minutes

To see the full rankings, visit SmartAsset’s website.