West Memphis, AR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
23,929
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,674/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,152
-1.1% year-over-year change

West Memphis population

How many people live in West Memphis

West Memphis is home to 23,929 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.8% of West Memphis locals are male, and 54.2% are female.

Total population
23,929
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.8%
10,951
Female
54.2%
12,978
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,951 45.8% 0.7%
Female 12,978 54.2% -2.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in West Memphis is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.7% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.7%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,438 22.7% -1.2%
15 to 24 3,207 13.4% 1.8%
25 to 44 6,284 26.3% -3.1%
45 to 64 5,352 22.4% 2.8%
Over 65 3,648 15.2% -3.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In West Memphis, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 28.7% of locals are Caucasian, 63.2% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 23,394 97.8% -2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 170 0.7% 18.1%
Non-citizens 365 1.5% 238.0%
Racial breakdown
White
28.7%
Black or African American
63.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 6,858 28.7%
Black or African American 15,117 63.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 29 0.1%
Asian 146 0.6%
Two or more races 1,752 7.3%
Other 27 0.1%

Households in West Memphis

A peek inside West Memphis households

West Memphis has 9,376 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.9% are families, while the remaining 35.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,376
-1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,294
Family households
6,082
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,294 35.1% -9.4%
Family households 6,082 64.9% 2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in West Memphis

The housing landscape of West Memphis

West Memphis's housing consists of 11,152 units, with 67.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,152
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,559 67.8%
1 unit, attached 119 1.1%
2 units 497 4.5%
3 or 4 units 647 5.8%
5 to 9 units 1,533 13.8%
10 to 19 units 269 2.4%
20 to 49 units 135 1.2%
50 or more units 185 1.7%
Mobile home 198 1.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
47
422.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Memphis

In West Memphis, the median construction year is 1975. About 1.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 190 1.7% -31.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 693 6.2% -4.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,059 9.5% -17.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,502 22.4% 10.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,339 21% 1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,905 17.1% 3.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 893 8% -7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,049 9.4% -2.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 475 4.3% -9.0%
Built in 2020 or later 47 0.4% 422.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

West Memphis occupancy rates

Out of the 9,376 occupied housing units in West Memphis, 46.1% are owner-occupied, while 53.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,376
-1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,056
Owner occupied
4,320
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,056 53.9% -3.0%
Owner occupied 4,320 46.1% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
15.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

West Memphis housing costs

Housing costs in West Memphis come to a median of $819 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $870.

Median housing costs per month
$819/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in West Memphis
$870/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in West Memphis

West Memphis education at a glance

About 54.9% of the population in West Memphis went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.3% earned an associate degree and 10.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 657 3.8% -9.4%
High school diploma 9,617 54.9% -0.5%
College diploma 3,913 22.3% 1.0%
Associate degree 1,096 6.3% -4.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,774 10.1% -8.1%
Graduate degree 456 2.6% -2.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in West Memphis

How much people earn in West Memphis

The average annual household income in West Memphis was $53,415 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,674, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Memphis
$53,415/year
-4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Memphis
$42,674/year
1.9% year-over-year change

West Memphis income by age

In West Memphis, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $40,290. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,359 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,839, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,047 in earnings. Overall, 71.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,839 19.8%
25 - 44 $40,290 -2.2%
45 - 64 $49,359 14.2%
Over 65 $38,047 -18.4%
Above poverty level
16,463
Below poverty level
6,679
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,463 71.1% -3.6%
Below poverty level 6,679 28.9% 6.6%

Average renter income in West Memphis

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Memphis, their median household income was $27,917 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,917
Rent-to-income ratio
37.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in West Memphis

Workforce and job types in West Memphis

The job market in West Memphis is powered by 8,979 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 73% are employed by private companies, and 10.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,979
-1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
5,789
Blue collar
3,190
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,789 64.5% -0.7%
Blue collar 3,190 35.5% -3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
73%
Governmental workers
10.9%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 861 9.6% 14.3%
Private companies 6,550 73% -3.6%
Governmental workers 978 10.9% -10.1%
Not for profit companies 590 6.6% 23.2%
Unemployment rate
14.5%
6.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Memphis stands at 14.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in West Memphis

How people get around in West Memphis

Commuting methods vary: 91.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,902 91.5% -3.0%
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.2% 88.9%
Bicycle 9 0.1% 12.5%
Walk 99 1.2% -29.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in West Memphis by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
72301 23,959 9,393 $42,859 $53,460

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FAQs about West Memphis demographics 

What is the total population of West Memphis?

West Memphis has a total population of 23,929 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Memphis?

The gender ratio in West Memphis is as follows:
  • 45.8% males (10,951 residents)
  • 54.2% females (12,978 residents)

What is the median age in West Memphis?

The median age in West Memphis is 34.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Memphis?

The age distribution in West Memphis is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.7% (5,438 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (3,207 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (6,284 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (5,352 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.2% (3,648 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Memphis?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Memphis is as follows:
  • White: 28.7% (6,858 residents)
  • Black or African American: 63.2% (15,117 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (29 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (146 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (1,752 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (27 residents)

What percentage of the population in West Memphis are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in West Memphis.

How many housing units are there in West Memphis?

There are 11,152 housing units in West Memphis, reflecting a -1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in West Memphis and what is the average household size?

West Memphis has a total of 9,376 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Memphis?

West Memphis has a median household income of $42,674, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West Memphis?

The employment rate is 85.5% in West Memphis, with a workforce of 8,979 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.5% (5,789 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.5% (3,190 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (861 residents)
  • Private companies: 73% (6,550 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.9% (978 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (590 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025