Let the numbers do the talking.
Benton, AR vs Pine Bluff, AR
Benton, AR vs Pine Bluff, AR: What the data shows
Benton, AR is in Benton, AR while Pine Bluff, AR is in Pine Bluff, AR — both in the same state. On home prices, Pine Bluff, AR is the more affordable option at $67,300 median — $94,200 less than Benton, AR's $161,500. WYLT rates Benton, AR as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Pine Bluff, AR as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Benton, AR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Pine Bluff, AR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Benton, AR has High flood risk and Pine Bluff, AR has High flood risk.
Pine Bluff, AR is the more walkable neighborhood. Benton, AR scores N/A/100 versus Pine Bluff, AR's 13/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Benton, AR has the higher school rating — Benton, AR rates 6.9/10 and Pine Bluff, AR rates 6.3/10.
| Category | Benton, AR | Pine Bluff, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $162K | $67K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $971 | $809 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $64K ✓ Higher income | $35K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 13/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 40 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | High | High |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.9/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.3/10 |
| Best for | First‑time buyers looking for affordabilityFamilies needing good schools in a quiet settingRetirees who don’t mind a car | First‑time homebuyers with tight budgetsRetirees looking for very low-cost housingRemote workers with reliable internet access |
Bottom line
For first-time homebuyers with very tight budgets, Pine Bluff is slightly more affordable. However, Benton's more decent schools, slightly higher median home price, and less severe flood risk make it a slightly better choice. If you can afford a somewhat higher home price, Benton is the safer bet for most people.
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