Fort Worth vs Little Rock

Category / Metric	Fort Worth	Little Rock
Financial Overview
Median Income	$77,082	$59,762
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.1%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$332,995	$248,750
Price per SqFt	$172	$139
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,384	$950
Housing Cost Index	117.8	67.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.0	92.1
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	589.0	1234.0
Bachelor's Degree+	33.8%	43.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	40

Fort Worth vs. Little Rock: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're staring at two very different Texas and Arkansas cities on your relocation map. On one side, you have Fort Worth, the rugged, culture-rich sibling to Dallas, a booming metroplex with big-city ambitions. On the other, you have Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, a mid-sized river city that feels more grounded, historic, and affordable.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a pin on a map; it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you chasing the buzz of a growing economic powerhouse, or are you looking for a slower pace with a lower financial barrier to entry? We're going to cut through the hype and use hard data to help you decide. Let's get into it.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

Fort Worth: The Modern Cowboy Metropolis
Fort Worth has shed its "Cowtown" nickname and evolved into a sophisticated, diverse city that honors its Western roots while sprinting into the future. The Cultural District offers world-class museums (Kimball Art Museum, anyone?), and the Stockyards are a living, breathing tribute to its history—not just a tourist trap. The vibe here is energetic, ambitious, and unapologetically Texan. It's a city of transplants and locals mixing in a booming job market. You're in a major metro (over 4 million in the DFW area), which means endless dining, sports, and entertainment options, but also the traffic and pace that comes with it.

Who is Fort Worth for? The young professional climbing the corporate ladder, the family seeking top-tier suburban schools and amenities, and anyone who wants big-city access without the Dallas price (or pretension).

Little Rock: The River City Retreat
Little Rock operates at a different frequency. It’s a city of roughly 200,000, with a downtown that feels walkable and manageable. The culture is deeply tied to its history (think Little Rock Central High School and the Clinton Presidential Library) and the natural beauty of the Arkansas River and surrounding hills. The lifestyle is more laid-back, community-focused, and affordable. You'll find a thriving local food scene and a genuine sense of place, but you won't have the endless concert tours or major sports franchises that Fort Worth does.

Who is Little Rock for? The remote worker seeking a low-cost-of-living haven, the retiree looking for affordability and slower pace, or the family that prioritizes community feel and outdoor access over urban buzz.

Verdict: For sheer scale, diversity of activity, and economic dynamism, Fort Worth takes the culture crown. For a more intimate, grounded, and slower-paced lifestyle, Little Rock is the pick.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Farther?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Fort Worth's median income is higher, but so is its cost of living. Little Rock boasts incredibly low costs, but with lower wages. Let's break down the "Purchasing Power" of a hypothetical $100,000 salary.

First, the baseline costs:

Expense Category	Fort Worth	Little Rock	The Difference
Median Home Price	$332,995	$248,750	$84,245 cheaper in LR
Rent (1BR)	$1,384	$950	43% cheaper in LR
Housing Index	117.8 (17.8% above avg)	67.3 (32.7% below avg)	LR is a bargain
Median Income	$77,082	$59,762	FW earns 29% more

The Tax Twist: This is a massive advantage for Fort Worth. Texas has no state income tax, while Arkansas has a progressive income tax ranging from 2% to 5.5%. On a $100,000 salary, you could pay roughly $3,000-$5,500 in Arkansas state income tax alone. That’s money straight out of your pocket that a Fort Worth resident keeps.

The Purchasing Power Calculation:
If you earn $100,000 in Fort Worth, after federal taxes (and $0 state tax), your take-home is roughly $74,000. Your biggest expense, housing, will eat up about 22% of that for a median home.

If you earn $100,000 in Little Rock, after federal taxes and an estimated $4,000 in state taxes, your take-home is roughly $70,000. Your median home would only cost about 18% of that take-home pay.

The Insight: While your paycheck goes farther in Little Rock, the lack of a state income tax in Texas is a game-changer for higher earners. For someone making $100k, the combined effect of lower housing costs and no state tax in Fort Worth means you can build wealth faster if you can afford the higher mortgage. For a mid-range salary, Little Rock's rock-bottom costs are unbeatable.

Verdict: For raw affordability, Little Rock is the clear winner. For high-earners seeking to maximize wealth accumulation without state taxes, Fort Worth has a compelling edge.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Run?

Fort Worth: A Seller's Market with Momentum
The Fort Worth housing market is hot. With a Housing Index of 117.8, it's significantly above the national average. You're competing with a growing population and a strong job market. Median home prices have risen steadily. While it's more affordable than Dallas, bidding wars aren't uncommon in desirable neighborhoods. Renting is also competitive, with prices rising. The advantage? Strong appreciation potential. If you buy now, you're likely investing in a market with continued growth.

Little Rock: A Buyer's Market with Stability
The Housing Index of 67.3 tells the whole story. Little Rock is one of the most affordable housing markets in the nation. You get a lot more house for your money. The market is relatively stable, with less volatility. Inventory is generally better, and you're less likely to face intense bidding wars. For renters, the low prices make it easy to save for a down payment. The trade-off is slower appreciation; you're buying for affordability, not rapid equity growth.

Verdict: If you're looking for a long-term investment and can handle competition, Fort Worth offers a stronger growth market. If your priority is minimizing your housing payment and avoiding a cutthroat market, Little Rock is your sanctuary.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

• Fort Worth: You're in the DFW metro. Traffic is real. The average commute is 27 minutes, but that can easily stretch to 45+ minutes during rush hour on I-35W or 820. You'll need a car, and you'll use it.
• Little Rock: Traffic is a non-issue. The average commute is 19 minutes. You can get across town in 20 minutes most days. This is a major quality-of-life improvement for many.

Weather
Both have a similar average temperature (57°F), but the feel is different.

• Fort Worth: Classic Texas. Summers are brutally hot and humid, often hitting 100°F+ for weeks. Winters are mild, with occasional freezes and light snow. Tornadoes are a real seasonal threat.
• Little Rock: More humid year-round due to the river basin. Summers are hot and sticky (95°F+), with a longer, more oppressive feeling than Fort Worth. Winters are slightly colder and wetter, with more ice storms than snow. Tornadoes are also a threat.

Verdict: For commute sanity, Little Rock wins hands-down. For weather, it's a draw—both are hot and humid, but Fort Worth's heat is more intense, while Little Rock's humidity is more constant.

Crime & Safety
This is the most stark and uncomfortable difference.

• Fort Worth: Violent Crime Rate: 589.0 per 100k. This is below the U.S. average (approx. 380-400, but varies by source). It's considered relatively safe for a city of its size, though property crime in certain areas is a concern.
• Little Rock: Violent Crime Rate: 1,234.0 per 100k. This is more than double Fort Worth's rate and significantly above the national average. This is a major, undeniable concern. Neighborhood choice is critical in Little Rock.

Verdict: Fort Worth is statistically safer by a wide margin. This is a non-negotiable factor for many, especially families.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

After crunching the numbers and analyzing the lifestyles, here’s the breakdown.

Winner for Families: Fort Worth

While more expensive, the combination of significantly lower violent crime rates, access to top-tier suburban school districts (like Keller, Southlake, or Fort Worth ISD magnet programs), and endless family-friendly activities (zoos, museums, parks, sports) makes Fort Worth the safer, more robust choice. The higher cost is the price of admission for safety and amenities.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Fort Worth

The economic opportunity is on another level. With a higher median income, no state income tax, and a booming job market (especially in tech, healthcare, and finance), Fort Worth offers a much clearer path for career advancement. The social scene is vibrant, and the dating pool is larger. The higher cost is offset by higher earning potential.

Winner for Retirees: Little Rock

For retirees on a fixed income, Little Rock's affordability is a dream. Your Social Security and retirement savings stretch incredibly far. The lack of state income tax on Social Security benefits (in Arkansas) is a plus, and the slower pace, lower traffic, and access to nature are perfect for a relaxed retirement. The trade-off in safety requires careful neighborhood selection.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Fort Worth

• Pros: No state income tax, booming job market, diverse culture & amenities, safer than LR, strong appreciation potential, top-tier suburbs.
• Cons: Higher cost of living, brutal summer heat, significant traffic, competitive housing market, larger city anonymity.

Little Rock

• Pros: Extremely low cost of living, affordable housing, minimal traffic, slower pace of life, access to natural beauty (rivers, hills).
• Cons: High violent crime rate, lower median income, state income tax, fewer major city amenities, more oppressive humidity.

The Bottom Line

Choose Fort Worth if you are career-driven, safety-conscious, and can stomach a higher cost of living for long-term growth and big-city perks. It's a city on the rise.

Choose Little Rock if your top priority is affordability and a slower pace, and you're willing to do your homework on neighborhoods to mitigate safety concerns. It's a city of value and community.

Your lifestyle and budget will have the final say. Trust the data, but listen to your gut. Good luck with your move