Arkansas Senior Living Options & Resources

Senior Living in Arkansas: What You Need to Know

Arkansas is home to 525,644 seniors aged 65 and older, representing 17.3% of the state's 3.0 million residents. With a median age of 38.4 and a growing retiree population drawn to its natural beauty and affordability, Arkansas offers a welcoming environment for senior living. The state features 15 senior living communities across 6 cities, with the highest concentration in Little Rock, which hosts 5 communities, followed by Bryant, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Springdale, each with 2 communities.

The cost of senior care in Arkansas is notably affordable compared to national standards. Assisted living averages $4,602 per month, significantly lower than the national average of $5,900. Nursing home care is equally competitive, with semi-private rooms costing $7,236 monthly versus the national average of $9,277. This affordability, combined with the state's median household income of $58,773, makes Arkansas an attractive option for seniors seeking quality care without the premium price tags found in coastal states.

Arkansas's senior care infrastructure is supported by robust healthcare systems, including Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, which provides specialized geriatric services. The state offers various types of senior care, from independent living and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing facilities. Communities are primarily concentrated in the central and northwest regions, particularly around Little Rock and the Northwest Arkansas corridor.

Arkansas participates in several Medicaid waiver programs that help seniors access home and community-based services, including the Alternatives for Adults with Physical Disabilities (Alternatives) waiver and the ElderChoices waiver. These programs allow eligible seniors to receive care in assisted living facilities or at home rather than in nursing homes. The state's commitment to aging-in-place initiatives, combined with its mild climate, outdoor recreational opportunities in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, and lower cost of living, continues to attract retirees seeking an affordable yet enriching retirement experience.