The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 71953 sells for about $215,000, or $138 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 78 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $950 a month.
ZIP 71953 — Mena
The housing market in 71953 shows steady appreciation and moderate demand, driven by its appeal as an affordable, scenic location. While inventory remains tight, the market is balanced by consistent interest from local buyers and those relocating for lifestyle reasons. Figures for specific metrics like months of supply are based on current local listings and market activity.
This ZIP is well-suited for families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an affordable, small-town lifestyle with proximity to significant natural landscapes.
Median prices moved up 4.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 78 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.8% · poverty 15.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 9.1%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 71953, Polk County AR
Crime rates in Mena are generally lower than the national average, with property crime being the most frequently reported incident type.
The area is served by the Mena School District, which maintains a stable reputation for its size and community-focused educational programs.
The region is subject to seasonal severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional high winds, with standard flood risk management in place for low-lying areas.
Economic momentum is driven by local manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism related to the Ouachita National Forest, with steady but modest development.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Arkansas) — Arkansas Disabled Veteran Total Property Tax Exemption: Provides a 100% exemption from all ad valorem real property taxes on the principal homestead. Formula: Net Ad Valorem Tax Due = $0.00. State (Arkansas) — Arkansas Senior and Disabled Assessment Freeze: Freezes the assessed taxable value of the homestead at the prevailing assessed value at the time the owner becomes eligible or purchases the property. State (Arkansas) — Arkansas State Homestead Property Tax Credit: Provides a direct reduction against ad valorem property taxes up to $350.00 (increased to $350 by Act 655 of 2009; further statutory increases may apply up to $425 depending on legislative session). Formula: Final Tax Due = max($0, Gross Ad Valorem Tax - Homestead Credit). State (Arkansas) — Arkansas Amendment 79 Assessment Growth Caps (Assessment Limitation): Caps annual assessed value growth following a countywide reappraisal: homestead parcel taxable assessments cannot increase by more than 5% per year, and non-homestead residential parcel taxable assessments cannot increase by more than 10% per year until taxable assessment reaches… State (Arkansas) — Arkansas Ad Valorem Property Tax Assessment Ratio and Valuation: Imposes an ad valorem property tax based on a uniform statutory assessment ratio of 20% of true market value.
Commuting is primarily car-dependent, with residents typically traveling within Mena or to nearby regional hubs via US Highway 71.
The area offers extensive outdoor recreation including access to the Ouachita National Forest, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, and local city parks for hiking and fishing.
The rental market is characterized by limited inventory and steady demand, primarily serving local workers and those relocating for the area's natural amenities.
The economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with a significant secondary sector in tourism and outdoor recreation.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use, with US Highway 71 serving as the primary arterial route for regional connectivity.
Development is focused on small-scale residential infill and infrastructure maintenance rather than large-scale master-planned communities.
Polk County Assessor manages property valuations, typically reassessing on a cyclical basis to reflect market value changes.
Parcels are subject to school district taxes and local municipal levies; no major MUDs or PIDs are prevalent in this rural-adjacent ZIP.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional wildfire and storm risks, with standard coverage available through major national carriers.
Data retrieved from Census Bureau ZCTA profiles and MapOfZipCodes.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Board Camp Crystal Mine4.86.2 mi
- Janssen Park4.52.9 mi
- Mena Silver Screen Theater4.32.7 mi
- Queen Wilhelmina State Park4.713 mi
- Janssen Park4.52.9 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Expansive forest area offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
Located on Rich Mountain, featuring a historic lodge and panoramic views.
Features local boutiques, cafes, and historic architecture.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.