Jonesboro, AR Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Jonesboro, AR: What You Need to Know

Jonesboro, located in the northeastern part of Arkansas, is called the City of Churches. It boasts of over 75 churches representing most key denominations.

The Local History

The city was incorporated in 1883, right after the railroads reached the area. Jonesboro was named after Arkansas Sen. William A. Jones. It thrived as a sawmilling town for a while before it became an agricultural market. Two of the oldest churches behind the nickname of Jonesboro are the First Baptist Church (1911) and the First Methodist Church (1916).

Schools and Higher Education

Arkansas State University was founded in 1909 as a state agricultural school. Today it’s a public research university with 13,709 students in the flagship campus. There are 34 colleges within 100 miles of the city. The Jonesboro School District has 11 public schools serving 6,501 students. The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is more than the Arkansas average of 14:1.

The Cost of Living in Jonesboro

If you’re moving to Jonesboro, be aware that while it’s an affordable small city (population: 78,394), Arkansas has one of the highest income tax and sales tax rates in the country. First, the good news. The cost of living rate, food, and housing costs in Jonesboro are 25.6%, 26.2%, and 34.1% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $758; the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $667. The bad news is, Arkansas levies 0% to 6.90% in income tax and 6.50% to 11.625% in sales tax. Counties and cities collect their own sales taxes in addition to the statewide rate. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Locals describe Jonesboro as the perfect combination of a college town, and urban and suburban environments. Almost half of all residents rent. Keep in mind that Jonesboro is in Craighead County, a dry county, meaning no alcohol sales. If you want to live outside Jonesboro, Brookland is close by. It has good schools and a safe and friendly community. If you prefer a wet county and don’t mind the commute, Marked Tree in Poinsett County gets kudos for its peace and quiet and excellent schools.

Job Opportunities in Jonesboro

Arkansas State University helps drive the local economy by developing a pipeline of skilled talent and employing over 2,000 people. Top employers include St. Bernards Healthcare and NEA Baptist Health System. The Craighead Technology Park attracts big companies to the area, including Nestlé, Unilever, Millard Refrigerated Services, Great Dane Trailers, and Crane Composites.