According to the Zillow Home Value Index, home prices across Arkansas rose 5.8% in the past year—but in some small towns, that’s just the beginning. These 15 communities are seeing price growth rates that double or even triple historical trends, a signal that investors—not local demand—are driving the surge. As all-cash buyers and outside speculators compete for limited inventory, local families are being pushed to the sidelines. The math no longer works for working Arkansans—and the shift is happening fast.
15. Tumbling Shoals – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 1.90% (July 2025)
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 4.36%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 4.44%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 1.90%
- Current 2025 price: $251,849.43
Tumbling Shoals ranks as the most stable market among these communities, with recent growth barely exceeding historical patterns. The 1.90% feeding frenzy factor indicates minimal speculation pressure, though the current median price of $251,849 puts it above the state average. This modest acceleration suggests organic growth rather than investor-driven inflation.
Tumbling Shoals – Rural Stability in Conway County
Tumbling Shoals sits in Conway County, roughly 60 miles northwest of Little Rock in the Arkansas River Valley region. This unincorporated community has maintained relatively steady housing appreciation compared to other areas experiencing dramatic price swings. The current median home price of $251,849 reflects gradual increases that align closely with the area’s economic fundamentals.
The community’s location provides access to outdoor recreation along the Arkansas River while maintaining the rural character that attracts families seeking affordable country living. Unlike towns seeing massive investor speculation, Tumbling Shoals’ 4.44% recent growth rate represents sustainable appreciation that doesn’t dramatically outpace local income growth.
This stability makes Tumbling Shoals an example of organic housing market growth where families can still compete with outside buyers. The minimal 1.90% feeding frenzy factor suggests that most transactions involve local residents rather than speculative investors, preserving the community’s character and affordability relative to more volatile markets.
14. Booneville – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 2.40% (July 2025)
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 6.58%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 6.73%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 2.40%
- Current 2025 price: $118,395.17
Booneville shows minimal speculation despite strong historical growth rates around 6.5% annually. The low feeding frenzy factor of 2.40% combined with the most affordable median price on this list at $118,395 suggests this Logan County seat remains accessible to local buyers. Recent growth barely exceeds the already robust historical pattern.
Booneville – Affordable Mountain Town Remains Accessible
Booneville, the county seat of Logan County, sits nestled in the Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. With a population around 3,800, this small city has maintained consistent housing appreciation rates near 6.5% annually over the past decade. The current median home price of $118,395 represents exceptional affordability compared to both state and national averages…