The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 72104 sells for about $185,000, or $118 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.8% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 62 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $950 a month.
ZIP 72104 — Malvern
The 72104 housing market remains stable with modest price appreciation and balanced inventory levels. Demand is driven by local affordability and proximity to the Little Rock metro area, though limited new construction keeps the market from rapid expansion. Figures for specific metrics like active inventory and sales counts are based on local market trends for the Malvern area.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and individuals seeking a lower cost of living compared to the Little Rock metro core. It appeals to those who prefer a small-town environment while maintaining access to regional employment via the I-30 corridor.
Median prices moved up 2.8% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 62 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.8% · poverty 14.2% — 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 5.4%/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 2.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 72104, Hot Spring County AR
Crime rates in the Malvern area are generally consistent with regional averages for small-town Arkansas, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement maintains a stable presence, and the area is considered comparable to similar rural-adjacent municipalities in the state.
Schools in the Malvern area are primarily served by the Malvern School District, which provides standard public education services. Performance metrics are generally aligned with state averages for districts of similar size and socioeconomic composition.
The area faces typical regional risks including severe thunderstorms and occasional tornado activity common to central Arkansas. Flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near the Ouachita River and local tributaries.
Economic momentum is driven by local manufacturing and service-sector employment, with steady but modest development. Infrastructure improvements are focused on maintaining regional connectivity to the Little Rock metro area.
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 from 72104 to the Little Rock employment core typically involves a 30-45 minute drive via I-30. Public transit options are extremely limited, making personal vehicle ownership essential for regional employment access.
The area offers access to outdoor amenities including the Ouachita River for fishing and boating, as well as local parks and trails. Shopping and dining are concentrated in the Malvern city center, providing basic services for residents.
The rental market is characterized by moderate demand and limited inventory, with a mix of single-family homes and small apartment complexes. Vacancy pressure remains low, and rent growth has been stable in line with regional inflation.
The local economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors. Major employers include local industrial facilities and the Malvern School District.
The area is served by I-30, which acts as the primary artery for regional travel. Public transit infrastructure is minimal, relying heavily on highway connectivity.
Development is primarily focused on small-scale residential infill and commercial expansion along major thoroughfares. No major large-scale master-planned communities are currently reported.
The Hot Spring County Assessor manages property valuations, utilizing a standard mass-appraisal system for annual tax rolls.
Parcels are subject to standard county and school district taxes, with no significant MUD or PID districts reported.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather risks, including wind and hail exposure. Market health is stable, though costs have trended upward in line with national trends.
Data retrieved from US Census Bureau ZCTA-level tables.
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.
- Magic Springs4.116.7 mi
- Family Fun Park4.116.4 mi
- T-Rex Golf4.117.5 mi
- A Narrow Escape4.917.7 mi
- Escape Hot Springs, Inc.4.917.3 mi
- Oaklawn Hot Springs4.216.9 mi
- Magic Springs4.116.7 mi
- Anthony Chapel4.814.4 mi
- Hot Springs Convention Center4.617.6 mi
- The River Center4.619.1 mi
- Lake Catherine State Park4.78.4 mi
- Falls Creek Falls4.77.8 mi
- Ouachita River Whitewater Park4.83.8 mi
- Adventureworks Hot Springs512.8 mi
- Retroverse Museum4.712.9 mi
- Gangster Museum of America4.417.8 mi
- The Grand Promenade4.817.9 mi
- Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum3.818 mi
- Retroverse Museum4.712.9 mi
- Veteran Memorial4.717.4 mi
- Lake Catherine State Park4.78.4 mi
- Ouachita River Whitewater Park4.83.8 mi
- Malvern City Park4.32.8 mi
- Hot Springs Marina4.916 mi
- Balboa Marina4.320 mi
- DeGray Resort Marina4.719.7 mi
- Lakeside Country Golf Club4.412 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Provides significant recreational opportunities including fishing and boating.
Central community space with playgrounds and picnic areas.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.