| ZIP Code | 72542 |
|---|---|
| City | Hardy |
| State | Arkansas (AR) |
| County | Sharp County |
| Area Code | 327/870 |
| Elevation | 348 ft |
| Latitude | 36.300396 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -91.465971 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 05135 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.7 yrs ↓ 17% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.57 |
| Below Poverty | 12.7% ▲ 27% above avg |
| College Grads | 14.7% ▼ 62% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.7% ▼ 24% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 20 (0.8%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,155 (44.9%) |
| Some College | 425 (16.5%) |
| Associates | 594 (23.1%) |
| Bachelors | 112 (4.4%) |
| Graduate Degree | 266 (10.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $40,724 ▼ 47% below avg ↑ 11% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $90,500 ▼ 68% below avg ↓ 14% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $519/mo ↑ 2% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,186 |
| Vacant Units | 695 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.57 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,186 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 695 |
| Owner Occupied | 85.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 15.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.57 |
ZIP code 72542 is located in Hardy, Arkansas, within Sharp County. With a population of 3,829, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 45.7 years. Economically, 72542 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $40,724 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 72542 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $90,500 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $519 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 85.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have decreased by 14% since 2019.
The population of 72542 is primarily White (88.40%). Residents are less-educated — 14.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is well below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.7%. Household income has grown by 11% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 72542 stands at 3.7%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 78%.
Overall, ZIP code 72542 in Hardy, AR is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,829 residents, a median household income of $40,724, and a median home value of $90,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Arkansas.