The extent of homelessness can be an indicator of a community's ability to provide stable jobs that pay a living wage as well as measures of support for the unemployed and access to affordable housing and health care. Homelessness is related to larger issues such as poverty, employment, mental health, substance abuse, and family violence. The way a community cares for its more vulnerable citizens is a marker of collaboration and its social support systems.

In 2019, Arkansas counted a little over 2,700 homeless individuals, for a rate of 9 per 10,000 residents. That was a decline of 33% since 2007 and made Arkansas 19th in the nation for this indicator, including the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Homelessness was higher among males than females, with men making up over 1,600 of the homeless individuals. Among racial and ethnic groups, the rate was higher for black or African American individuals at 20 per 10,000 residents, compared to 7 for whites and 3 per 10,000 residents for Hispanics.

Figures represent point-in-time counts. HUD asks people to identify their race (white, African-American, etc.) separate from their ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic). So the totals for these categories cannot be added together, as people show up in both a racial and ethnic group.