Shirley ZIP Code List — Van Buren County, AR

There is one unique ZIP code in Shirley, Arkansas and it is 72153. Area code: 501.

ZIP codes

100.80

sq mi land

3.81

sq mi water

501

area code

Shirley, AR ZIP code map

About Shirley, AR

Shirley, Arkansas is a charming small town located in the heart of Van Buren County. This quaint community is known for its friendly residents and a peaceful atmosphere that attracts those seeking a slower pace of life. As part of the beautiful natural surroundings of Arkansas, Shirley offers both residents and visitors unique access to a variety of outdoor activities.

Location & geography

Shirley is situated in the north-central part of Arkansas, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and natural beauty. It is approximately 22 miles from the nearby cities of Clinton to the northeast and Heber Springs to the southeast, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. The town covers a total land area of 100.80 square miles, complemented by a water area of 3.81 square miles, creating a diverse ecosystem for local wildlife.

Community & economy

The character of Shirley is defined by its tight-knit community, where residents value their relationships and neighborly connections. The local economy thrives on a mix of agriculture, small businesses, and tourism, providing a diverse range of services and products for the community. Daily life in Shirley often revolves around outdoor activities, local events, and engaging with the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Transportation

Shirley is accessible via Arkansas Highway 65, which connects the town with nearby larger cities and regional hubs. The nearest major airport is Clinton National Airport, located about 23 miles to the northwest in Little Rock, providing convenient travel options for residents and visitors.

History

Shirley, Arkansas was founded in the late 19th century and has since been rooted in agriculture as a key industry in the area. Over the years, the town has experienced growth while maintaining its rural charm and small-town feel. Notable events in the community often center around seasonal festivals that celebrate local harvests and traditions.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Shirley is that it is home to some beautiful rolling hills and natural landscapes that attract nature enthusiasts for hiking and fishing. Additionally, the town's proximity to the Ozark National Forest offers residents and visitors incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures.

ZIP codes for Shirley, AR (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
72153	Shirley	Van Buren	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,823

Population

37.8

Median age

$46,198

Median household income

$23,380

Per capita income

$118,300

Median home value

$654

Median monthly rent

89.5%

Home ownership

15.8%

Poverty rate

6.2%

Unemployment

1,690

Housing units

10.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

291

5–9

267

10–14

119

15–19

110

124

20–24

114

171

25–34

157

313

35–44

289

173

45–54

159

136

55–59

126

60–64

222

65–74

204

147

75–84

135

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,097	28.7%
18 and over	2,726	71.3%
65 and over	782	20.5%
Median age	37.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95.9%

Two or more races 1.7%

Hispanic or Latino 1.3%

Asian 0.6%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	3,712	95.9%
Two or more races	66	1.7%
Hispanic or Latino	49	1.3%
Asian	25	0.6%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	17	0.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	3	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 8.5%

$10k–$15k 7.4%

$15k–$25k 13.3%

$25k–$35k 4.6%

$35k–$50k 20.0%

$50k–$75k 14.1%

$75k–$100k 17.4%

$100k–$150k 8.2%

$150k–$200k 5.1%

$200k+ 1.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	8.5%
$10k–$15k	7.4%
$15k–$25k	13.3%
$25k–$35k	4.6%
$35k–$50k	20.0%
$50k–$75k	14.1%
$75k–$100k	17.4%
$100k–$150k	8.2%
$150k–$200k	5.1%
$200k+	1.4%
Median income	$46,198

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 20.1%

$50k–$100k 18.5%

$100k–$150k 18.4%

$150k–$200k 12.5%

$200k–$300k 26.2%

$300k–$500k 3.6%

$500k–$1M 0.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$118,300
Median rent / month	$654
Owner occupied	89.5%
Renter occupied	10.5%
Vacant	23.3%
Single-family detached	63.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.1%
Mobile homes	34.1%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.82

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.3%
2010–2019	5.5%
2000–2009	13.9%
1990–1999	27.8%
1980–1989	24.0%
1970–1979	14.9%
1960–1969	4.5%
1950–1959	3.5%
1940–1949	2.5%
1939 or earlier	3.2%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.9%
1 bedroom	10.8%
2 bedrooms	24.3%
3 bedrooms	46.7%
4 bedrooms	13.1%
5+ bedrooms	4.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	2.4%
1 vehicle	24.0%
2 vehicles	38.7%
3 or more	34.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.1%
Electricity	50.3%
Propane / LP gas	40.2%
Wood	6.5%
No fuel used	1.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	709	50.3%
Cohabiting couple	82	5.8%
Male householder, no spouse	336	23.8%
Female householder, no spouse	283	20.1%
Households with children under 18	648	46.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	598	42.4%
Average household size	2.71

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	30.2%	17.3%
Married	47.5%	54.3%
Separated	1.2%	0.7%
Widowed	14.1%	15.5%
Divorced	7.0%	12.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 6.6%

Some HS, no diploma 22.1%

HS graduate 34.5%

Some college, no degree 19.2%

Associate's degree 7.3%

Bachelor's degree 6.0%

Graduate / professional 4.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	71.2%
Bachelor's or higher	10.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	322	34.5%
Elementary school	375	40.2%
High school	223	23.9%
College / grad school	13	1.4%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 31.4%

Transportation & utilities 17.9%

Construction 15.9%

Retail trade 11.1%

Professional & management 6.9%

Manufacturing 4.8%

Other services 3.7%

Finance & real estate 2.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.2%

Public administration 1.7%

Information 1.3%

Wholesale trade 0.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	24.6%
Service	23.8%
Sales & office	10.3%
Natural resources & construction	12.6%
Production & transportation	28.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	83.8%
Government	8.6%
Self-employed	7.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.4%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	72.4%
Carpool	19.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.3%
Other means	1.8%
Avg commute (minutes)	28.6

Poverty

All people 15.8%

Under 18 years 12.1%

18 and over 17.2%

Married-couple families 7.6%

Female-led households 47.5%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	44.5%
Retirement income	19.0%
Supplemental Security	6.0%
Cash public assistance	11.7%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	43.0%
High cholesterol	43.6%
Heart disease	9.6%
Stroke	4.2%
Asthma	9.9%
Arthritis	31.5%
Kidney disease	3.7%
Pulmonary disease	10.9%
Cancer	8.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.2%
No physical activity	30.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.8%
Fair or poor health	22.1%
Poor mental health	16.2%
Poor physical health	14.8%
No health insurance	14.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.6%
Visited dentist	54.5%
Cholesterol screening	89.3%
Teeth loss	19.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	382	14.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	25.2%
Under 18	16.4%
18–64 years	17.0%
65 and over	57.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	36.2%
Public insurance	64.8%
Uninsured under 19	8.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,636	95.1%
Spanish	26	0.7%
Other Indo-European	10	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	16	0.4%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,771	98.6%
Born in same state	3,762	98.4%
Born in different state	2,367	61.9%
Foreign born	9	0.2%
Naturalized citizen	52	1.4%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	1,222	32%
Arab	838	21.9%
English	344	9%
French	284	7.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	50	1.3%
Dutch	5	0.1%
Irish	4	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	36.9%
Internet access	85.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Shirley, AR?

Shirley, AR has one ZIP code: 72153.

What is the main ZIP code for Shirley, AR?

The primary ZIP code for Shirley, AR is 72153. The city uses area code 501 for phone service.

What county is Shirley, AR in?

Shirley is located in Van Buren County, Arkansas.

How many ZIP codes are in Shirley, AR?

Shirley, AR has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for the Shirley community in Van Buren County, Arkansas?

The ZIP code for Shirley, Arkansas is 72153. This ZIP code covers the entire Shirley community located in Van Buren County.

If I'm mailing a letter to a business in Shirley, AR, what ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 72153 for all mail addressed to Shirley, Arkansas, as it is the only ZIP code serving this Van Buren County community.