Cost of Living in Ashley County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ashley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ashley County ranks #1,926 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ashley County, Arkansas
Ashley County: Rock-Bottom Rent Costs
With a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio on median income of $44,481, Ashley County ranks well below the national affordability threshold while offering some of Arkansas's lowest rents. At just $640 monthly, the rent burden here remains manageable despite below-average income levels.
Among Arkansas's Most Affordable
Ashley County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 18.1%, and its $640 median rent ranks among the lowest in the state. This county stands out for renters and first-time buyers with limited budgets.
Cheapest Housing in Its Region
Ashley County's $640 rent undercuts every nearby comparison, beating Bradley County ($638—nearly identical) and significantly undercutting counties like Arkansas County ($799) and Carroll County ($818). Home values of $88,800 position Ashley as the most affordable entry point for homeownership in its area.
Low Income, Lower Housing Costs
Median household income of $44,481 is the second-lowest among these eight counties, yet renters allocate just $640 monthly to housing—enabling a lean but feasible budget. Homeowners pay only $489 monthly, freeing up cash for food, transportation, and emergencies.
Ashley County: Maximum Affordability
Relocating to Ashley County means stretching a tight budget further than almost anywhere else in Arkansas—rents and home values are genuinely low. This county suits workers accepting lower wages for guaranteed low housing costs and tight-knit rural community life.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ashley County
Affordability Verdict
Ashley County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $640/month — about 17.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $640/month rent versus $489/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $151/month cheaper — a 24% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,957/year. With a median household income of $44,481, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Ashley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Clay County where rent averages $696/month, Ashley County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ashley County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,038
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ashley County
Median home value is $88,800. Estimated monthly cost: $709 vs. your max of $1,038.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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