Cost of Living in Baxter County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Baxter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Baxter County ranks #2,129 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Baxter County, Arkansas
Baxter County: Housing Crunch Despite Low Wages
Baxter County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio stands as the highest among these eight counties and above Arkansas's 18.1% state average, signaling a genuine affordability squeeze. At $866 monthly rent on median income of just $48,427, housing claims a notably larger slice of the household budget than elsewhere.
Least Affordable County in This Group
Baxter County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% markedly exceeds the state average and represents the worst affordability profile across these eight counties. Despite mid-range income, renters here face disproportionate housing pressure that erodes purchasing power for other essentials.
Rising Rents, Strained Wallets
Baxter County's $866 rent rivals Benton County's $1,193 (though Benton earns far more income) and substantially exceeds nearby options like Boone County ($715) and Carroll County ($818). High home values ($165,400) compound affordability challenges, pricing out lower-income residents from ownership.
Housing Dominates the Budget
Renters devote 21.5% of income to housing while homeowners pay $631 monthly—an unusual gap favoring ownership that reflects the rental market's premium pricing. With median income of $48,427, nearly a quarter of annual earnings flows to housing, limiting flexibility elsewhere.
Baxter County: Weigh Carefully Before Moving
Baxter County's rising rents and income-to-housing squeeze make it a tougher sell for budget-conscious relocators compared to more affordable Arkansas alternatives. Consider this county only if employment prospects outweigh the elevated housing burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: Baxter County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Baxter County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $866/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Baxter County pay $866/month on average, compared to $631/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 27%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,043/year. With a median household income of $48,427, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Baxter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Independence County where rent averages $814/month, Baxter County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Baxter County
Rent Burden
21.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,130
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Baxter County may be a stretch
Median home value is $165,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,320 vs. your max of $1,130.
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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