Cost of Living in Benton County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benton County ranks #2,636 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benton County, Arkansas
Benton County: High Earners, Manageable Rents
Benton County's median household income of $89,879 dramatically exceeds the national average of $74,755, making the 15.9% rent-to-income ratio feel comfortable despite $1,193 monthly rent. Higher wages here absorb elevated housing costs more easily than in lower-income counties.
Arkansas's Most Affluent County
Benton County leads all eight counties in income and ranks among Arkansas's strongest economic engines, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% against the state average of 18.1%. This outperformance reflects robust job growth and professional opportunities throughout the region.
Premium Pricing for Premium Wages
Benton County's $1,193 rent substantially exceeds nearby counties—more than $375 above Boone County ($715) and $375 above Carroll County ($818)—yet household income justifies the premium. Median home values of $285,100 position this as the region's luxury housing market.
Income Cushions Housing Costs
Renters allocate $1,193 monthly to housing while owners pay $1,246, a narrow margin reflecting an expensive but balanced market. With median income of $89,879 annually, housing consumes just 16% of total earnings, leaving ample resources for savings and discretionary spending.
Benton County: Premium Housing, Strong Incomes
Relocating to Benton County makes sense if you're pursuing high-wage employment or can command similar income remotely—housing costs scale up, but so do opportunities. This county rewards ambitious professionals seeking dynamic job markets alongside manageable housing burdens.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benton County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Benton County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,193/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Benton County is $1,193/month, while owner costs run $1,246/month. Renting saves approximately $53/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,400/year. With a median household income of $89,879, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Benton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Benton County sits 15% more expensive than Pulaski County ($1,036/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benton County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,097
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
The median home in Benton County may be a stretch
Median home value is $285,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,276 vs. your max of $2,097.
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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