Cost of Living in Bradley County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bradley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bradley County ranks #1,192 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bradley County, Arkansas
Bradley County: Tight Budgets on Tight Incomes
Bradley County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18.1% and approaches the national affordability ceiling, creating real strain on households earning just $39,565 annually. Monthly rent of $638 consumes a notably larger share of income here than in most nearby counties.
Below-Average Affordability in Arkansas
Bradley County ranks among the state's least affordable counties, with a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio and the lowest median household income ($39,565) in this eight-county comparison. Combined, these factors create genuine economic pressure for residents.
Lowest Income, High Housing Burden Ratio
Bradley County's $638 rent matches Ashley County's price point, yet Bradley's income of $39,565 is $4,916 lower, pushing the affordability ratio to 19.4%—the worst in this group. Home values of $97,000 remain accessible, but income constraints limit purchasing power.
Limited Flexibility in Household Budgets
Renters allocate $638 monthly while owners pay just $522, yet with annual income of only $39,565, housing still claims roughly 19% of earnings. This leaves minimal cushion for unexpected expenses, health care, or savings.
Bradley County: Proceed With Caution
Bradley County offers rock-bottom rents and home values, but the mismatch between low income and high affordability ratios demands careful financial planning. Consider this county only if employment prospects significantly outweigh current income levels.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bradley County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Bradley County is affordable. The median rent is $638/month against a median household income of $39,565, putting rent at 19.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bradley County pay $638/month on average, compared to $522/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 18%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,371/year. With a median household income of $39,565, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Bradley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Bradley County is less affordable than Desha County by roughly 7% ($638/mo vs $689/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bradley County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$923
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bradley County
Median home value is $97,000. Estimated monthly cost: $774 vs. your max of $923.
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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