Cost of Living in Carroll County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #2,075 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carroll County, Arkansas
Carroll County: Slightly Above State Norm
Carroll County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 18.1%, indicating modestly above-average affordability challenges despite moderate income of $55,187. Monthly rent of $818 claims a meaningful but manageable portion of household budgets.
Mid-Range Affordability in Arkansas
Carroll County ranks in the middle tier of Arkansas counties for housing affordability, with a 17.8% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $818 slightly above state average. This positioning reflects a steady, non-speculative local housing market.
Higher Rents Offset by Better Home Values
Carroll County's $818 rent runs above Boone County ($715) and Arkansas County ($799), yet home values of $186,300 rank among the strongest in this group. This configuration favors renters considering homeownership over those already seeking rental accommodations.
Ownership More Attractive Than Renting
Renters pay $818 monthly while owners face just $668—a $150 monthly savings that tilts the rent-to-own equation firmly toward purchasing. With median income of $55,187, housing claims approximately 18% of earnings, requiring careful household budgeting but remaining sustainable.
Carroll County: Consider Homeownership Path
Carroll County's rent premium combined with accessible home values makes this county particularly attractive for buyers ready to transition from renting. Strong median home values and moderate income create a favorable calculus for building equity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Carroll County is affordable. The median rent is $818/month against a median household income of $55,187, putting rent at 17.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $818/month rent versus $668/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $150/month cheaper — a 18% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,629/year. With a median household income of $55,187, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Carroll County is more affordable than Hot Spring County by roughly 7% ($818/mo vs $763/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,288
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
The median home in Carroll County may be a stretch
Median home value is $186,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,487 vs. your max of $1,288.
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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