Cost of Living in Cleveland County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cleveland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cleveland County ranks #1,264 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cleveland County, Arkansas
Cleveland excels on affordability ratios
Cleveland County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats both the state average of 18.1% and signals strong national affordability standing. The median household income of $50,509, while below the national median of $74,755, combines with low rents to create one of Arkansas's best housing values.
Cleveland leads state affordability rankings
Cleveland County ranks among Arkansas's most affordable counties, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio substantially below the state average. This advantage makes Cleveland an exceptional market for renters and budget-conscious relocators.
Cleveland's rents beat most neighbors
Cleveland's $635 monthly median rent is the lowest in its region—significantly below state average ($760) and undercuts nearby Clay ($696) and Conway ($721). This rental advantage, combined with reasonable income levels, makes Cleveland uniquely affordable.
Cleveland renters spend just 15%
Cleveland households earning $50,509 pay only $635 monthly for rent—just 15% of income, the lowest burden among comparable counties. Owner costs of $588 monthly and home values of $123,400 further strengthen Cleveland's affordability profile for both renters and buyers.
Cleveland County is the affordability winner
If housing affordability is your priority in rural Arkansas, Cleveland County delivers the best rent-to-income ratio in its region at 15.1%. Compare Cleveland's $635 rent against Chicot ($661), Clay ($696), and Cleburne ($853) to confirm it's your best financial fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cleveland County
Affordability Verdict
Cleveland County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $635/month — about 15.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cleveland County pay $635/month on average, compared to $588/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,200/year. With a median household income of $50,509, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Cleveland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cleveland County sits 8% less expensive than Desha County ($689/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cleveland County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,179
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cleveland County
Median home value is $123,400. Estimated monthly cost: $985 vs. your max of $1,179.
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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