Cost of Living in Columbia County, Arkansas

$631/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$141,700
Median Home Value
17% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$631/mo
17% below state average
Median Home Value
$141,700
50% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
26.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Columbia County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Columbia County$631/mo
Arkansas Average$760/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$631/mo
Median Gross Rent
$141,700
Median Home Value
$671/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
26.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Columbia County, Arkansas

Columbia rents align with national norms

Columbia County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio falls comfortably below Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, indicating solid affordability. The median household income of $47,363 reflects local economic conditions, but housing costs remain accessible relative to earnings.

Columbia ranks above-average statewide

Columbia County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio places it well above the state average for affordability, making it an attractive market in Arkansas. The $141,700 median home value suggests a balanced housing market with stable appreciation potential.

Columbia rents remain region's lowest

At $631 monthly, Columbia's median rent is among the lowest in its area—undercutting the state average of $760 and nearby Chicot ($661). This affordability advantage stems partly from Columbia's rural character and lower demand relative to more developed regions.

Columbia allocates 16% to rent

Columbia households earning $47,363 spend $631 monthly on rent—about 16% of income, well-balanced and sustainable. Owner costs average $671 monthly, slightly higher than regional peers, but the $141,700 home value offers reasonable purchase options for long-term residents.

Columbia offers balanced rural living

Columbia County combines low rents, affordable homes, and reasonable affordability ratios for relocators seeking quiet, rural Arkansas life. If you're weighing options between Columbia, Cleveland, and Clay counties, all three offer strong affordability—Columbia edges ahead on home values and owner-cost balance.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Columbia County

$

Rent Burden

16.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,105

per month

Owner Cost Burden

17.0%

of gross income

The median home in Columbia County may be a stretch

Median home value is $141,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,131 vs. your max of $1,105.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.0%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Columbia County, Arkansas?
Columbia County, Arkansas has a median monthly rent of $631/mo and a median home value of $141,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 26.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Columbia County?
The median gross rent in Columbia County is $631/mo. This is 17% below state average for Arkansas.
Is Columbia County affordable?
Columbia County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Columbia County's rent compare to the state average?
Columbia County's median rent of $631/mo is 17% below state average of $760/mo for Arkansas.
What is the median home value in Columbia County?
The median home value in Columbia County, Arkansas is $141,700. This is 50% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.