Cost of Living in Crawford County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Crawford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Crawford County ranks #2,206 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Crawford County, Arkansas
Crawford's rent-to-income advantage
At 16.5%, Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national affordability benchmark—renters here spend less of their income on housing than the typical American household. The county's median household income of $60,362 is below the national median of $74,755, yet rents remain relatively stable at $828 monthly, creating surprising breathing room compared to coastal and metro areas.
Among Arkansas' most affordable
Crawford County ranks above the state average for housing affordability, with a 16.5% rent-to-income ratio compared to Arkansas' 18.1% state average. This places the county in the better half of Arkansas counties, where housing costs remain modest across the board.
Crawford vs. nearby counties
Crawford County's median rent of $828 sits squarely between Faulkner County ($980) to the south and Franklin County ($717) to the north, offering a middle-ground option. Compared to Crittenden County ($883), Crawford delivers slightly lower rents with better income levels, making it a more balanced choice for budget-conscious households.
Where the money goes
Renters spend $828 monthly while homeowners pay $763, a rare scenario where mortgage costs undercut rent—reflecting the county's $170,000 median home value. With median household income at $60,362 annually, housing consumes about 16.5% of renter income, leaving more for utilities, food, and savings.
Consider Crawford for balance
If you're weighing affordability against income, Crawford County offers stable housing costs without requiring a dramatic salary sacrifice. Test your budget: a household earning $60,000 would spend roughly $820 monthly on rent—manageable and realistic for the area.
Cost of Living Advisory: Crawford County
Affordability Verdict
Crawford County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $828/month representing approximately 16.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Crawford County pay $828/month on average, compared to $763/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,700/year. With a median household income of $60,362, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Crawford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Crawford County is less affordable than Miller County by roughly 6% ($828/mo vs $882/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Crawford County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,408
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Crawford County
Median home value is $170,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,357 vs. your max of $1,408.
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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