Cost of Living in Cross County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cross County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cross County ranks #2,435 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cross County, Arkansas
Cross County's affordability crisis
Cross County faces the most severe housing affordability challenge among our comparison counties, with a 20.3% rent-to-income ratio well above the national standard. The median household income of just $47,012—more than 37% below the national median—makes housing costs genuinely burdensome here.
Arkansas' most strained county
At 20.3%, Cross County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in Arkansas, exceeding the state average of 18.1% by a significant margin. Only Desha County surpasses it in housing cost burden among our comparison group.
Low rents, even lower incomes
Although Cross County's median rent of $797 is moderate compared to Crittenden ($883) and Crawford ($828), the extremely low median household income of $47,012 makes the burden proportionally severe. This income disadvantage—nearly $13,000 below Crawford County—drives the affordability crisis.
Housing dominates the budget
Renters in Cross County allocate 20.3% of their $47,012 median household income to rent, while homeowners pay $679 monthly (17.3% of income) with homes valued at just $104,000. For a household earning $47,000 annually, this leaves only $38,000 for all other expenses.
Cross County requires higher income
Relocate to Cross County only if your household income exceeds $50,000 or if you're pursuing a job opportunity that raises your earning potential significantly. The county's low housing costs won't offset the income constraints unless your personal circumstances improve.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cross County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Cross County is affordable. The median rent is $797/month against a median household income of $47,012, putting rent at 20.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cross County is $797/month, while owner costs run $679/month. Owning saves approximately $118/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,100/year. With a median household income of $47,012, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Cross County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jefferson County where rent averages $849/month, Cross County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cross County
Rent Burden
20.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,097
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cross County
Median home value is $104,000. Estimated monthly cost: $830 vs. your max of $1,097.
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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Counties with Similar Housing Costs
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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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