Cost of Living in Desha County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Desha County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Desha County ranks #1,855 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Desha County, Arkansas
Desha's severe affordability burden
Desha County faces the region's most severe housing affordability crisis, with a 22.9% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among all comparison counties. The median household income of just $36,064 ranks lowest in the group, forcing residents to dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to rent alone.
Arkansas' most strained housing market
At 22.9%, Desha County's rent-to-income ratio is the worst in Arkansas, exceeding the state average of 18.1% by nearly 5 percentage points. This places Desha among the nation's most housing-burdened counties, with structural economic challenges underlying the affordability crisis.
Lowest income, unsustainable housing ratio
While Desha County's median rent of $689 is moderate compared to Crittenden ($883), the median household income of $36,064 is dramatically lower than all neighbors. This income deficit creates the region's worst housing affordability ratio, far exceeding Cross County's already-severe 20.3%.
Housing consumes the budget
Renters allocate 22.9% of their $36,064 median household income to the $689 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $572 monthly (19.0%) for homes valued at $89,100. A household earning Desha's median income has just $27,700 annually remaining for all other expenses after housing.
Desha requires careful consideration
Moving to Desha County only makes sense if you're securing a job that pays significantly above the local median—or if you're retiring with stable outside income. The county's low housing costs cannot offset the severe income constraints residents face.
Cost of Living Advisory: Desha County
Affordability Verdict
Desha County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $689/month — about 22.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $689/month rent versus $572/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $117/month cheaper — a 17% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,514/year. With a median household income of $36,064, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Desha County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Desha County is more affordable than Bradley County by roughly 8% ($689/mo vs $638/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Desha County
Rent Burden
22.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$841
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Desha County
Median home value is $89,100. Estimated monthly cost: $711 vs. your max of $841.
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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