Cost of Living in Drew County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Drew County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Drew County ranks #1,877 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Drew County, Arkansas
Drew County's above-average strain
Drew County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard and Arkansas' 18.1% state average, reflecting modest income paired with moderate housing costs. The median household income of $41,071 falls well below the national median of $74,755, constraining housing options despite relatively low rents.
Below-average affordability statewide
Drew County ranks among Arkansas' less affordable counties, with a 20.8% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 2.7 percentage points. This places it in the lower half of Arkansas counties for housing affordability relative to income.
Moderate rents, tight incomes
Drew County's median rent of $712 is lower than Crittenden ($883) and Crawford ($828) but higher than Dallas ($626) and Desha ($689). The median household income of $41,071, however, is the second-lowest in the comparison group, making the affordability strain real despite modest rents.
Income stretched thin
Renters spend $712 monthly on a $41,071 median household income—20.8%—while homeowners pay $615 monthly (18.0%) for properties valued at $127,800. With housing consuming over one-fifth of income, Drew County households have limited financial flexibility for emergencies or savings.
Drew County demands stable employment
Consider relocating to Drew County only if you have secure employment that matches or exceeds the median income of $41,000, or if you're relocating with a household partner's income. The tight housing-to-income ratio leaves little room for job transitions or income disruptions.
Cost of Living Advisory: Drew County
Affordability Verdict
Drew County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $712/month representing approximately 20.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $712/month rent versus $615/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $97/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,357/year. With a median household income of $41,071, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Drew County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Chicot County where rent averages $661/month, Drew County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Drew County
Rent Burden
20.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$958
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Drew County may be a stretch
Median home value is $127,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,020 vs. your max of $958.
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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