Cost of Living in Howard County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Howard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Howard County ranks #1,230 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Howard County, Arkansas
Howard County presents moderate rental affordability
At 18.9%, Howard County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below national norms, giving renters a modest advantage compared to the typical U.S. household. The median household income of $44,492 falls well short of the national average of $74,755, while median rent of $702 per month remains competitive for the region.
Howard ranks slightly above state housing burden
With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.9%, Howard County edges above Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it in the moderate-to-higher burden tier statewide. This reflects the county's lower median income relative to rental costs in the region.
Howard's rents are competitive within the cluster
At $702 per month, Howard County's median rent sits between the region's most affordable (Hot Spring at $763) and its midrange options, while home values of $135,400 remain moderate. The county offers a reasonable balance for households seeking lower costs without extreme scarcity.
Howard renters carry slightly elevated burden
With a median household income of just $44,492, renters in Howard County dedicate 18.9% of earnings—$702 per month—to housing, a rate that requires careful budgeting. Homeowners enjoy lower relative costs at $557 monthly on $135,400 properties, making ownership more accessible than renting in this county.
Howard County favors homebuyers over renters
If you're seeking to buy, Howard County's moderate home values ($135,400) and ownership costs ($557/month) present strong value; renters may feel the pinch with an 18.9% housing ratio. Compare these numbers to your circumstances and other Arkansas counties to determine if Howard is the right move for your household.
Cost of Living Advisory: Howard County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Howard County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $702/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $702/month rent versus $557/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $145/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,871/year. With a median household income of $44,492, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Howard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Howard County sits 7% less expensive than Phillips County ($756/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Howard County
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,038
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.0%
of gross income
The median home in Howard County may be a stretch
Median home value is $135,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,081 vs. your max of $1,038.
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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