Cost of Living in Independence County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Independence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Independence County ranks #2,086 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Independence County, Arkansas
Independence County housing costs track below national average
At 17.4%, Independence County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national threshold, positioning renters here in a more favorable situation than typical U.S. households. The median household income of $56,009 falls short of the national average of $74,755, yet median rent of $814 per month remains reasonable for the region.
Independence ranks among Arkansas's more affordable counties
With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.4%, Independence County outperforms the state average of 18.1%, placing it solidly in Arkansas's more affordable half. This edge reflects balanced rental markets and household incomes in the county.
Independence offers solid mid-range housing value
At $814 per month, Independence County's median rent sits in the moderate range of this central Arkansas cluster, below Garland ($942) and Greene ($852) but above Hot Spring ($763). Home values ($120,500) also remain moderate, appealing to families seeking reasonable pricing without extreme constraints.
Independence households enjoy balanced housing economics
Renters in Independence County dedicate 17.4% of their $56,009 median income—$814 per month—to housing, a sustainable burden leaving ample room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $704 monthly on properties valued at $120,500, with both groups enjoying reasonable relationships between income and shelter costs.
Independence County: balanced opportunity for all buyers
Independence County offers solid affordability for both renters and homebuyers seeking mid-range costs and reasonable housing burdens across the board. Use these benchmarks to evaluate how Independence stacks up against your current location and other Arkansas counties you're considering for relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Independence County
Affordability Verdict
Independence County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $814/month representing approximately 17.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Independence County pay $814/month on average, compared to $704/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,171/year. With a median household income of $56,009, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Independence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Independence County sits 7% more expensive than Hot Spring County ($763/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Independence County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,307
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Independence County
Median home value is $120,500. Estimated monthly cost: $962 vs. your max of $1,307.
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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