Cost of Living in Lafayette County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lafayette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lafayette County ranks #1,942 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lafayette County, Arkansas
Lafayette faces steepest affordability crisis
Lafayette County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.9% ranks as the highest burden among these eight counties and well above national standards. With median income of just $37,237—only 50% of the national median—residents struggle most acutely with housing costs relative to earnings.
Arkansas's most stretched county
At 22.9%, Lafayette County's rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Arkansas's 18.1% state average by 4.8 percentage points, representing the steepest burden in this analysis. Median income of $37,237 ranks among the lowest regionally, amplifying affordability challenges despite moderate rents of $711.
Low income drives affordability squeeze
Although Lafayette County's rent of $711 aligns with neighboring counties, its $37,237 median income is substantially lower than peers, pushing the affordability burden significantly higher. Home values of $74,600 offer the cheapest entry point for homebuyers, but can't offset income constraints for renters.
Housing overwhelms Lafayette budgets
Lafayette residents with $37,237 median income allocate 22.9% to rent ($711/month) and 16.2% to mortgage costs, consuming 39.1% of income for housing. This leaves minimal room for food, utilities, transportation, and any financial cushion.
Lafayette demands careful financial planning
Relocating to Lafayette County requires incoming income well above the county median to avoid severe housing burden; the area suits those with secure, above-average earnings. First-time homebuyers find value in sub-$75K home prices, but renters face the region's toughest affordability squeeze.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lafayette County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lafayette County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $711/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lafayette County is $711/month, while owner costs run $503/month. Owning saves approximately $208/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,557/year. With a median household income of $37,237, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Lafayette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hot Spring County where rent averages $763/month, Lafayette County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lafayette County
Rent Burden
22.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$869
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lafayette County
Median home value is $74,600. Estimated monthly cost: $596 vs. your max of $869.
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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