Cost of Living in Madison County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Madison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Madison County ranks #845 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madison County, Arkansas
Madison County rents stay reasonable
Madison County renters spend 16.2% of income on housing, just below the national average of roughly 18%, with median household income of $53,888 lagging national figures by about $21,000. Modest rent costs of $727 provide affordability despite lower overall earnings.
Madison ranks better than average
With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2%, Madison County sits below Arkansas's state average of 18.1%, placing it among the more affordable counties. The median rent of $727 comes in just $33 below the state median, indicating good value relative to state earnings.
Madison offers regional rent deals
Madison County's $727 median rent is the second-lowest in this group, trailing only Logan County's $721 and significantly undercutting Little River ($812) and Marion County ($792). The 16.2% rent-to-income ratio reflects strong affordability comparable to nearby counties.
Both renters and buyers save
Renters pay $727 monthly (16.2% of the $53,888 household income), while homeowners pay just $532—the lowest owner cost in the cohort. Owner costs consume a mere 11.8% of income, making homeownership exceptionally affordable in Madison County.
Madison County rewards homebuyers
Prospective buyers find exceptional value here: median home value of $157,800 with monthly costs of just $532 (11.8% of income). Renters also enjoy low rents; Madison County delivers balanced affordability for both paths to housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madison County
Affordability Verdict
Madison County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $727/month — about 16.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Madison County is $727/month, while owner costs run $532/month. Owning saves approximately $195/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,800/year. With a median household income of $53,888, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Madison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Grant County where rent averages $779/month, Madison County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,257
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.8%
of gross income
The median home in Madison County may be a stretch
Median home value is $157,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,260 vs. your max of $1,257.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Madison County, Arkansas?
What is the median rent in Madison County?
Is Madison County affordable?
How does Madison County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Madison County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Madison County, Arkansas? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Madison County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.