Cost of Living in Monroe County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Monroe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Monroe County ranks #1,691 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Monroe County, Arkansas
Monroe County: budget-friendly rents
Monroe County renters spend 16.5% of income on housing, below the national average of roughly 18%, with the lowest median rent ($603) in this cohort. Despite having the lowest household income ($43,955) here, Monroe residents benefit from exceptionally affordable rent.
Monroe ranks among most affordable
Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% sits comfortably below Arkansas's 18.1% state average, making it one of the most affordable counties profiled. The median rent of $603 is 79% of the state median, offering substantial savings for budget-conscious renters.
Monroe delivers rock-bottom rents
Monroe County's $603 median rent and 16.5% ratio represent the best values in this entire group, substantially undercutting even Logan County ($721, 15.9%). The county's extremely low rent positions it as an affordability leader despite modestly lower household income.
Renting and owning both cheap
Renters pay just $603 monthly (16.5% of the $43,955 household income), while homeowners pay $493—the second-lowest owner cost in the cohort. Both renting and owning are exceptionally affordable here, with owner costs consuming just 13.4% of income.
Monroe County for budget-first movers
If keeping housing costs low is your top priority, Monroe County delivers: rents at 16.5% of income and homes valued at just $82,200. This county is ideal for first-time homebuyers or renters seeking maximum savings; consider Monroe your affordability benchmark.
Cost of Living Advisory: Monroe County
Affordability Verdict
Monroe County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $603/month representing approximately 16.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $603/month rent versus $493/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $110/month cheaper — a 18% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,129/year. With a median household income of $43,955, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Monroe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Monroe County sits 9% less expensive than Chicot County ($661/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Monroe County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,026
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Monroe County
Median home value is $82,200. Estimated monthly cost: $656 vs. your max of $1,026.
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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