Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Montgomery County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Montgomery County ranks #355 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Montgomery County, Arkansas
Montgomery's rent squeeze vs. America
Montgomery County residents spend 18.0% of their income on rent, nearly matching the national average but on a median household income of just $49,015—35% below the U.S. average of $74,755. This affordability edge masks an underlying income challenge: locals earn less but pay roughly the same share of their paycheck for housing.
Middle of the Arkansas pack
Montgomery ranks near the state median for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% compared to Arkansas's 18.1% average. The county's $734 median rent sits slightly below the state's $760 average, positioning it as a modestly affordable option within Arkansas.
How Montgomery stacks up locally
Montgomery's $734 rent falls between Perry County ($734) to the north and Newton County ($629) to the northeast. On income, Montgomery ($49,015) trails Perry ($60,078) but outpaces Nevada ($41,761), making it a middle ground for renters seeking balance in the region.
Where Montgomery's money goes
Renters pay $734 monthly while homeowners spend $492, but both groups spend roughly similar percentages of their $49,015 annual income on housing. Together, these costs consume about 17–18% of household earnings, leaving money for other essentials.
Consider Montgomery if affordability matters
Montgomery offers near-state-average affordability for renters and below-average homeownership costs ($492/month). If you're relocating from a pricier region or seeking modest living expenses in rural Arkansas, Montgomery deserves a closer look.
Cost of Living Advisory: Montgomery County
Affordability Verdict
Montgomery County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $734/month — about 18.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Montgomery County pay $734/month on average, compared to $492/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 33%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,086/year. With a median household income of $49,015, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Montgomery County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Montgomery County sits 7% less expensive than St. Francis County ($791/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Montgomery County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,144
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Montgomery County
Median home value is $136,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,086 vs. your max of $1,144.
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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