Cost of Living in Ouachita County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ouachita County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ouachita County ranks #1,895 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ouachita County, Arkansas
Ouachita punches above its weight
Ouachita County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% sits below both the national average and Arkansas's 18.1% state average, despite a median household income of $49,838 (33% below the U.S. average). The county's $714 rent creates genuine affordability for a lower-income region.
Ouachita ranks solidly in Arkansas
Ouachita's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 18.1%, positioning the county among Arkansas's more affordable options. At $714 monthly rent, Ouachita remains competitive statewide while maintaining reasonable incomes above $49,000.
Ouachita balances rent and income well
Ouachita's $714 rent undercuts Montgomery ($734) and Nevada ($841) while exceeding Newton ($629), striking a middle ground regionally. With a median income of $49,838, Ouachita residents maintain better earning power than Nevada ($41,761) while enjoying comparable rents.
Ouachita's housing split between renters and owners
Renters pay $714 monthly while homeowners spend $589, with both dedicating roughly 17% of their $49,838 income to housing. This balanced burden allows households to manage other expenses without extreme financial stress.
Ouachita works for balanced budgeting
Ouachita offers solid affordability with rents below the state average and a rent-to-income ratio that beats Arkansas's median. If you're seeking stable, predictable housing costs in a region with modest but adequate incomes, Ouachita merits consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ouachita County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Ouachita County is affordable. The median rent is $714/month against a median household income of $49,838, putting rent at 17.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ouachita County is $714/month, while owner costs run $589/month. Owning saves approximately $125/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,243/year. With a median household income of $49,838, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Ouachita County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Ouachita County is more affordable than Jackson County by roughly 8% ($714/mo vs $662/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ouachita County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,163
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ouachita County
Median home value is $99,600. Estimated monthly cost: $795 vs. your max of $1,163.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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