Cost of Living in Phillips County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Phillips County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Phillips County ranks #2,705 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Phillips County, Arkansas
Phillips struggles with affordability
Phillips County residents spend 23.3% of their income on rent—significantly above both the national average and Arkansas's 18.1% state average. On a median household income of just $38,874 (48% below the U.S. average), Phillips faces acute affordability pressure.
Phillips among Arkansas's least affordable
Phillips ranks among the state's least affordable counties, with a 23.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the Arkansas average by 5 percentage points. The county's $756 monthly rent consumes a quarter of household income, creating genuine hardship for many residents.
Phillips rents high for the region
Phillips's $756 rent trails only Nevada ($841) regionally, yet ranks second-lowest in median income at $38,874. This combination—high rents paired with the region's lowest incomes except Nevada—creates Phillips's affordability challenge.
Phillips's housing burden by income
Renters spend $756 monthly while homeowners pay $550, with both groups dedicating roughly 23% of their $38,874 income to housing. This burden leaves limited resources for healthcare, food, transportation, and unexpected expenses—a sustainability concern.
Phillips: only for flexible-income relocators
Phillips offers below-average home values ($76,200) and moderate rents, but the county's lowest median income makes housing costs proportionally painful. Consider Phillips only if you have remote work income or above-county-average earnings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Phillips County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Phillips County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $756/month in gross rent, with 37.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $756/month rent versus $550/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $206/month cheaper — a 27% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,571/year. With a median household income of $38,874, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 37.0% of renter households in Phillips County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Phillips County sits 8% more expensive than Howard County ($702/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Phillips County
Rent Burden
23.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$907
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Phillips County
Median home value is $76,200. Estimated monthly cost: $608 vs. your max of $907.
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 Phillips County, Arkansas?
What is the median rent in Phillips County?
Is Phillips County affordable?
How does Phillips County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Phillips County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Phillips County, Arkansas? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Phillips 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.