Cost of Living in Polk County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Polk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Polk County ranks #1,448 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Polk County, Arkansas
Polk renters fare better than US average
Polk County renters spend 17.0% of their income on housing, beating the national norm and placing the county in affordable territory. This is notably better than the typical American household, which dedicates a larger share of earnings to rent in costlier metros.
Polk ranks comfortably in Arkansas
With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.0%, Polk County outperforms the state average of 18.1%, making it one of the more affordable corners of Arkansas. The county's median rent of $699 stays well below the state average of $760.
Cheaper than most neighbors nearby
Polk's $699 median rent undercuts nearby Pope County ($855) and Saline County ($980), though it trails the very affordable Prairie County ($637). Among similar-sized counties, Polk offers solid value for renters seeking stability without breaking the bank.
Housing consumes modest income share
Polk County households earn a median $49,252 annually, with renters paying $699/month and homeowners $520/month—totaling just 17% and 12.6% of income respectively. This leaves breathing room for other necessities compared to counties where housing demands exceed 20% of earnings.
Consider Polk for affordable living
If you're relocating to Arkansas, Polk County delivers below-state-average rents ($699 vs $760) and manageable homeowner costs ($520/month) on incomes around $49,000. Compare these numbers to nearby Pope ($1,036 rent) to see where your paycheck stretches furthest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Polk County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Polk County is affordable. The median rent is $699/month against a median household income of $49,252, putting rent at 17.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Polk County is $699/month, while owner costs run $520/month. Owning saves approximately $179/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,286/year. With a median household income of $49,252, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Polk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Polk County sits 8% more expensive than Sharp County ($648/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Polk County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,149
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Polk County
Median home value is $122,600. Estimated monthly cost: $979 vs. your max of $1,149.
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
What is the cost of living in Polk County, Arkansas?
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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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