Cost of Living in Pope County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pope County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pope County ranks #2,094 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pope County, Arkansas
Pope County renters strain above average
Pope County renters spend 18.8% of income on housing, slightly above the state average of 18.1% and considerably above the national threshold for affordability. At this ratio, renters are approaching the zone where housing costs become financially constraining.
Pope sits slightly above state median
Pope County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% places it in the middle-to-upper range of Arkansas counties, just shy of stress levels. The median rent of $855 runs well above the state average of $760, reflecting higher local demand.
Pricier than Polk, cheaper than Pulaski
Pope County's median rent of $855 is significantly higher than Polk County's $699 but considerably lower than Pulaski County's $1,036. For comparable affordability, Saline County ($980) offers similar price ranges with better household income to offset costs.
Housing eats larger share of Pope budgets
Pope County residents earn $54,606 annually, with renters dedicating $855/month (18.8% of income) and homeowners spending $745/month (16.4%). This leaves less disposable income than lower-ratio counties, particularly for renters managing tight budgets.
Pope offers moderate costs for the state
Relocating to Pope County means higher rents than rural options like Polk ($699) but access to more amenities and employment. Compare your expected income to the $54,606 median—if it exceeds that, housing affordability improves significantly.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pope County
Affordability Verdict
Pope County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $855/month representing approximately 18.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $855/month rent versus $745/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $110/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,929/year. With a median household income of $54,606, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Pope County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Pope County is more affordable than Arkansas County by roughly 7% ($855/mo vs $799/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pope County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,274
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
The median home in Pope County may be a stretch
Median home value is $161,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,291 vs. your max of $1,274.
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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