Cost of Living in Pulaski County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pulaski County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pulaski County ranks #3,079 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pulaski County, Arkansas
Pulaski renters face above-average strain
Pulaski County renters spend 20.6% of income on housing, exceeding both the state average (18.1%) and approaching the national threshold where affordability becomes precarious. This elevated ratio reflects Little Rock's position as the state's economic hub and most expensive market.
Pulaski is Arkansas's most expensive county
With a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio, Pulaski County ranks among the highest-cost counties statewide, driven by median rent of $1,036—the highest in this dataset. The median home value of $199,600 also leads the group, reflecting urban demand and infrastructure.
Rents spike in the central core
Pulaski County's $1,036 rent towers over Saline County ($980) and nearly doubles Pope County ($855), reflecting Little Rock's metro status. This premium positions Pulaski as a regional economic center, but at a real cost to renters and first-time buyers.
Housing dominates Pulaski budgets
Pulaski County residents earn $60,385 annually, but renters spend $1,036/month (20.6% of income) and homeowners $1,060/month (21.0%)—the highest burden in this analysis. More than one-fifth of household income vanishes to housing, constraining savings and discretionary spending.
Pulaski offers opportunity with cost tradeoff
Little Rock's Pulaski County delivers urban job markets and amenities, but expect to pay $1,036/month for median rent versus $637 in Prairie County. If your prospective income exceeds the $60,385 median, the affordability ratio improves—otherwise, compare to surrounding counties first.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pulaski County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Pulaski County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,036/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Pulaski County is $1,036/month, while owner costs run $1,060/month. Renting saves approximately $24/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,429/year. With a median household income of $60,385, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Pulaski County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Pulaski County is more affordable than Faulkner County by roughly 6% ($1,036/mo vs $980/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pulaski County
Rent Burden
20.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,409
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.1%
of gross income
The median home in Pulaski County may be a stretch
Median home value is $199,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,593 vs. your max of $1,409.
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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