Cost of Living in Saline County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saline County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saline County ranks #2,178 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saline County, Arkansas
Saline County beats national affordability norms
Saline County renters spend 15.4% of income on housing, well below the national average and indicating strong affordability despite higher absolute rents. This favorable ratio reflects Saline's above-average household income of $76,534—the highest in this dataset.
Saline ranks best by income-adjusted standards
While Saline's median rent of $980 is the second-highest here, its 15.4% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average (18.1%) thanks to significantly higher local earnings. Saline residents earn roughly $22,000 more annually than the state median household.
Premium rents offset by premium incomes
Saline County's $980 rent ranks high—exceeded only by Pulaski's $1,036—yet affordability remains excellent due to median income of $76,534. This creates a market where higher-earning households secure modern housing without affordability strain, unlike lower-income Pulaski renters.
Higher incomes absorb higher housing costs
Saline County residents earn $76,534 annually, with renters spending $980/month (15.4% of income) and homeowners $1,024/month (16.1%). Despite the highest absolute housing costs alongside Pulaski, Saline's income level ensures manageable affordability ratios.
Saline for upscale affordability
Relocating to Saline County makes sense if your income approaches or exceeds the $76,534 median—you'll enjoy newer homes (median value $211,700) with solid affordability. Compare your expected salary to Pulaski's $60,385 median: if you exceed Saline's baseline, housing feels truly affordable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saline County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Saline County is affordable. The median rent is $980/month against a median household income of $76,534, putting rent at 15.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $980/month rent versus $1,024/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $44/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,886/year. With a median household income of $76,534, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Saline County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Saline County is less affordable than Pulaski County by roughly 5% ($980/mo vs $1,036/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saline County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,786
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Saline County
Median home value is $211,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,690 vs. your max of $1,786.
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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