Cost of Living in Scott County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scott County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scott County ranks #1,682 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scott County, Arkansas
Scott County renters strain above national norms
Scott County renters spend 19.2% of income on housing, exceeding the national average and approaching the threshold where affordability becomes financially precarious. This elevated ratio reflects limited local earnings relative to rental costs in the county.
Scott ranks near Arkansas's affordability ceiling
At 19.2%, Scott County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18.1%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The median rent of $736 paired with the lowest median household income ($45,955) in this analysis creates real housing pressure.
High rent relative to lower local incomes
Scott County's $736 rent sits between Polk ($699) and Pope ($855), but its $45,955 median income is the lowest here—creating the worst affordability balance. Residents would find relief moving to Prairie ($637 rent, $51,094 income) or Randolph ($671 rent, $52,838 income).
Housing consumes excessive share of income
Scott County households earn just $45,955 annually, with renters paying $736/month (19.2% of income) and homeowners $494/month (12.9%). The rent burden cuts deepest here, leaving limited resources for other necessities compared to neighboring counties with similar rents but higher incomes.
Scott County: weigh costs carefully
If considering Scott County, scrutinize the numbers: median rent of $736 on just $45,955 income strains budgets significantly. Compare to nearby Polk County ($699 rent, $49,252 income) or Randolph ($671 rent, $52,838 income) to see where your paycheck stretches further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scott County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Scott County is affordable. The median rent is $736/month against a median household income of $45,955, putting rent at 19.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Scott County is $736/month, while owner costs run $494/month. Owning saves approximately $242/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,171/year. With a median household income of $45,955, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Scott County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Scott County sits 7% less expensive than St. Francis County ($791/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scott County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,072
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scott County
Median home value is $110,900. Estimated monthly cost: $885 vs. your max of $1,072.
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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