Cost of Living in St. Francis County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Francis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Francis County ranks #2,759 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Francis County, Arkansas
St. Francis struggles with affordability
St. Francis County renters spend 22.7% of income on housing—4.6 percentage points above the national average. With a median income of just $41,784, this represents the tightest squeeze in the region, leaving residents with less discretionary income.
Least affordable in Arkansas
St. Francis County's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds the Arkansas average of 18.1%, making it the least affordable county in this analysis. At $791 monthly rent on $41,784 income, residents dedicate a disproportionate share to housing.
Expensive rents, tight incomes
St. Francis County's $791 rent ranks among the highest in this set while incomes rank among the lowest at $41,784. The combination creates the region's worst affordability crisis, with renters paying more while earning less than most peers.
Rent dominates the budget
Renters pay $791 monthly while homeowners spend $617, a $174 gap favoring ownership. With median home value at just $87,700—the lowest in the region—buying could provide relief for those able to secure financing.
St. Francis demands careful planning
St. Francis County's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio signals tight affordability; consider it only if your income exceeds the county median or if homeownership is immediately feasible. Compare costs to Sevier (16.9%) or Sevier (16.9%) for perspective.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Francis County
Affordability Verdict
St. Francis County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $791/month representing approximately 22.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in St. Francis County is $791/month, while owner costs run $617/month. Owning saves approximately $174/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,443/year. With a median household income of $41,784, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in St. Francis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, St. Francis County is more affordable than Scott County by roughly 7% ($791/mo vs $736/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Francis County
Rent Burden
22.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$975
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in St. Francis County
Median home value is $87,700. Estimated monthly cost: $700 vs. your max of $975.
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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