Cost of Living in Stone County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Stone County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Stone County ranks #816 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Stone County, Arkansas
Stone County stretches every dollar
Stone County renters spend 22.3% of income on housing, well above the national average of 18.1%. At $38,531 median income—the lowest in this region—residents face the toughest affordability challenge despite modest rents.
Second-tightest in the state
Stone County's 22.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-worst among these Arkansas counties, exceeding the state average by 4.2 points. Only St. Francis County (22.7%) struggles more with housing affordability.
Low income, moderate rent burden
Stone County's $717 rent is mid-range for the region, but the lowest median income ($38,531) creates the worst affordability ratio outside St. Francis. Residents here earn less than neighbors while paying comparable or higher rents.
Ownership offers relief
Homeowners in Stone County pay just $508 monthly—$209 less than renters—making ownership a significant affordability boost. The median home value of $149,400 is moderately priced for the region, offering a pathway for financially stretched residents.
Stone County suits homebodies
Stone County's affordability crisis applies mainly to renters; homeownership becomes dramatically cheaper at $508 monthly. If you can purchase, this rural county offers mountain living with ownership costs among the region's lowest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Stone County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Stone County is affordable. The median rent is $717/month against a median household income of $38,531, putting rent at 22.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Stone County is $717/month, while owner costs run $508/month. Owning saves approximately $209/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,771/year. With a median household income of $38,531, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Stone County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Stone County sits 8% more expensive than Jackson County ($662/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Stone County
Rent Burden
22.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$899
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
The median home in Stone County may be a stretch
Median home value is $149,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,193 vs. your max of $899.
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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