Cost of Living in Union County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union County ranks #2,548 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Arkansas
Union slightly above national strain
Union County renters spend 19.7% of income on housing, 1.6 points above the national average. With a median income of $50,221—33% below the national median—residents manage moderate-to-high rents on constrained paychecks.
Slightly above state average
Union County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio edges above Arkansas's 18.1% average, placing it in the less affordable tier. At $825 monthly rent, it ranks among the priciest in this analysis.
Higher rents, moderate income
Union County's $825 rent is the second-highest in this county set, exceeded only by Washington County's $1,005. On $50,221 income—middle-of-the-pack for this group—residents pay a premium for housing.
Ownership costs significantly less
Homeowners in Union County pay $679 monthly, $146 less than renters, offering meaningful relief. With a median home value of $114,700, purchasing becomes an attractive option for those with down payment resources.
Union works best for buyers
Union County's high rents push affordability stress; if you're relocating, prioritize homeownership here to cut costs by $146 monthly. Compare it to cheaper-rent counties like Sevier or Sharp before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Union County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $825/month representing approximately 19.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Union County is $825/month, while owner costs run $679/month. Owning saves approximately $146/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,100/year. With a median household income of $50,221, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Union County is less affordable than Miller County by roughly 6% ($825/mo vs $882/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
19.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,172
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Union County
Median home value is $114,700. Estimated monthly cost: $916 vs. your max of $1,172.
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
What is the cost of living in Union County, Arkansas?
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Is Union County affordable?
How does Union County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Union County?
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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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