Cost of Living in Van Buren County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Van Buren County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Van Buren County ranks #888 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Van Buren County, Arkansas
Van Buren near the national line
Van Buren County renters spend 18.5% of income on housing, just 0.4 points above the national average of 18.1%. With a median income of $47,266—37% below the national figure—residents manage this slight premium through a lower-cost rural economy.
Slight premium to state average
Van Buren County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds the Arkansas average of 18.1%, placing it among the more affordable counties. Its $727 rent tracks close to the state median, offering accessible housing.
Middle of the pack on costs
Van Buren County's $727 rent sits mid-range between cheaper counties like Sharp ($648) and pricier ones like Union ($825). Income at $47,266 is also middle-ground, creating balanced affordability comparable to Sevier County.
Ownership beats rent significantly
Homeowners in Van Buren County pay $577 monthly, $150 less than renters, making ownership a strong value. The median home value of $122,300 offers reasonable entry to homeownership for those saving down payments.
Van Buren offers balance
Van Buren County delivers solid middle-ground affordability with rent-to-income at 18.5%, near national norms. Consider it if you want moderate housing costs and moderate incomes, or prioritize homeownership to unlock $150 monthly savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Van Buren County
Affordability Verdict
Van Buren County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $727/month — about 18.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Van Buren County pay $727/month on average, compared to $577/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 21%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,729/year. With a median household income of $47,266, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Van Buren County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Van Buren County is less affordable than Grant County by roughly 7% ($727/mo vs $779/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Van Buren County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,103
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Van Buren County
Median home value is $122,300. Estimated monthly cost: $976 vs. your max of $1,103.
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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