Cost of Living in Washington County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington County ranks #2,739 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington County, Arkansas
Washington defies affordability stereotypes
Washington County renters spend 18.2% of income on housing, nearly matching the national average despite rents ($1,005) that far exceed it. This works because median income here is $66,426—11% below the national median but $20,000+ above rural Arkansas peers.
Affordable despite high rents
Washington County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the Arkansas average despite charging $1,005 monthly—$245 above the state median. Fayetteville's economic strength pulls in higher incomes that balance the premium rents.
Expensive but income-justified
Washington County's $1,005 rent and $1,147 owner costs are the region's highest, but median income of $66,426 is also the highest. This creates surprising affordability: residents pay more but earn proportionally more.
Ownership costs more than rent
Homeowners in Washington County pay $1,147 monthly, $142 more than renters—the only county in this set where buying costs extra. The median home value of $266,000 reflects Fayetteville's booming real estate market.
Washington for ambitious relocators
Washington County suits those relocating for higher wages and career growth; its 18.2% affordability ratio holds despite premium prices. If your income will rise in Fayetteville, the investment in higher housing costs pays dividends.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Washington County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,005/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Washington County is $1,005/month, while owner costs run $1,147/month. Renting saves approximately $142/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,157/year. With a median household income of $66,426, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Washington County is more affordable than Garland County by roughly 7% ($1,005/mo vs $942/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,550
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.7%
of gross income
The median home in Washington County may be a stretch
Median home value is $266,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,124 vs. your max of $1,550.
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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