Cost of Living in Yell County, Arkansas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Yell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Yell County ranks #1,511 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Yell County, Arkansas
Yell County's Rent Bargain Beats National Average
Yell County renters spend just 13.3% of income on rent—nearly 5 percentage points better than the national average and among the best affordability ratios in the nation. At $653 monthly, Yell's median rent sits 14% below Arkansas's state average of $760, creating genuine breathing room for households earning $58,870 annually. This strong affordability position reflects a county where housing costs align well with local wages.
Among Arkansas's Most Affordable Counties
Yell County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks in the top tier statewide, outperforming the Arkansas average of 18.1% and signaling exceptional affordability for renters. The median home value of $131,300 offers homebuyers reasonable entry costs without requiring six-figure down payments. Combined with the state's second-lowest median rent at $653, Yell County positions itself as a premier value destination within Arkansas.
The Goldilocks Zone for Value
Yell County splits the difference between Woodruff ($595 rent, lowest) and White ($806 rent, highest), offering moderate pricing with the highest household incomes ($58,870) of the three. At $653 monthly rent, Yell costs just 9.8% more than Woodruff but 19% less than White, making it the middle-ground choice for budget seekers with slightly stronger earning power. Homebuyers find Yell's median home value ($131,300) positioned between Woodruff ($96,800) and White ($159,600).
How Yell County Budgets Housing
Renters allocate $653 monthly (13.3% of income) to housing, the lowest burden among the three counties and well below the 18% sustainability threshold. Homeowners spend $595 per month (12.2% of income), reflecting strong affordability even when carrying a mortgage on a median home valued at $131,300. After housing, a typical Yell County household has $48,570 annually for transportation, food, healthcare, and savings.
Yell County for Quality-of-Life Seekers
Yell County offers the best combination of affordability and earning potential among these three Arkansas options—solid incomes ($58,870) paired with low housing ratios (13.3%). If you're relocating and want to avoid the lowest-income areas while still enjoying exceptional rent affordability, Yell County delivers on both fronts. Compare its $653 rent and $58,870 median income to Woodruff's and White's figures to see why Yell balances value with opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Yell County
Affordability Verdict
Yell County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $653/month — about 13.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $653/month rent versus $595/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $58/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,500/year. With a median household income of $58,870, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Yell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Arkansas, Yell County is more affordable than Fulton County by roughly 10% ($653/mo vs $596/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Yell County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,374
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Yell County
Median home value is $131,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,048 vs. your max of $1,374.
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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