Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$59,548$4,962 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Craighead County, AR
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Craighead County, AR
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Jonesboro, AR HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $805 | $9,660 | $32,200 | 16.2% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $870 | $10,440 | $34,800 | 17.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,040 | $12,480 | $41,600 | 21% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,402 | $16,824 | $56,080 | 28.3% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,480 | $17,760 | $59,200 | 29.8% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Craighead County, AR
Based on the local median household income of $59,548/year ($4,962/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Arkansas
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Arkansas state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Arkansas with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Craighead County, AR
What is the median household income in Craighead County, AR?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Craighead County, AR is $59,548 per year (approximately $4,962 per month).
What is the average rent in Craighead County, AR?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Craighead County, AR are $805 for a studio, $870 for 1 bedroom, $1,040 for 2 bedrooms, $1,402 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,480 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Craighead County, AR compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Craighead County, AR is 85.9 (14.1% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Craighead County, AR?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,040/month) in Craighead County, AR requires a minimum gross household income of $41,600 per year ($3,467 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Craighead County, AR?
For a typical household earning the median income of $59,548/year ($4,962/month) in Craighead County, AR, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,481/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,489/month to discretionary spending, and $992/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Craighead County, AR?
Residential electricity rates in Arkansas average 14.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $127 per month.