Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$57,181$4,765 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Garland County, AR
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Garland County, AR
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Hot Springs, AR MSA. 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 | $829 | $9,948 | $33,160 | 17.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $834 | $10,008 | $33,360 | 17.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,090 | $13,080 | $43,600 | 22.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,393 | $16,716 | $55,720 | 29.2% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,670 | $20,040 | $66,800 | 35% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Garland County, AR
Based on the local median household income of $57,181/year ($4,765/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 Garland County, AR
What is the median household income in Garland County, AR?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Garland County, AR is $57,181 per year (approximately $4,765 per month).
What is the average rent in Garland County, AR?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Garland County, AR are $829 for a studio, $834 for 1 bedroom, $1,090 for 2 bedrooms, $1,393 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,670 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Garland County, AR compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Garland County, AR is 85.7 (14.3% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Garland County, AR?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,090/month) in Garland County, AR requires a minimum gross household income of $43,600 per year ($3,633 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Garland County, AR?
For a typical household earning the median income of $57,181/year ($4,765/month) in Garland County, AR, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,383/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,430/month to discretionary spending, and $953/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Garland 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.