Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$56,609$4,717 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Independence County, AR
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Independence County, AR
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Independence County, AR. 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 | $684 | $8,208 | $27,360 | 14.5% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $688 | $8,256 | $27,520 | 14.6% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $891 | $10,692 | $35,640 | 18.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,175 | $14,100 | $47,000 | 24.9% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,180 | $14,160 | $47,200 | 25% |
See dedicated rental breakdown for Independence County, AR →
50/30/20 Living Budget in Independence County, AR
Based on the local median household income of $56,609/year ($4,717/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 Independence County, AR
What is the median household income in Independence County, AR?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Independence County, AR is $56,609 per year (approximately $4,717 per month).
What is the average rent in Independence County, AR?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Independence County, AR are $684 for a studio, $688 for 1 bedroom, $891 for 2 bedrooms, $1,175 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,180 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Independence County, AR compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Independence County, AR is 86.9 (13.1% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Independence County, AR?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($891/month) in Independence County, AR requires a minimum gross household income of $35,640 per year ($2,970 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Independence County, AR?
For a typical household earning the median income of $56,609/year ($4,717/month) in Independence County, AR, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,359/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,415/month to discretionary spending, and $943/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Independence 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.