Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Austin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Austin, you need to earn at least $58,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $93,929, which means the typical resident is $35,089 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,659

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,030	$3,433	$41,200	$-52,729
1 Bedroom	$1,221	$4,070	$48,840	$-45,089
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,471	$4,903	$58,840	$-35,089
3 Bedroom	$1,795	$5,983	$71,800	$-22,129
4 Bedroom	$2,207	$7,357	$88,280	$-5,649

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Austin's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$93,929

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$58,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$35,089

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Austin

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Austin's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,348

Studio

$1,030/mo

1 BR

$1,221/mo

2 BR

$1,471/mo

3 BR

$1,795/mo

4 BR

$2,207/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Austin.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Austin's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Austin

Austin, Arkansas stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $93,929 significantly exceeds the $58,840 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $35,089 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Austin, a studio at $1,030/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,795/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $71,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $88,260 would position you well — though many residents in Austin manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Austin, Arkansas.

With a total population of 3,659, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,766 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $58,840 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

1,766

Active civilian employees in Austin

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Austin

What salary do I need to live in Austin, Arkansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Austin under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $58,840. The median household income in Austin is $93,929.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Austin on $93,929?

The affordability verdict for Austin is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.8%, meaning median earners have a $35,089 surplus.

What is the average rent in Austin compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Austin is $1,221/month. With a median household income of $93,929, residents spend approximately 18.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Austin?

A studio in Austin rents for approximately $1,030/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $41,200 to afford this.

Is Austin considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $35,089 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Austin is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $58,840 to the local median household income.

How Austin Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements