Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Carlisle?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Carlisle, you need to earn at least $32,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $35,769, which means the typical resident is $3,209 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,329

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$570	$1,900	$22,800	$-12,969
1 Bedroom	$676	$2,253	$27,040	$-8,729
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$814	$2,713	$32,560	$-3,209
3 Bedroom	$993	$3,310	$39,720	+$3,951
4 Bedroom	$1,221	$4,070	$48,840	+$13,071

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$35,769

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$3,209

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Carlisle's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$894

Studio

$570/mo

1 BR

$676/mo

2 BR

$814/mo

3 BR

$993/mo

4 BR

$1,221/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Carlisle

Carlisle is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $3,209. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($676/month) or studio ($570/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Carlisle pushes the required income to $39,720.

For comfortable living in Carlisle without financial stress, target a household income of at least $48,840 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Arkansas's cost of living.

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 Carlisle, Arkansas.

With a total population of 2,329, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 881 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,560 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

881

Active civilian employees in Carlisle

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Carlisle

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Carlisle under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,560. The median household income in Carlisle is $35,769.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Carlisle on $35,769?

The affordability verdict for Carlisle is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.3%, meaning median earners have a $3,209 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Carlisle is $676/month. With a median household income of $35,769, residents spend approximately 27.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Carlisle?

A studio in Carlisle rents for approximately $570/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,800 to afford this.

Is Carlisle considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $3,209 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Carlisle is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,560 to the local median household income.

How Carlisle Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements