Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Elaine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elaine, you need to earn at least $17,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $39,196, which means the typical resident is $21,596 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 544

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$308	$1,027	$12,320	$-26,876
1 Bedroom	$365	$1,217	$14,600	$-24,596
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$440	$1,467	$17,600	$-21,596
3 Bedroom	$537	$1,790	$21,480	$-17,716
4 Bedroom	$660	$2,200	$26,400	$-12,796

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$39,196

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$17,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,596

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 13.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Elaine's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$980

Studio

$308/mo

1 BR

$365/mo

2 BR

$440/mo

3 BR

$537/mo

4 BR

$660/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Elaine

Elaine, Arkansas stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $39,196 significantly exceeds the $17,600 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,596 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Elaine, a studio at $308/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $537/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $21,480.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $26,400 would position you well — though many residents in Elaine 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 Elaine, Arkansas.

With a total population of 544, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 196 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $17,600 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

196

Active civilian employees in Elaine

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Elaine

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elaine under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $17,600. The median household income in Elaine is $39,196.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Elaine on $39,196?

The affordability verdict for Elaine is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 13.5%, meaning median earners have a $21,596 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Elaine is $365/month. With a median household income of $39,196, residents spend approximately 13.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Elaine?

A studio in Elaine rents for approximately $308/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $12,320 to afford this.

Is Elaine considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,596 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Elaine is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $17,600 to the local median household income.

How Elaine Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements