Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hot Springs?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hot Springs, you need to earn at least $41,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,537, which means the typical resident is $5,217 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 38,025

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$723	$2,410	$28,920	$-17,617
1 Bedroom	$857	$2,857	$34,280	$-12,257
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,033	$3,443	$41,320	$-5,217
3 Bedroom	$1,260	$4,200	$50,400	+$3,863
4 Bedroom	$1,550	$5,167	$62,000	+$15,463

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,537

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,217

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Hot Springs

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hot Springs's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,163

Studio

$723/mo

1 BR

$857/mo

2 BR

$1,033/mo

3 BR

$1,260/mo

4 BR

$1,550/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Hot Springs.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hot Springs

Renting in Hot Springs, Arkansas is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $41,320/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $46,537, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($857/month) or studio ($723/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Hot Springs pushes the required income to $50,400.

For comfortable living in Hot Springs without financial stress, target a household income of at least $61,980 — 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 Hot Springs, Arkansas.

With a total population of 38,025, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,428 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,320 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

16,428

Active civilian employees in Hot Springs

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hot Springs

What salary do I need to live in Hot Springs, Arkansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hot Springs under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,320. The median household income in Hot Springs is $46,537.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hot Springs on $46,537?

The affordability verdict for Hot Springs is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.6%, meaning median earners have a $5,217 surplus.

What is the average rent in Hot Springs compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Hot Springs is $857/month. With a median household income of $46,537, residents spend approximately 26.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hot Springs?

A studio in Hot Springs rents for approximately $723/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,920 to afford this.

Is Hot Springs considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,217 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Hot Springs is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,320 to the local median household income.

How Hot Springs Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements