Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kensett?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kensett, you need to earn at least $33,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $28,225, which means the typical resident is $4,855 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,044

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$579	$1,930	$23,160	$-5,065
1 Bedroom	$686	$2,287	$27,440	$-785
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$827	$2,757	$33,080	+$4,855
3 Bedroom	$1,009	$3,363	$40,360	+$12,135
4 Bedroom	$1,241	$4,137	$49,640	+$21,415

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$28,225

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$4,855

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 35.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kensett's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$706

Studio

$579/mo

1 BR

$686/mo

2 BR

$827/mo

3 BR

$1,009/mo

4 BR

$1,241/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kensett

Renting in Kensett is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $4,855, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $579/month.

If you're relocating to Kensett, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($579–$686/month) unless your income exceeds $33,080. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $414/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Kensett is approximately $49,620. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Kensett, Arkansas.

With a total population of 2,044, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 684 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,080 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

684

Active civilian employees in Kensett

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kensett

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kensett under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,080. The median household income in Kensett is $28,225.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kensett on $28,225?

The affordability verdict for Kensett is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 35.2%, meaning there's a $4,855 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Kensett is $686/month. With a median household income of $28,225, residents spend approximately 35.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kensett?

A studio in Kensett rents for approximately $579/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,160 to afford this.

Is Kensett considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $4,855 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Kensett is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,080 to the local median household income.

How Kensett Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements