Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Little Rock?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Little Rock, you need to earn at least $48,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $58,697, which means the typical resident is $10,217 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 202,218

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$848	$2,827	$33,920	$-24,777
1 Bedroom	$1,006	$3,353	$40,240	$-18,457
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,212	$4,040	$48,480	$-10,217
3 Bedroom	$1,479	$4,930	$59,160	+$463
4 Bedroom	$1,818	$6,060	$72,720	+$14,023

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$58,697

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$48,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,217

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Little Rock

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Little Rock's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,467

Studio

$848/mo

1 BR

$1,006/mo

2 BR

$1,212/mo

3 BR

$1,479/mo

4 BR

$1,818/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Little Rock.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Little Rock

Living in Little Rock is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $10,217 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Little Rock typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Little Rock, a studio at $848/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,479/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $59,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $72,720 would position you well — though many residents in Little Rock 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 Little Rock, Arkansas.

With a total population of 202,218, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 98,595 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $48,480 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

98,595

Active civilian employees in Little Rock

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Little Rock

What salary do I need to live in Little Rock, Arkansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Little Rock under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $48,480. The median household income in Little Rock is $58,697.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Little Rock on $58,697?

The affordability verdict for Little Rock is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.8%, meaning median earners have a $10,217 surplus.

What is the average rent in Little Rock compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Little Rock is $1,006/month. With a median household income of $58,697, residents spend approximately 24.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Little Rock?

A studio in Little Rock rents for approximately $848/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,920 to afford this.

Is Little Rock considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,217 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Little Rock is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $48,480 to the local median household income.

How Little Rock Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements