Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mena?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mena, you need to earn at least $35,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,288, which means the typical resident is $17,808 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,605

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$621	$2,070	$24,840	$-28,448
1 Bedroom	$736	$2,453	$29,440	$-23,848
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$887	$2,957	$35,480	$-17,808
3 Bedroom	$1,082	$3,607	$43,280	$-10,008
4 Bedroom	$1,331	$4,437	$53,240	$-48

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,288

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,808

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mena's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,332

Studio

$621/mo

1 BR

$736/mo

2 BR

$887/mo

3 BR

$1,082/mo

4 BR

$1,331/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mena

Living in Mena is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,808 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Mena typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Mena, a studio at $621/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,082/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,220 would position you well — though many residents in Mena 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 Mena, Arkansas.

With a total population of 5,605, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,415 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,480 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

2,415

Active civilian employees in Mena

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mena

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mena under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,480. The median household income in Mena is $53,288.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mena on $53,288?

The affordability verdict for Mena is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.0%, meaning median earners have a $17,808 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Mena is $736/month. With a median household income of $53,288, residents spend approximately 20.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mena?

A studio in Mena rents for approximately $621/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,840 to afford this.

Is Mena considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,808 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Mena is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,480 to the local median household income.

How Mena Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements