Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Stephens?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Stephens, you need to earn at least $20,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $38,516, which means the typical resident is $17,876 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 957

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$361	$1,203	$14,440	$-24,076
1 Bedroom	$428	$1,427	$17,120	$-21,396
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$516	$1,720	$20,640	$-17,876
3 Bedroom	$630	$2,100	$25,200	$-13,316
4 Bedroom	$774	$2,580	$30,960	$-7,556

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$38,516

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$20,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,876

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Stephens's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$963

Studio

$361/mo

1 BR

$428/mo

2 BR

$516/mo

3 BR

$630/mo

4 BR

$774/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Stephens

Living in Stephens is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,876 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Stephens typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Stephens, a studio at $361/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $630/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $25,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $30,960 would position you well — though many residents in Stephens 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 Stephens, Arkansas.

With a total population of 957, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 327 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $20,640 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

327

Active civilian employees in Stephens

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Stephens

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Stephens under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $20,640. The median household income in Stephens is $38,516.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Stephens on $38,516?

The affordability verdict for Stephens is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.1%, meaning median earners have a $17,876 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Stephens is $428/month. With a median household income of $38,516, residents spend approximately 16.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Stephens?

A studio in Stephens rents for approximately $361/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $14,440 to afford this.

Is Stephens considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,876 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Stephens is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $20,640 to the local median household income.

How Stephens Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements