Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Sunset?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sunset, you need to earn at least $38,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $16,944, which means the typical resident is $21,416 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 133

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$671	$2,237	$26,840	+$9,896
1 Bedroom	$796	$2,653	$31,840	+$14,896
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$959	$3,197	$38,360	+$21,416
3 Bedroom	$1,170	$3,900	$46,800	+$29,856
4 Bedroom	$1,439	$4,797	$57,560	+$40,616

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$16,944

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$21,416

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 67.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Sunset's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$424

Studio

$671/mo

1 BR

$796/mo

2 BR

$959/mo

3 BR

$1,170/mo

4 BR

$1,439/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Sunset

Sunset, Arkansas is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $16,944 faces a staggering $21,416 deficit against the $38,360 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Sunset, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $671/month, which requires $26,840/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$480/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Arkansas city.

To live comfortably in Sunset without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $57,540 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Arkansas's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Sunset, Arkansas.

With a total population of 133, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 46 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,360 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

Active civilian employees in Sunset

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Sunset

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sunset under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,360. The median household income in Sunset is $16,944.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Sunset on $16,944?

The affordability verdict for Sunset is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 67.9%, meaning there's a $21,416 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Sunset is $796/month. With a median household income of $16,944, residents spend approximately 67.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Sunset?

A studio in Sunset rents for approximately $671/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,840 to afford this.

Is Sunset considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $21,416 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Sunset is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,360 to the local median household income.

How Sunset Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements