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Cost of Living in Jefferson County

Is it better to rent or buy in Jefferson County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$52,921
$929/mo

Median in area: $929

$115,290

Median in area: $115,290

$23,058

If you Rent

🔑
$1,115 /mo
Base Rent$929
Est. Utilities$186
% of Income25.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,295

If you Buy

🏠
$948 /mo
P&I (7.173%)$624
Taxes & Ins$138
Est. Utilities$186
% of Income21.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,462

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Jefferson County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyCleveland County, AR
$683/mo
countyLonoke County, AR
$1,099/mo
countyGrant County, AR
$793/mo
countyArkansas County, AR
$836/mo
countyLincoln County, AR
$734/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Jefferson County?›

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Jefferson County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,115, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $948 per month (a difference of $167).

How much do utilities cost in Jefferson County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Jefferson County is approximately $186. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Jefferson County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Jefferson County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $44,600 per year.