RentData

Average Rent in Columbia County, AR Rents rising 4.2% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in AR

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 22,527

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Columbia County, AR has rental prices ranging from $642/month to $1,124/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $646/month — 54% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $47,363/year, spending $646/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Columbia County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $848/month, Columbia County ranks #66 most expensive of the 67 cities tracked in Arkansas — more affordable than 94% of all US cities in our data.

The Columbia County Rental Market

The Columbia County, AR area has a population of about 22,527 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Columbia County, AR have risen by $34/month (4.2%) over the past year, from $814 to $848. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Columbia County, AR without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $25,840. The local median household income of $47,363 exceeds that threshold by $21,523, making Columbia County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Columbia County, AR has an unemployment rate of 5.6%, 1.7 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$642
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$646
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$848
4.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,120
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,124
Affordable
🔔
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Is Columbia County, AR Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$33,920/year
Local median income: $47,363
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $848/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ARlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Memphis$1,105$1,207$1,355$1,781
Little Rock$887$892$1,032$1,376
Fayetteville$853$925$1,111$1,557
Franklin County$642$646$848$1,060
Fort Smith$689$694$910$1,236
Texarkana$848$853$1,071$1,327

Rent or Buy in Columbia County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Columbia County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$848/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $848/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Columbia County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Columbia County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Columbia County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AR

See how Columbia County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Columbia County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋AR Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections