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Average Rent in Franklin County, AR Rents falling 19.3% YoY🔻 Cheapest in AR

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 17,220

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Franklin County, AR has rental prices ranging from $481/month to $947/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $576/month — 59% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,919/year, spending $576/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Franklin County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $657/month, Franklin County ranks #67 most expensive of the 67 cities tracked in Arkansas — more affordable than 100% of all US cities in our data.

The Franklin County Rental Market

The Franklin County, AR area has a population of about 17,220 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Franklin County, AR have fallen by $157/month (19.3%) over the past year, from $814 to $657. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Franklin County, AR without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,040. The local median household income of $51,919 exceeds that threshold by $28,879, making Franklin County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Franklin County, AR has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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 FY2021
Studio
$481
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$576
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$657
19.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$821
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$947
Affordable
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Is Franklin 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
$26,280/year
Local median income: $51,919
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $657/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
Fort Smith$689$694$910$1,236
Texarkana$848$853$1,071$1,327
Jonesboro$697$812$973$1,304

Rent or Buy in Franklin County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Franklin County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$657/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: $657/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Franklin 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 Franklin County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Franklin County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AR

See how Franklin County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Franklin County

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

📋AR Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections