RentData

Average Rent in Jonesboro, AR Rents rising 4.0% YoY🔺 7th priciest in AR

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 134,837

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Jonesboro, AR has rental prices ranging from $697/month to $1,526/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $812/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $55,478/year, spending $812/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Jonesboro Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $973/month, Jonesboro ranks #7 most expensive of the 67 cities tracked in Arkansas — pricier than 59% of all US cities in our data.

The Jonesboro Rental Market

The Jonesboro, AR area has a population of about 134,837 and 40% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Jonesboro, AR have risen by $37/month (4.0%) over the past year, from $936 to $973. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Jonesboro, AR without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,480. The local median household income of $55,478 exceeds that threshold by $22,998, making Jonesboro relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Jonesboro, AR is $227,372, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 19.5. With a break-even horizon of approximately 19 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Jonesboro's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North Jonesboro ($102,832 median home value), Nettleton ($116,741 median home value), West End ($124,286 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$697
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$812
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$973
4.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,304
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,526
Average
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Median Home Value
$227,372
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,210/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Jonesboro, 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
$38,920/year
Local median income: $55,478
To buy a median home
$48,407/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $973/month and 20% down on a $227,372 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 Jonesboro?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Jonesboro data

$
Home Value
$227,372
2BR Rent
$973/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,210/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $1,674/movs rent: $973/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $227,372 home at 7% rate

20% — $45,474
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,210
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$181,898
Total Paid
$435,661
Total Interest
$253,763
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Jonesboro

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Jonesboro

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Jonesboro

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Jonesboro

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AR

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⚖️Compare Jonesboro

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📋AR Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections