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
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 FY2025Is Jonesboro, AR Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in ARlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $227,372 home at 7% rate
Living in Jonesboro
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in JonesboroSalary needed to afford rent here
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