RentData

Average Rent in Polk County, AR Rents rising 4.2% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 19,348

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

Market Overview

Polk County, AR has rental prices ranging from $653/month to $1,189/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $705/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $49,252/year, spending $705/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Polk County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $897/month, Polk County ranks #16 most expensive of the 67 cities tracked in Arkansas — more affordable than 77% of all US cities in our data.

The Polk County Rental Market

The Polk County, AR area has a population of about 19,348 and 18% 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 Polk County, AR have risen by $36/month (4.2%) over the past year, from $861 to $897. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Polk County, AR without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,200. The local median household income of $49,252 exceeds that threshold by $21,052, making Polk County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Polk County, AR has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, 1.3 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
$653
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$705
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$897
4.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,081
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,189
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Polk County

Is Polk 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
$35,880/year
Local median income: $49,252
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $897/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 Polk County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Polk County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$897/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: $897/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Polk County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Polk County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Polk County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AR

See how Polk County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Polk County

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

📋AR Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections