Income Needed to Buy a Home in Arkansas (2026)
Verdict: stretch — requires $68,956/year (#43 least affordable of 51 US states)
Arkansas ranks #43 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $222,050 requires a household income of about $68,956. That's $6,850 more than the median household actually earns ($62,106) — a shortfall of 11% of typical income.
Arkansas's affordability ratio of 1.11 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 13.1% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 35.9% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
A low 0.53% effective property tax rate keeps the monthly tax bill to $98, softening the total payment — and homeowners insurance is a real burden here at $3,287/year ($274/month), well above what most states pay. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $1,609.
Arkansas monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $222,050 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $199,845 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,237 |
| Monthly property tax (0.53% rate) | $98 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $274 |
| Total monthly PITI | $1,609 |
| Required household income | $68,956 |
| Median household income | $62,106 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Arkansas compares
- Missouri — similar affordability (ratio 1.10, requires $78,892)
- North Dakota — similar affordability (ratio 1.12, requires $87,273)
- Michigan — similar affordability (ratio 1.12, requires $81,170)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Arkansas in 2026?
About $68,956 per year to afford the median-priced home of $222,050, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Arkansas household earns $62,106.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Arkansas?
Roughly $1,609 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Arkansas affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $6,850 (11%), ranking Arkansas #43 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.