How Much House Can I Afford in Arkansas?

Median Home Price

$220,000

Median Household Income

$56,000

Avg Property Tax Rate

0.60%

Avg Insurance/mo

$200

Arkansas is one of the most affordable states for homeownership in the country, with a median home price of approximately $220,000 and a property tax rate of just 0.60%. For buyers with modest incomes, this combination of low prices and low taxes creates genuine homebuying opportunities that are rare elsewhere.

The state has two distinct housing markets. Little Rock and its suburbs offer the broadest selection of homes at $180,000–$320,000. Northwest Arkansas — anchored by Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale — has become a tech and corporate hub, driving home prices to $280,000–$400,000 in desirable areas.

Homeowners insurance in Arkansas runs higher than you might expect given its low home prices, averaging around $2,400/year ($200/month). Tornado risk throughout the state is the primary driver. Buyers should shop multiple carriers and consider the age and construction type of the home.

Arkansas offers down payment assistance through the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA). The Move-Up program and associated down payment assistance programs can help income-eligible first-time buyers reduce upfront costs.

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Arkansas has a low median home price ($220,000) and a low property tax rate (0.60%).

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Tornado risk drives homeowners insurance above the national average.

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NW Arkansas (Bentonville, Fayetteville) is a fast-growing corporate hub with higher prices.

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ADFA offers down payment assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers.

Income

$20K$1.0M

Monthly Debts

$0$5,000

Down Payment

$0$500K
%
050

warningPMI applies — put 20% down to eliminate it

DTI Guideline

Front 30% / Back 40%

You can afford up to

$2,500/month total payment

Constrained by front-end DTI

Budget Range

Conservative → Aggressive
$332K$353K$386K

Debt-to-Income Ratios

23.1%limit 30%

Front-end DTI (housing)

36.0%limit 40%

Back-end DTI (all debts)

Monthly Payment Breakdown

$2,500/month
Principal & Interest
$1,928
Property Tax
$177
Insurance
$200
PMI
$196

Scenario Comparison

Ways to Increase Your Budget

savings

Adding $10K to your down payment could increase your budget by $9K.

+$9K
trending_down

A 0.5% lower rate could expand your budget by $13K.

+$13K
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You're paying $196/mo in PMI. Reaching 20% down eliminates this cost.

Disclaimer: These estimates are for educational purposes only. Actual loan qualification depends on your credit score, lender guidelines, and local market conditions. Consult a licensed mortgage professional before making any financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arkansas an affordable state for homebuyers?expand_more
Yes. Arkansas has one of the lowest median home prices in the US at around $220,000, combined with a low property tax rate of 0.60%. The main added cost is homeowners insurance, which averages $200/month due to tornado risk.
Which is more expensive: Little Rock or NW Arkansas?expand_more
NW Arkansas (Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers) is significantly more expensive at $280,000–$400,000 due to corporate growth. Little Rock and its suburbs are generally more affordable at $180,000–$320,000.
Does Arkansas have first-time homebuyer programs?expand_more
Yes. The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) offers the Move-Up loan program and down payment assistance for income-eligible buyers. Income and purchase price limits apply.

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