Howard County, Arkansas
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Howard County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Howard County
Income Verdict
Howard County has a median household income of $44,492 and per capita income of $25,639 — a gap of $18,853, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $702/month and a median household income of $44,492, rent consumes approximately 18.9% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $44,492 indicates below-average earnings, which may limit discretionary spending and make households sensitive to cost-of-living increases. Per capita income of $25,639 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.
Neighbor Context
Howard County earns approximately 13% below the Arkansas state median household income of $51,156.
Data Story
About Household Income in Howard County, Arkansas
Howard faces steep national income gap
Howard County's median household income of $44,492 trails the national median of $74,755 by 41%, representing one of the largest regional-national income gaps. This $30,263 shortfall means Howard households earn barely 60% of what typical American families bring home.
Below-average within Arkansas
Howard County ranks below Arkansas's state median of $51,156, with a household income about 13% lower than the state average. This below-average performance reflects economic challenges common to rural, lower-population counties in Arkansas.
Among lowest-earning peer counties
Howard County's $44,492 median household income ranks among the region's weakest, surpassed by Grant ($72,512), Garland ($55,409), Greene ($56,793), Independence ($56,009), and Hot Spring ($52,644). Only Fulton ($38,941) and Hempstead ($47,654) fall closer to or below Howard's earning level.
Housing consumes significant budget
Howard households spend 18.9% of income on rent, within the 30% affordability standard but reflecting tight overall budgets. With median home values at $135,400, housing options exist, but residents must balance shelter costs against other pressing needs.
Priority: build financial foundations
Howard County residents earning $44,492 should prioritize emergency savings of three to six months of expenses before investing, given income vulnerability. Free financial counseling through nonprofits and community organizations helps residents establish budgets, eliminate high-interest debt, and begin steady wealth-building.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Howard County
Your income is above the Howard County median
County median: $44,492 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-13%
vs. National Median
-40%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($3,708) vs. median rent ($702/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.