Lafayette County, Arkansas

Income Data

-27% vs. Arkansas average
$37,237
Median Household Income
$22,393
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$37,237
-27% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$22,393
-43% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
49.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Arkansas
#73 / 75
by median household income

How Lafayette County Compares

Lafayette County$37,237
Arkansas Average$51,156
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$37,237
Median Household Income
$22,393
Per Capita Income
$74,600
Median Home Value
49.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lafayette County, Arkansas

Lafayette faces steepest income gap

Lafayette County's median household income of $37,237 is the lowest among these eight counties and trails the US median of $74,755 by 50%. This profound gap reflects Lafayette's economic fragility and limited wage-earning opportunities.

Arkansas's income basement

Lafayette ranks among Arkansas's lowest-income counties, earning $13,919 less than the state average of $51,156. With a per capita income of just $22,393—the lowest in this group—Lafayette struggles with limited employment and wage diversity.

Lowest earner in its peer group

Lafayette's $37,237 median income significantly underperforms all neighbors: Lee County ($36,860) ties it at the bottom, while Jackson ($41,215), Lawrence ($44,164), and Johnson ($44,808) all earn substantially more. This consistent underperformance signals structural economic disadvantage in the county.

Housing costs consume tight budgets

At 22.9%, Lafayette's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among peer counties, meaning households spend nearly a quarter of earnings on housing. With a median home value of just $74,600, even ownership becomes challenging for many families given the low income base.

Lafayette: building wealth from scratch

With limited discretionary income, Lafayette residents should focus first on debt reduction and emergency savings, even $25–50 monthly. Community credit unions, free financial counseling, and employer benefits (if available) provide low-barrier paths to financial stability; compound growth happens slowly but steadily with consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lafayette County, Arkansas?
The median household income in Lafayette County, Arkansas is $37,237, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Lafayette County?
The per capita income in Lafayette County is $22,393, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $37,237.
How does Lafayette County compare to the Arkansas average?
Lafayette County's median household income of $37,237 is lower than the Arkansas state average of $51,156. The per capita income is $22,393, compared to the state average of $28,096.
What is the per capita income in Lafayette County, Arkansas?
The per capita income in Lafayette County, Arkansas is $22,393, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Lafayette County a low-income area in Arkansas?
Lafayette County's median household income of $37,237 is below the Arkansas average of $51,156. The per capita income of $22,393 is also lower than the state average of $28,096. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Lafayette County rank for income in Arkansas?
Lafayette County ranks #73 out of 75 counties in Arkansas by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $37,237 and per capita income of $22,393, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Lafayette County

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County median: $37,237 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-27%

vs. National Median

-50%

vs. Lafayette County MedianAbout equal
vs. Arkansas Average27% below
vs. National Median50% below

Income Adequacy

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.