Cost of Living in Emerson, AR

With a cost of living index of 64, Emerson, AR is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 36% cheaper than the national average and 6% below the Arkansas state average of 70. Emerson is a small community of 224 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Emerson's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $775 (41% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $121,600 (60% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Emerson is $73,036, which is 3% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.