Cost of Living in El Dorado, AR
Population 17,382 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in El Dorado run well below national norms — a median of $45,159 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $113,000). Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 85 miles northeast of Shreveport, El Dorado is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Shreveport's $178,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in El Dorado
The median home value in El Dorado is $113,100 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $845/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,159/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 76.0°F and lows of 52.3°F. Overall, El Dorado has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 60 | 69 | 76 | 84 | 91 | 94 | 94 | 88 | 78 | 66 | 58 |
| Low °F | 34 | 37 | 44 | 51 | 61 | 68 | 71 | 70 | 63 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.39 | 4.47 | 5.10 | 5.39 | 4.81 | 3.88 | 3.43 | 3.40 | 3.23 | 4.58 | 3.83 | 5.61 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in El Dorado, AR?
El Dorado has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in El Dorado, AR?
The median gross rent in El Dorado is $845 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in El Dorado?
The median home value in El Dorado is $113,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in El Dorado?
The median household income in El Dorado is $45,159 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in El Dorado, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in El Dorado is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is El Dorado, AR affordable?
Yes, El Dorado is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in El Dorado?
El Dorado has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 52.3°F. Annual precipitation is 52.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
El Dorado at a Glance
- Population
- 17,382
- Median Income
- $45,159
- Home Value
- $113,100
- Median Rent
- $845/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arkansas Rankings
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