Cost of Living in Elkins, AR
Population 3,710 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elkins offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $190,000 — costs less than 2.3 times median household income of $81,111, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 90 miles southwest of Springfield, Elkins is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Springfield's $165,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elkins
The median home value in Elkins is $190,100 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,293/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,111/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Elkins has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.
Elkins has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elkins, AR?
Elkins has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Elkins, AR?
The median gross rent in Elkins is $1,293 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elkins?
The median home value in Elkins is $190,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elkins?
The median household income in Elkins is $81,111 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elkins, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elkins is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Elkins, AR affordable?
Yes, Elkins is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
Elkins at a Glance
- Population
- 3,710
- Median Income
- $81,111
- Home Value
- $190,100
- Median Rent
- $1,293/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.9%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arkansas Rankings
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