Cost of Living in Fordyce, AR

Population 3,320 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Fordyce's median household income of $43,056 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (13% here). At 12.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 65 miles south of Little Rock, Fordyce is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 58% lower than Little Rock's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 30
Rent 49

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Fordyce

The median home value in Fordyce is $92,500 — 70% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $642/month, 51% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,056/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.6%, 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%. Overall, Fordyce has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$92,500
70% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$261,562
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$642/mo
51% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.0x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$638
1 BR
$684
2 BR
$848
3 BR
$1,151
4 BR
$1,256
Owner-occupied 60.0%
Renter-occupied 40.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$642
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,256/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.7 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
0

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.9%
Carpooled
7.6%
Walked
4.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 9.5%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 3.0%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$43,056
42% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,587
Unemployment Rate
12.6%
161% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
Labor Force Participation
56.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.4%
Graduate degree 1.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.7
Male median age 34.1
Female median age 38.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fordyce, AR?

Fordyce has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in Fordyce, AR?

The median gross rent in Fordyce is $642 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fordyce?

The median home value in Fordyce is $92,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fordyce?

The median household income in Fordyce is $43,056 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fordyce, AR?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fordyce is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Fordyce, AR affordable?

Yes, Fordyce is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

Fordyce at a Glance

Population
3,320
Median Income
$43,056
Home Value
$92,500
Median Rent
$642/mo
Unemployment
12.6%
Sales Tax
9.5%
View all cities in Arkansas →
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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