Cost of Living in Jonesboro, AR
Population 79,187 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Jonesboro cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $213,000, rents near $926 a month. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 65 miles northwest of Memphis, Jonesboro is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% higher than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jonesboro
The median home value in Jonesboro is $213,400 — 30% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $926/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,559/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 70.8°F and lows of 51.0°F. Overall, Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% 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 | 47 | 52 | 61 | 71 | 81 | 90 | 91 | 90 | 84 | 74 | 60 | 50 |
| Low °F | 31 | 34 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 68 | 72 | 70 | 62 | 51 | 40 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.52 | 3.79 | 4.73 | 5.15 | 5.21 | 3.05 | 3.69 | 3.41 | 3.30 | 3.81 | 4.40 | 4.45 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR?
Jonesboro has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jonesboro, AR?
The median gross rent in Jonesboro is $926 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jonesboro?
The median home value in Jonesboro is $213,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jonesboro?
The median household income in Jonesboro is $52,559 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jonesboro, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jonesboro is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Jonesboro, AR affordable?
Yes, Jonesboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jonesboro?
Jonesboro has average high temperatures of 70.8°F and average lows of 51.0°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Jonesboro at a Glance
- Population
- 79,187
- Median Income
- $52,559
- Home Value
- $213,400
- Median Rent
- $926/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 70.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
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