Cost of Living in Monticello, AR

Population 8,320 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

46
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Monticello's median household income of $27,998 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 (28% here). At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Monticello lies roughly 85 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Little Rock — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Little Rock's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 51

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

About the Cost of Living in Monticello

The median home value in Monticello is $128,900 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $676/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $27,998/year is 62% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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%. Overall, Monticello has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$128,900
58% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$163,088
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$676/mo
49% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.9x
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 46.7%
Renter-occupied 53.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$676
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,290/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
17.6 min
35% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.5%
Carpooled
9.3%
Walked
3.9%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
4.8%

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
$27,998
62% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,857
Unemployment Rate
7.8%
62% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.4%
Labor Force Participation
45.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.8%
Graduate degree 10.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.4
Male median age 36.3
Female median age 37.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Monticello, AR?

Monticello has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.

What is average rent in Monticello, AR?

The median gross rent in Monticello is $676 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Monticello?

The median home value in Monticello is $128,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Monticello?

The median household income in Monticello is $27,998 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Monticello, AR?

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

Is Monticello, AR affordable?

Yes, Monticello is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.

Monticello at a Glance

Population
8,320
Median Income
$27,998
Home Value
$128,900
Median Rent
$676/mo
Unemployment
7.8%
Sales Tax
9.5%
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🗺️ County data for Arkansas

Explore county-level cost of living data

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