Cost of Living in Pine Bluff, AR

Population 40,436 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

42
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Pine Bluff run well below national norms — a median of $41,250 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $86,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Pine Bluff is about 40 miles southeast of Little Rock, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 61% lower than Little Rock's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Pine Bluff

The median home value in Pine Bluff is $86,400 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $831/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,250/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.6%, 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, Pine Bluff has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$86,400
72% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$71,856
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$831/mo
37% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.7x
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 53.3%
Renter-occupied 46.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$831
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,445/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
20.9 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.2%
Carpooled
6.5%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.4%
Work from home
6.4%

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
$41,250
45% below avg
Per Capita Income
$21,276
Unemployment Rate
9.6%
99% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.8%
Labor Force Participation
53.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.9%
Graduate degree 6.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.7
Male median age 35.9
Female median age 37.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Pine Bluff, AR?

Pine Bluff has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.

What is average rent in Pine Bluff, AR?

The median gross rent in Pine Bluff is $831 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Pine Bluff?

The median home value in Pine Bluff is $86,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Pine Bluff?

The median household income in Pine Bluff is $41,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Pine Bluff, AR?

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

Is Pine Bluff, AR affordable?

Yes, Pine Bluff is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.

Pine Bluff at a Glance

Population
40,436
Median Income
$41,250
Home Value
$86,400
Median Rent
$831/mo
Unemployment
9.6%
Sales Tax
9.5%
View all cities in Arkansas →
🗺️ County data for Arkansas

Explore county-level cost of living data

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