Cost of Living in Searcy, AR

Population 23,115 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

61
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Searcy is a smaller Arkansas community of around 23000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,896 and housing costs ($176,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Searcy is about 50 miles northeast 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 20% lower than Little Rock's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 58
Rent 65

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

About the Cost of Living in Searcy

The median home value in Searcy is $176,200 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $849/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,896/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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, Searcy has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$176,200
42% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$216,450
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$849/mo
35% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,012/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.3x
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 51.8%
Renter-occupied 48.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$849
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,463/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
18.6 min
31% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.3%
Carpooled
7.6%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
5.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
3.8%

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
$50,896
32% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,810
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
16% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.9%
Labor Force Participation
52.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.0%
Graduate degree 16.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.1
Male median age 26.6
Female median age 33.4

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Searcy, AR?

Searcy has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.

What is average rent in Searcy, AR?

The median gross rent in Searcy is $849 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Searcy?

The median home value in Searcy is $176,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Searcy?

The median household income in Searcy is $50,896 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Searcy, AR?

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

Is Searcy, AR affordable?

Yes, Searcy is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.

Searcy at a Glance

Population
23,115
Median Income
$50,896
Home Value
$176,200
Median Rent
$849/mo
Unemployment
5.6%
Sales Tax
9.5%
View all cities in Arkansas →
🗺️ County data for Arkansas

Explore county-level cost of living data

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