Cost of Living in Southside, AR

Population 4,254 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Southside sits on the smaller end of the Arkansas city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Southside lies roughly 80 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Little Rock. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Little Rock's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in Southside

The median home value in Southside is $127,400 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $790/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,469/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 70.2°F and lows of 46.2°F. Overall, Southside has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$127,400
58% below avg
Median Rent
$790/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.4x
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 68.5%
Renter-occupied 31.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$790
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,404/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
21.0 min
22% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.8%
Carpooled
12.1%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
3.1%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
4.6%

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
$55,469
26% below avg
Per Capita Income
$21,879
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
26% above avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
Labor Force Participation
64.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.1%
Graduate degree 6.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.5
Male median age 32.7
Female median age 35

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.2°F
Avg Low
46.2°F
Annual Precip
48.9"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485261707887919083726051
Low °F 262937455563676657453528
Precip" 3.343.704.625.114.943.043.973.663.303.994.444.83

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Southside, AR?

Southside has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Southside, AR?

The median gross rent in Southside is $790 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Southside?

The median home value in Southside is $127,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Southside?

The median household income in Southside is $55,469 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Southside, AR?

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

Is Southside, AR affordable?

Yes, Southside is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Southside?

Southside has average high temperatures of 70.2°F and average lows of 46.2°F. Annual precipitation is 48.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Southside at a Glance

Population
4,254
Median Income
$55,469
Home Value
$127,400
Median Rent
$790/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
70.2°F
Sales Tax
9.5%
View all cities in Arkansas →
🗺️ County data for Arkansas

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs