Renting in Clark County, Arkansas: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $928; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 13% less than in Arkansas
Typical rent: $793; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 16% less than in Arkansas
Wage needed: $17.85; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $37,120 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 48%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 8% more than in Arkansas

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Clark County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Among the neighboring counties, Dallas County has the lowest typical rent ($627), 21% below the $793 in Clark County.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Clark County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$711	$13.67	$28,440
1 bedroom	$716	$13.77	$28,640
2 bedrooms	$928	$17.85	$37,120
3 bedrooms	$1,240	$23.85	$49,600
4 bedrooms	$1,312	$25.23	$52,480

HUD area: Clark County, AR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 13 ZIP codes in Clark County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 71743 to $1,010 in 71921. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($928).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

71721	Clark County, AR	$710	$720	$930	$1,240	$1,320
71728	Clark County, AR	$710	$710	$920	$1,230	$1,310
71743	Clark County, AR	$700	$700	$910	$1,210	$1,290
71772	Clark County, AR	$700	$700	$910	$1,210	$1,290
71921	Clark County, AR	$740	$840	$1,010	$1,360	$1,430
71921	Hot Spring County, AR	$740	$840	$1,010	$1,360	$1,430
71921	Pike County, AR	$740	$840	$1,010	$1,360	$1,430
71923	Clark County, AR	$720	$730	$940	$1,250	$1,330
71923	Dallas County, AR	$720	$730	$940	$1,250	$1,330
71923	Hot Spring County, AR	$720	$730	$940	$1,250	$1,330
71962	Clark County, AR	$700	$760	$940	$1,240	$1,330
71998	Clark County, AR	$720	$730	$940	$1,250	$1,330
71999	Clark County, AR	$720	$730	$940	$1,250	$1,330

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
71721 · Clark County, AR $930$1,240
71728 · Clark County, AR $920$1,230
71743 · Clark County, AR $910$1,210
71772 · Clark County, AR $910$1,210
71921 · Clark County, AR $1,010$1,360
71921 · Hot Spring County, AR $1,010$1,360
71921 · Pike County, AR $1,010$1,360
71923 · Clark County, AR $940$1,250
71923 · Dallas County, AR $940$1,250
71923 · Hot Spring County, AR $940$1,250
71962 · Clark County, AR $940$1,240
71998 · Clark County, AR $940$1,250
71999 · Clark County, AR $940$1,250

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Clark County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

48%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

2,843 households rent in Clark County

Spend half or more of their income 31%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
Spend less than 30% 52%

Compared with the state and the country

Clark 48%
Arkansas 45%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Clark County

HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Clark County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC): 6
HUD-assisted: 3
public housing: 2

489 homes in all; 482 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Carpenter Hill Homes Public housing 670 S 6th St, Arkadelphia 71923 100 low-income homes · Run by Arkadelphia Housing Authority · Average payment: $336 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (870) 246-4632
Ouachita Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 11 Cypress Rd, Arkadelphia 71923 72 homes, 71 low-income · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 69 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For older adults · (870) 246-5281
Powder Mill Manor HUD-assisted 2801 Twin Rivers Dr, Arkadelphia 71923 60 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (501) 246-9347
Elliston Fka Ross Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 N 20th St, Arkadelphia 71923 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016
Elliston Place HUD-assisted 222 N 20th St, Arkadelphia 71923 50 homes, 49 low-income · For families · (870) 246-7509
Elliston Place Fka Ross Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 N 20th St, Arkadelphia 71923 50 homes, 49 low-income · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016
Gurdon Public housing 421 S 2nd St, Gurdon 71743 32 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Gurdon · Average payment: $389 a month · Average wait: 12 months · Homes at several sites · (870) 498-4101
Ridgecrest Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 724 S 10th St, Arkadelphia 71923 25 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 21 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1999
Ridgecrest Apartments - Arkadelphia Tax credit (LIHTC) 724 S 10th St, Arkadelphia 71923 25 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1999
River Oaks Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3025 Twin Rivers Dr, Arkadelphia 71923 25 homes, 24 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2013

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Clark County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Clark County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Clark County, AR.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$16,050	$26,750	$42,800
2 people	$21,640	$30,600	$48,900
3 people	$27,320	$34,400	$55,000
4 people	$33,000	$38,200	$61,100
5 people	$38,680	$41,300	$66,000
6 people	$44,350	$44,350	$70,900
7 people	$47,400	$47,400	$75,800
8 people	$50,450	$50,450	$80,700

Area median income: $76,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Clark County, AR. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $640 – $782
1 bedroom $644 – $788
2 bedrooms $835 – $1,021
3 bedrooms $1,116 – $1,364
4 bedrooms $1,181 – $1,443

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Arkadelphia Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 198 vouchers · 100 public housing units (870) 246-4632 Arkadelphia Housing Authority: bobbi.partain@arkadelphiahousing.org
Housing Authority of the City of Gurdon Public housing · 32 public housing units (870) 498-4101 Housing Authority of the City of Gurdon: alg@camdenha.com
Housing Authority of the City of Amity Public housing (870) 342-5750 Housing Authority of the City of Amity: amityhousingauth@windstream.net

Housing agencies in Arkansas Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Arkansas

What Arkansas law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

How much can they charge for a deposit?: Up to 2 months of rent; Ark. Code §18-16-304
When must they return my deposit?: 60 days; Ark. Code §18-16-305
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 3 days; Ark. Code §18-60-304

Help

Where to get help with rent in Clark County

This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.

SB
Southern Bancorp Community Partners

206 Airport Rd, Hot Springs · 31 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
501-406-6000-2863

See every agency in Arkansas Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Clark County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in Arkansas, the average home bill was $129 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Clark County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $928. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$1,856

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $928
Security deposit: $928
Total: $1,856

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Clark County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $711; 1 bedroom: $716; 2 bedrooms: $928; 3 bedrooms: $1,240; 4 bedrooms: $1,312. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Clark County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($928) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.85 an hour full time, or $37,120 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Clark County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $38,200 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Clark County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $835 and $1,021 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Clark County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 71743 to $1,010 in 71921. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Clark County?

HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Clark County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Clark County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Clark County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Arkansas, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Clark County, Arkansas

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Clark County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Clark County

The Section 8 voucher in Clark County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Arkansas

Where to get help with rent in Clark County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Clark County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Clark County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Clark County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Clark County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Clark County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Clark County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Clark County?