Special Interest
Housing in Hempstead County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Hempstead County averages $815/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Arkansas median of $947 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 38% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Hempstead County FMR Area are $665 for a studio, $708 for 1‑bedroom, $929 for 2‑bedroom, $1,216 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,437 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $114 increase for a 2-bedroom in Hempstead County shows a 14% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Hempstead County was 3.7% in 2024, compared to Arkansas at 3.5% and the national rate of 4.0%.
