Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
2026 Arkansas BAH Rates and VA Loan Buying Power
Arkansas has 3 Military Housing Areas. E-5 with-dependents BAH ranges from $1,263 to $1,848 per month; E-6 with dependents ranges from $1,680 to $2,040. Buying-power assumptions are stated below the table.
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| MHA | E-5 w/dep | E-6 w/dep | E-6 buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| LITTLE ROCK, AR | $1,848 | $1,941 | |
| FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR | $1,263 | $1,680 | |
| FAYETTEVILLE, AR | $1,782 | $2,040 |
Arkansas BAH Snapshot
- MHA count: 3 Military Housing Areas
- E-5 w/dep range: $1,263 to $1,848/mo
- E-6 w/dep range: $1,680 to $2,040/mo
- Buying power range: ~$135,000 to ~$220,000
How BAH Counts for VA Loans
- Tax-free income: BAH is excluded from gross income. 26 USC 134(a) Lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio, a 25 percent gross-up. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
- LES verification: The lender must verify the BAH amount; allowances are documented on the LES. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH
- Rate protection: The monthly BAH amount may not be reduced while the member retains uninterrupted eligibility within an area. 37 USC 403(b)(6)
- Dependent status: The statute establishes separate rates for members with and without dependents. 37 USC 403(b)(5) With-dependents rates are higher at every grade in every MHA.
Highest BAH in Texas
- FAYETTEVILLE, AR: E-6 w/dep $2,040/mo, ~$220,000 buying power
- LITTLE ROCK, AR: E-6 w/dep $1,941/mo, ~$210,000 buying power
- FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR: E-6 w/dep $1,680/mo, ~$185,000 buying power
Lowest BAH in Texas
- FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR: E-6 w/dep $1,680/mo, ~$185,000 buying power
- LITTLE ROCK, AR: E-6 w/dep $1,941/mo, ~$210,000 buying power
- FAYETTEVILLE, AR: E-6 w/dep $2,040/mo, ~$220,000 buying power
The Bottom Line Up Front
Arkansas BAH rates vary by more than $360 per month at E-6 with dependents. The highest rate is $2,040 (FAYETTEVILLE, AR) and the lowest is $1,680 (FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR). That spread translates to a buying-power difference of roughly $35,000 at current VA loan terms.
How to Use Arkansas BAH Rates for a VA Loan
- Verify your BAH on your LES. The lender must verify the BAH amount before counting it as income. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH
- Confirm your MHA. Your BAH is set by the Military Housing Area assigned to your duty station, not your home address. 37 USC 403(b)(2)
- Ask about the gross-up. Because BAH is tax free, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
- Compare the buying-power estimates. Use the table above to see how your MHA and rank translate to an approximate home price, then get a personalized preapproval from a VA lender.
What to Do Based on Your Situation
- PCS-ing to Arkansas: Your BAH changes to the gaining station’s MHA rate. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Use the new rate with your orders to start a preapproval before you arrive.
- Already stationed in Arkansas: Your BAH amount may not be reduced while you retain uninterrupted eligibility within the area, even if published rates drop. 37 USC 403(b)(6)
- Separating from service: BAH stops when active-duty status ends. If you plan to buy before separation, verify the BAH amount on your current LES and close while you are still receiving it. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH
Arkansas Housing Costs and BAH Impact
Arkansas offers a mix of affordable and moderately priced rental markets. Areas around Little Rock AFB and Fayetteville have seen rental increases in recent years, prompting higher BAH rates for 2026. In smaller communities and rural zones, BAH may cover full rental costs , offering service members the ability to save or apply funds toward utilities and essentials. These rates are evaluated yearly to reflect ZIP-level changes across the state.
BAH is one piece of the income picture. When you apply for a VA loan, the lender evaluates your debt-to-income ratio and residual income alongside your housing allowance. Because BAH is excluded from gross income, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio. 26 USC 134(a) VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
For a broader look at homebuying in this state, see the Arkansas VA loan guide.
Explore More BAH Insights
- 2026 BAH Rates by City: Official tables by city and MHA
- How BAH Affects VA Loan Buying Power: How the allowance converts to qualifying income
- Dual Military BAH and VA Loans: How dual-Military couples combine BAH
- BAH After Active Duty: Using BAH after separation for a VA loan
- Highest BAH Cities 2026: Cities with the largest BAH rates
- BAH vs PITI Coverage: How BAH compares to the full mortgage payment
- Buy or Rent at PCS: Using BAH to decide between buying and renting
- BAH Gross-Up Explained: How the 125 percent gross-up works
Arkansas BAH Rates by Military Housing Area
Each block below holds the full pay-grade table, buying power by rank, and, when available, ZIP codes. Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Arkansas property tax at 0.53 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.89 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule).
LITTLE ROCK, AR (MHA AR010): E-5 w/dep $1,848, E-6 w/dep $1,941, ~$210,000 buying power
LITTLE ROCK, AR BAH Rates
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,758 | $1,341 |
| E-2 | $1,758 | $1,341 |
| E-3 | $1,758 | $1,341 |
| E-4 | $1,758 | $1,341 |
| E-5 | $1,848 | $1,548 |
| E-6 | $1,941 | $1,671 |
| E-7 | $1,959 | $1,758 |
| E-8 | $1,968 | $1,875 |
| E-9 | $2,061 | $1,887 |
| W-1 | $1,956 | $1,740 |
| W-2 | $1,965 | $1,872 |
| W-3 | $1,977 | $1,893 |
| W-4 | $2,100 | $1,932 |
| W-5 | $2,274 | $1,947 |
| O-1E | $1,962 | $1,845 |
| O-2E | $1,971 | $1,884 |
| O-3E | $2,127 | $1,929 |
| O-1 | $1,869 | $1,665 |
| O-2 | $1,938 | $1,824 |
| O-3 | $1,974 | $1,902 |
| O-4 | $2,328 | $1,935 |
| O-5 | $2,598 | $1,950 |
| O-6 | $2,619 | $1,965 |
| O-7 | $2,634 | $1,977 |
LITTLE ROCK, AR Buying Power
- E-5 w/dep ($1,848): ~$200,000 home, PITI ~$1,528/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,941): ~$210,000 home, PITI ~$1,604/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,959): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,643/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($1,974): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,643/mo
FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR (MHA AR012): E-5 w/dep $1,263, E-6 w/dep $1,680, ~$185,000 buying power
FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR BAH Rates
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,173 | $879 |
| E-2 | $1,173 | $879 |
| E-3 | $1,173 | $879 |
| E-4 | $1,173 | $879 |
| E-5 | $1,263 | $996 |
| E-6 | $1,680 | $1,260 |
| E-7 | $1,785 | $1,338 |
| E-8 | $1,893 | $1,419 |
| E-9 | $2,028 | $1,521 |
| W-1 | $1,701 | $1,278 |
| W-2 | $1,827 | $1,371 |
| W-3 | $1,965 | $1,524 |
| W-4 | $2,052 | $1,701 |
| W-5 | $2,166 | $1,809 |
| O-1E | $1,803 | $1,353 |
| O-2E | $1,944 | $1,458 |
| O-3E | $2,070 | $1,674 |
| O-1 | $1,320 | $1,077 |
| O-2 | $1,677 | $1,341 |
| O-3 | $1,962 | $1,527 |
| O-4 | $2,199 | $1,785 |
| O-5 | $2,370 | $1,842 |
| O-6 | $2,388 | $1,944 |
| O-7 | $2,400 | $1,974 |
FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR Buying Power
- E-5 w/dep ($1,263): ~$135,000 home, PITI ~$1,031/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($1,680): ~$185,000 home, PITI ~$1,413/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($1,785): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,490/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($1,962): ~$215,000 home, PITI ~$1,643/mo
FAYETTEVILLE, AR (MHA AR411): E-5 w/dep $1,782, E-6 w/dep $2,040, ~$220,000 buying power
FAYETTEVILLE, AR BAH Rates
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $1,662 | $1,263 |
| E-2 | $1,662 | $1,263 |
| E-3 | $1,662 | $1,263 |
| E-4 | $1,662 | $1,263 |
| E-5 | $1,782 | $1,437 |
| E-6 | $2,040 | $1,545 |
| E-7 | $2,154 | $1,662 |
| E-8 | $2,280 | $1,839 |
| E-9 | $2,439 | $1,908 |
| W-1 | $2,058 | $1,632 |
| W-2 | $2,205 | $1,836 |
| W-3 | $2,361 | $1,920 |
| W-4 | $2,466 | $2,061 |
| W-5 | $2,601 | $2,181 |
| O-1E | $2,175 | $1,779 |
| O-2E | $2,337 | $1,893 |
| O-3E | $2,487 | $2,031 |
| O-1 | $1,821 | $1,536 |
| O-2 | $2,037 | $1,746 |
| O-3 | $2,355 | $1,944 |
| O-4 | $2,640 | $2,157 |
| O-5 | $2,847 | $2,223 |
| O-6 | $2,868 | $2,340 |
| O-7 | $2,886 | $2,376 |
FAYETTEVILLE, AR Buying Power
- E-5 w/dep ($1,782): ~$195,000 home, PITI ~$1,490/mo
- E-6 w/dep ($2,040): ~$220,000 home, PITI ~$1,681/mo
- E-7 w/dep ($2,154): ~$235,000 home, PITI ~$1,795/mo
- O-3 w/dep ($2,355): ~$255,000 home, PITI ~$1,948/mo
VA Loans Near Arkansas Military Bases
Arkansas BAH rates for an E-6 with dependents range from $1,680/month (FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR) to $2,040/month (FAYETTEVILLE, AR). That translates to estimated buying power from ~$185,000 to ~$220,000 at current VA loan terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use BAH to qualify for a VA loan?
Yes. BAH is included in effective income if properly verified. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Because BAH is tax free, lenders may count it at 125 percent for the debt-to-income ratio, a 25 percent gross-up. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Debt-to-Income Ratio
Does BAH change when I PCS?
Your BAH rate is based on the MHA of your duty station. The BAH amount changes from one duty station to another. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH Rate protection means the monthly amount may not be reduced while the member retains uninterrupted eligibility within an area. 37 USC 403(b)(6)
What is the difference between with-dependents and without-dependents BAH?
The statute establishes separate rates for members with and without dependents. 37 USC 403(b)(5) With-dependents rates are higher at every grade in every MHA.
How many MHAs are in Arkansas?
Arkansas has 3 Military Housing Areas. The Secretary of Defense determines the costs of adequate housing in each area. 37 USC 403(b)(2)
Which Arkansas MHA has the highest BAH?
FAYETTEVILLE, AR has the highest E-6 with-dependents rate at $2,040 per month, translating to roughly $220,000 in buying power.
Which Arkansas MHA has the lowest BAH?
FORT CHAFFEE/FORT SMITH, AR has the lowest E-6 with-dependents rate at $1,680 per month, translating to roughly $185,000 in buying power.
How is buying power calculated?
Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Arkansas property tax at 0.53 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.89 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule).
Is BAH the same as housing allowance on my LES?
Yes. Military allowances including BAH are documented on the LES. VA Pamphlet 26-7 Ch. 4, Analysis of Military Quarters Allowance/BAH The amount matches the published DoD rate for your MHA, grade, and dependency status.
How We Researched This Page
BAH rates are from the 2026 DoD BAH rate tables. Buying power is derived using the documented assumptions: Buying power assumes 6.5 percent rate, 30-year term, 2.15 percent VA funding fee financed, zero down payment, Arkansas property tax at 0.53 percent (2023 ACS), homeowners insurance at 0.89 percent of home value (2022 III/NAIC), and PITI capped at 83 percent of BAH with dependents (VALN assumption, not a VA or DoD rule). These figures are estimates for comparison, not loan quotes or approvals.
Resources Used
- DoD BAH Rate Lookup
- VA Home Loan Overview
- BAH dataset: bah-2026-provisional.json (md5 0c11a85f)