Cost of Living in Benton County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Benton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Benton County ranks #843 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Benton County, Mississippi
Benton rents slightly above state average
Benton County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% average, though it remains far below the national renter burden of 28-30%. With median income of $42,139, Benton residents face moderate housing pressure relative to incomes.
Slightly less affordable than Mississippi average
At 20.8%, Benton County's rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above the statewide average, placing it in the less-affordable tier. This reflects lower median income ($42,139) relative to rent costs, a pattern more common in rural southern counties.
Benton compared to nearby counties
Benton's $729 rent and 20.8% burden fall between Adams ($720 rent, 21.5% burden) and Attala ($774 rent, 19.3% burden), with income lower than both neighbors. Benton renters face pressure similar to Adams but with slightly higher rent.
Benton's monthly housing budget
Renters pay $729 monthly while homeowners average $550, against median household income of $42,139—roughly $3,512 monthly. This leaves renters about $276 after rent and homeowners $295, tighter margins than higher-income neighbors.
Considering Benton County?
Benton offers moderate rents ($729) and ownership costs ($550) with median home values of $109,300, though income levels here rank lower than Alcorn or Attala. If affordability is primary, compare Benton's numbers against Amite's lower rents or Carroll's stronger incomes to find your best match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Benton County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Benton County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $729/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $729/month rent versus $550/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $179/month cheaper — a 25% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,571/year. With a median household income of $42,139, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Benton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Calhoun County where rent averages $674/month, Benton County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Benton County
Rent Burden
20.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$983
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Benton County
Median home value is $109,300. Estimated monthly cost: $873 vs. your max of $983.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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