Cost of Living in Bolivar County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bolivar County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bolivar County ranks #2,951 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bolivar County, Mississippi
Bolivar rents stress lower-income households
Bolivar County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% average, driven by the second-lowest median income in this group at $37,315. Renters here struggle more than most, despite modest rent of $671.
Below-average affordability in Mississippi
At 21.6%, Bolivar County ranks among the less affordable in Mississippi, trailing the state average by 2 percentage points. Income constraints, not high rents, drive this affordability gap—Bolivar's $671 rent is lowest in the peer group.
Bolivar's unique income-cost tension
Bolivar's $671 rent is the cheapest among peers, yet its 21.6% burden ratio exceeds all but Amite (23.4%), reflecting income of $37,315 that trails all neighbors except Amite. However, Bolivar's homeownership cost ($679/month) is the highest in this group—unusual pressure on buyers.
Bolivar's stretched housing math
Renters pay $671 monthly on median income of $37,315—roughly $3,110 monthly—while homeowners average $679. This leaves renters only $251 per month after rent and homeowners just $32 after ownership costs, among the tightest margins in the region.
Thinking about Bolivar County?
Bolivar's lowest rents ($671) appeal to renters on tight budgets, but homeownership costs ($679/month) run high relative to income, making buying risky here. Consider whether local employment aligns with your salary needs, or compare to higher-income counties like Carroll ($55,275) or Alcorn ($49,404) for better long-term stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bolivar County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Bolivar County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $671/month in gross rent, with 33.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bolivar County pay $671/month on average, compared to $679/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,100/year. With a median household income of $37,315, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Bolivar County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Mississippi, Bolivar County is less affordable than Newton County by roughly 7% ($671/mo vs $722/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bolivar County
Rent Burden
21.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$871
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.8%
of gross income
The median home in Bolivar County may be a stretch
Median home value is $123,600. Estimated monthly cost: $987 vs. your max of $871.
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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