Cost of Living in Bolivar County, Mississippi

$671/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$123,600

Median Home Value

14% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$671/mo

14% below state average

Median Home Value

$123,600

56% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

33.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Bolivar County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Bolivar County$671/mo

Mississippi Average$782/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$671/mo

Median Gross Rent

$123,600

Median Home Value

$679/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

33.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Bolivar County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio21.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bolivar County, Mississippi?

Bolivar County, Mississippi has a median monthly rent of $671/mo and a median home value of $123,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 33.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Bolivar County?

The median gross rent in Bolivar County is $671/mo. This is 14% below state average for Mississippi.

Is Bolivar County affordable?

Bolivar County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 33.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Bolivar County's rent compare to the state average?

Bolivar County's median rent of $671/mo is 14% below state average of $782/mo for Mississippi.

What is the median home value in Bolivar County?

The median home value in Bolivar County, Mississippi is $123,600. This is 56% below the national median home value of $281,900.