Cost of Living in Clarke County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Clarke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Clarke County ranks #525 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Clarke County, Mississippi
Clarke's rents run above state average
With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.9%, Clarke County exceeds Mississippi's state average by 1.3 percentage points, driven by above-state median rents of $803/month. The $46,054 household income falls short of national norms, amplifying the relative burden.
Mid-to-upper tier for housing costs
Clarke County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio places it above the state median, ranking it among less affordable Mississippi counties. Its $803 median rent is the highest in this eight-county comparison, reflecting local demand or limited supply.
Steepest rents in the region
Clarke's $803 median rent towers over Choctaw ($661) and Covington ($639), costing $100+ more monthly than the cheapest nearby options. This premium reflects Clarke's comparatively robust median home value of $114,300, the second-highest in the group.
Renters bear the heaviest load
Renters in Clarke pay $803/month—20.9% of the $46,054 median income—while homeowners pay only $502/month (13.1%), creating a stark gap between the two groups. This disparity suggests a rental market under pressure.
Buy here, don't rent, if possible
Clarke County makes more sense for homebuyers than renters: mortgage costs sit well below state norms while rents remain stubbornly high. If you're relocating and can afford to purchase, Clarke's median home value of $114,300 may deliver better value than its rental market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Clarke County
Affordability Verdict
Clarke County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $803/month — about 20.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Clarke County is $803/month, while owner costs run $502/month. Owning saves approximately $301/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,514/year. With a median household income of $46,054, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Clarke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Clarke County sits 7% less expensive than Panola County ($859/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Clarke County
Rent Burden
20.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,075
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Clarke County
Median home value is $114,300. Estimated monthly cost: $912 vs. your max of $1,075.
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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