Cost of Living in Covington County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Covington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Covington County ranks #1,880 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Covington County, Mississippi
Covington delivers rare Mississippi bargain
With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.3%, Covington County beats Mississippi's 19.6% state average and compares favorably to many national housing markets. The $47,001 median household income paired with the region's lowest median rent of $639/month creates the strongest affordability profile in this eight-county cohort.
Top affordability tier statewide
Covington County ranks among Mississippi's most affordable counties for renters, with its 16.3% ratio besting the state average by 3.3 percentage points. Only Choctaw and Copiah match or exceed this favorable position.
Cheapest rents, competitive incomes
Covington's median rent of $639 is the lowest in the eight-county region, undercutting even Choctaw by $22/month while maintaining comparable household income levels. This combination of low cost and reasonable earnings makes it a clear winner.
Renters and owners both thrive
Renters pay just $639/month (16.3% of the $47,001 income) while homeowners pay $566/month (14.4%), among the most favorable splits in the comparison group. Both paths leave substantial room in household budgets for other essentials.
Covington is Mississippi's sweet spot
If affordability and stability drive your relocation decision, Covington County offers the region's best combination of low rents, reasonable incomes, and balanced homeownership costs. Test your budget here as a benchmark against all other Mississippi options.
Cost of Living Advisory: Covington County
Affordability Verdict
Covington County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $639/month representing approximately 16.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Covington County pay $639/month on average, compared to $566/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,257/year. With a median household income of $47,001, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Covington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Mississippi, Covington County is less affordable than Jefferson Davis County by roughly 8% ($639/mo vs $695/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Covington County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,097
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Covington County
Median home value is $98,500. Estimated monthly cost: $786 vs. your max of $1,097.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Covington County, Mississippi?
What is the median rent in Covington County?
Is Covington County affordable?
How does Covington County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Covington County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Covington County, Mississippi? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Covington County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.