Cost of Living in Forrest County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Forrest County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Forrest County ranks #3,056 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Forrest County, Mississippi
Below-average income, above-average rent burden
Forrest County's median household income of $52,821 trails the national average by 29%, yet renters dedicate 21.8% of income to rent—well above the national comfort zone. This squeeze means housing costs consume more of household budgets here than they do nationally, leaving less for savings and other needs.
Among Mississippi's most strained renters
Forrest County ranks near the bottom of Mississippi for rental affordability, with a 21.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 19.6%. At $960 monthly rent, the county charges 23% more than the state average of $782, despite having below-state-average incomes.
Pricey for a lower-income area
Forrest's $960 rent sits between George County ($868) and Harrison County ($1,074), but Forrest's $52,821 income is lower than both neighbors. This mismatch—higher housing costs paired with lower wages—makes Forrest one of the region's tightest affordability pinches.
Renters stretch further than buyers
Renters in Forrest pay $960 monthly (21.8% of income) while homeowners pay just $784 (17.8% of income), a gap suggesting ownership offers more breathing room. For a household earning $52,821, that $176 monthly difference compounds into real financial relief over time.
Consider homeownership if you're relocating
Forrest County's steep rent-to-income ratio makes it a tougher market for renters, but homeownership becomes more attractive given the lower ownership costs. If you're considering a move here, prioritize finding a home purchase path—the $152,900 median home value and $784 monthly owner cost offer better long-term affordability than renting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Forrest County
Affordability Verdict
Forrest County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $960/month representing approximately 21.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Forrest County pay $960/month on average, compared to $784/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 18%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,600/year. With a median household income of $52,821, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Forrest County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lowndes County where rent averages $909/month, Forrest County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Forrest County
Rent Burden
21.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,232
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Forrest County
Median home value is $152,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,221 vs. your max of $1,232.
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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