Cost of Living in Hancock County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hancock County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hancock County ranks #2,840 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hancock County, Mississippi
Higher income, excellent affordability
Hancock County's median household income of $67,728 exceeds the national average by 10%, and its 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below national affordability benchmarks. Residents enjoy one of the best combinations of earnings and housing cost balance in the sample.
Strong income supports reasonable rents
Hancock's $999 monthly rent runs 28% above Mississippi's state average, but the county's $67,728 income and 17.7% ratio beat the state average of 19.6%. This is a county where above-average earnings help offset higher housing costs.
Premium housing, premium income
Hancock's $999 rent ranks second-highest in the sample behind DeSoto ($1,341), yet the county's $67,728 income supports it better than Harrison's $1,074 rent on $57,233 earnings. Hancock proves that higher costs are manageable when paired with proportional income.
Balanced costs across tenure types
Renters pay $999 monthly (17.7% of income) while owners pay $873 (15.5% of income), a relatively modest gap that reflects overall affordability. The $206,600 median home value is substantial but accessible on Hancock's stronger incomes.
Best value for mid-to-upper income relocators
Hancock County delivers strong income prospects paired with excellent rent-to-income ratios—ideal for relocators earning $65,000+. If you're moving to Mississippi with solid earning power and want a balanced community with modest affordability pressure, Hancock outperforms all but DeSoto.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hancock County
Affordability Verdict
Hancock County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $999/month — about 17.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $999/month rent versus $873/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $126/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,414/year. With a median household income of $67,728, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Hancock County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Mississippi, Hancock County is more affordable than Tunica County by roughly 7% ($999/mo vs $938/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hancock County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,580
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
The median home in Hancock County may be a stretch
Median home value is $206,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,649 vs. your max of $1,580.
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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