Cost of Living in Harrison County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harrison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harrison County ranks #3,058 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harrison County, Mississippi
Lower income, most-strained rents
Harrison County's median household income of $57,233 falls 23% below the national average, yet its 22.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in the sample and significantly above national comfort levels. Renters here dedicate an outsized share of modest earnings to housing costs.
Mississippi's tightest rental market
With a 22.5% rent-to-income ratio, Harrison County faces the worst rental affordability among all eight counties studied and well above the state average of 19.6%. The $1,074 monthly rent compounds the challenge for residents earning below-average wages.
Highest rent, lower-middle income
Harrison's $1,074 rent is the second-highest in the region, yet the county's $57,233 income ranks below all neighbors except Franklin and Grenada. This mismatch creates the region's most acute affordability stress.
Ownership offers modest relief
Renters carry a steep 22.5% burden at $1,074 monthly, while owners pay 19.5% of income at $987 monthly—a $87 gap that's smaller than in most counties. For lower-income households, even homeownership here requires careful budgeting.
Plan strategically before relocating
Harrison County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio makes it the most challenging market in this sample for renters and lower-income households. Relocators should secure employment above $57,233, explore homeownership options, or consider more affordable alternatives like Franklin, Greene, or George counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harrison County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Harrison County is affordable. The median rent is $1,074/month against a median household income of $57,233, putting rent at 22.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,074/month rent versus $987/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $87/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,300/year. With a median household income of $57,233, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Harrison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hancock County where rent averages $999/month, Harrison County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harrison County
Rent Burden
22.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,335
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.7%
of gross income
The median home in Harrison County may be a stretch
Median home value is $199,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,591 vs. your max of $1,335.
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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