Cost of Living in Holmes County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Holmes County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Holmes County ranks #866 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Holmes County, Mississippi
Holmes offers remarkably affordable rents
Holmes County's 24.0% rent-to-income ratio reflects its standing as one of Mississippi's most affordable rental markets, with median rent of just $589 running 25% below the state average of $782. Against the national median income of $74,755, Holmes's median of $29,434 signals economic challenges, but housing costs remain genuinely accessible to local earners.
Holmes beats most counties on affordability
At 24.0%, Holmes County's rent-to-income ratio runs above the state average of 19.6%, but its extraordinarily low median rent of $589 places it among Mississippi's cheapest housing markets. This affordability advantage is driven by limited demand and modest home values, averaging $76,500—the lowest in this county cluster.
Holmes rents undercut Hinds and Humphreys
Holmes County's $589 median rent is the lowest in this region, undercutting Hinds County ($1,032) by 43% and Humphreys County ($643) by 8%. However, Holmes's median household income of $29,434 is also among the lowest, making the affordability advantage less impressive in absolute terms.
Cheapest rents, lowest incomes in region
Holmes renters spend $589 monthly while homeowners pay $580, with median home value at just $76,500. On a median income of only $29,434 annually, rent consumes 24% of gross income—affordable by standard metrics, but reflects an economy with limited earning opportunities.
Holmes: budget housing, limited wages
Holmes County delivers genuine affordability for renters and buyers on tight budgets, with some of Mississippi's lowest housing costs. However, a median household income of $29,434 signals limited job prospects; this county works best for remote workers or those with income sources outside the local job market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Holmes County
Affordability Verdict
Holmes County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $589/month — about 24.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $589/month rent versus $580/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $9/month cheaper — a 2% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,857/year. With a median household income of $29,434, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Holmes County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Mississippi, Holmes County is less affordable than Humphreys County by roughly 8% ($589/mo vs $643/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Holmes County
Rent Burden
24.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$687
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Holmes County
Median home value is $76,500. Estimated monthly cost: $611 vs. your max of $687.
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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