Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #1,371 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Mississippi
Jefferson offers surprising affordability
Jefferson County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in this county cluster and runs well below Mississippi's 19.6% state average. With median rent at just $444 monthly and household income at $36,207, Jefferson delivers exceptional housing affordability despite modest earning levels.
Jefferson beats most counties on value
At 14.7%, Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio is the second-best in this comparison—beaten only by Issaquena (10.4%)—and runs 25% below the Mississippi average of 19.6%. This southwest Mississippi county represents genuinely affordable rental housing within an economically challenged region.
Cheapest rents after Issaquena
Jefferson's $444 median rent trails only Issaquena ($253, 76% lower) and undercuts Humphreys ($643) by 31% and Holmes ($589) by 25%. Combined with moderate income of $36,207, Jefferson delivers housing costs that consume just 14.7% of earnings—among the most affordable scenarios in this cluster.
Housing costs run remarkably low
Renters spend just $444 monthly while homeowners pay $432, with median home value at $81,400 and median household income at $36,207 annually. At 14.7%, rent consumes roughly one-seventh of gross income—well below any affordability threshold and reflecting limited housing demand in a rural Delta county.
Budget-friendly with low economic opportunity
Jefferson County delivers extraordinarily affordable housing at $444 median rent and a 14.7% rent-to-income ratio, suiting those with tight budgets or limited incomes. However, the $36,207 median income signals limited local job prospects, making this county most viable for remote workers, retirees, or those with outside income sources.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Jefferson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $444/month in gross rent, with 33.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $444/month rent versus $432/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $12/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $17,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $18,514/year. With a median household income of $36,207, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Holmes County where rent averages $589/month, Jefferson County is approximately 25% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$845
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jefferson County
Median home value is $81,400. Estimated monthly cost: $650 vs. your max of $845.
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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