Cost of Living in Lauderdale County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lauderdale County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lauderdale County ranks #1,920 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lauderdale County, Mississippi
Above-average costs strain below-average incomes
Lauderdale County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, driven by $897 monthly rents on a median household income of just $50,033. Renters here spend a larger share of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans, creating affordability pressure despite prices that appear modest nationally.
Less affordable than state average
Lauderdale County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Mississippi's less affordable counties, exceeding the state's 19.6% average. The $897 median rent runs 14.7% above the state average, pricing out lower-income households despite representing just 1.2% of the national median income.
Expensive rents for a rural county
Lauderdale County renters pay $897 monthly—higher than all neighbors except Lafayette County ($1,091) and Lamar County ($1,061). The median home value of $124,500 also exceeds most rural peers, suggesting Lauderdale County anchors a higher-cost regional corridor.
Housing consumes fifth of household income
The typical Lauderdale County renter allocates $897 of a $4,169 monthly income to housing, consuming 21.5%—approaching the stress threshold. Homeowners with $707 monthly costs face a more manageable 17%, but renters here carry above-average housing burden relative to earnings.
Compare costs before committing
Lauderdale County's higher rents relative to local incomes make it less attractive than neighboring Kemper or Leake counties if affordability is paramount. However, stronger housing prices suggest economic activity; investigate job opportunities and wage levels in your specific industry before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lauderdale County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Lauderdale County is affordable. The median rent is $897/month against a median household income of $50,033, putting rent at 21.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lauderdale County is $897/month, while owner costs run $707/month. Owning saves approximately $190/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,300/year. With a median household income of $50,033, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Lauderdale County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lauderdale County sits 7% more expensive than Stone County ($839/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lauderdale County
Rent Burden
21.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,167
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lauderdale County
Median home value is $124,500. Estimated monthly cost: $994 vs. your max of $1,167.
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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