Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lawrence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lawrence County ranks #883 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Mississippi
Tight affordability despite low rent prices
Lawrence County's 23.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this eight-county set, driven by $835 monthly rents on a compressed median household income of $43,368. Though rents appear modest nationally, local earning power makes housing consume a larger share of income here than in most American counties.
Among state's least affordable counties
Lawrence County ranks as one of Mississippi's least affordable housing markets, with a 23.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state's 19.6% average. The median rent of $835 runs 6.8% above the state average, but the median income of $43,368 is so depressed that affordability becomes acute.
High rents on low incomes create strain
Lawrence County renters pay $835 monthly—more than Jefferson Davis ($695) and Kemper ($470), but less than Lauderdale ($897). The burden, however, is steeper because Lawrence County's $43,368 median income ranks among the lowest in this dataset, making relative affordability worse than the nominal prices suggest.
Housing crisis for lowest-income county
The typical Lawrence County renter spends $835 of a $3,614 monthly income on housing, consuming 23.1%—exceeding comfortable affordability. Even homeowners with $552 monthly mortgages spend 15.3% of income on housing, indicating that Lawrence County residents across both groups face significant affordability strain.
Affordability concerns despite low nominal costs
Lawrence County's low rents ($835) appeal to budget-conscious movers, but the depressed median income ($43,368) signals limited economic opportunity. Unless you bring remote income, consider whether local job prospects can sustain your household before relocating to Lawrence County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lawrence County
Affordability Verdict
Lawrence County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $835/month representing approximately 23.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 35.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lawrence County pay $835/month on average, compared to $552/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 34%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,657/year. With a median household income of $43,368, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Lawrence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pearl River County where rent averages $887/month, Lawrence County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County
Rent Burden
23.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,012
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lawrence County
Median home value is $104,600. Estimated monthly cost: $835 vs. your max of $1,012.
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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