Cost of Living in Leake County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Leake County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Leake County ranks #1,701 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Leake County, Mississippi
Balanced affordability on modest income
Leake County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Mississippi's 19.6% state average, offering solid affordability to renters earning $48,418 annually. The $757 median monthly rent consumes less than one-fifth of household income, keeping Leake County competitive with national affordability standards despite below-average earnings.
Near-average affordability for rural county
Leake County ranks slightly above Mississippi's state average for housing affordability, with an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio compared to 19.6% statewide. The $757 median rent nearly matches the state average of $782, creating balanced housing costs relative to the modest local income of $48,418.
Middle-ground rents among peer counties
Leake County renters pay $757 monthly—more affordable than Lauderdale ($897) and Lawrence ($835), but pricier than Kemper ($470) and Jefferson Davis ($695). This middle positioning reflects Leake County's moderate economic profile, sitting between the region's poorest and most prosperous counties.
Renters and owners share light burden
The typical Leake County renter allocates $757 of a $4,035 monthly income to housing, consuming 18.8% of earnings and leaving healthy spending power for other needs. Homeowners with $585 monthly mortgages face an even lighter burden at 14.5%, making Leake County accessible to both renters and modest-income buyers.
Solid affordability without extreme tradeoffs
Leake County offers a practical middle ground for relocators—better affordability than Lafayette or Lamar counties without sacrificing all economic opportunity. If you seek rural Mississippi affordability without the income constraints of Lawrence County, Leake County merits serious comparison with neighboring alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Leake County
Affordability Verdict
Leake County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $757/month — about 18.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Leake County pay $757/month on average, compared to $585/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 23%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,071/year. With a median household income of $48,418, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Leake County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Leake County sits 7% more expensive than Franklin County ($706/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Leake County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,130
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Leake County
Median home value is $114,600. Estimated monthly cost: $915 vs. your max of $1,130.
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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