Cost of Living in Lee County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #2,940 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, Mississippi
Lee County rents eat less of paychecks
Lee County renters spend 16.6% of their income on rent, well below the national norm and nearly 3 percentage points better than Mississippi's state average of 19.6%. At $929 monthly, rent here is higher than the state median of $782, yet remains affordable relative to local incomes.
Middle-of-pack affordability statewide
Lee County ranks solidly among Mississippi's more affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. The county's $67,144 median household income is the strongest in this eight-county region, providing stronger cushion against housing costs.
Higher rents, stronger incomes
Lee County's $929 rent is the highest among its peer counties, but locals also earn more—$67,144 versus Lincoln's $48,316 or Lowndes's $54,460. This income advantage makes Lee's steeper rents manageable compared to neighboring counties where wages lag behind housing costs.
Renters and owners balance fairly well
A Lee County renter spending $929 monthly sees that represent 16.6% of their $67,144 yearly income, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homeowners paying $943 monthly in costs benefit from modest median home values of $187,800, making both pathways reasonably accessible.
Relocating to Lee County makes sense
If housing affordability matters, Lee County delivers: rents and mortgages are lower than national averages while local wages beat Mississippi's state median. Compare these numbers to your current housing burden—you might find meaningful savings here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
Lee County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $929/month — about 16.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $929/month rent versus $943/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $14/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,414/year. With a median household income of $67,144, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lee County sits 6% more expensive than Oktibbeha County ($873/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,567
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lee County
Median home value is $187,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,499 vs. your max of $1,567.
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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