Cost of Living in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Oktibbeha County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Oktibbeha County ranks #2,935 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
Oktibbeha's rental costs stand out
Oktibbeha County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.1% significantly exceeds the national average, with renters paying a notably larger share of income toward housing. The median household income of $43,482 is well below the U.S. median, yet rents at $873 monthly are the highest in this eight-county comparison.
Highest rent burden in Mississippi comparison
At 24.1%, Oktibbeha's rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds Mississippi's state average of 19.6%, making it the least affordable for renters in this group. The median rent of $873 towers $91 above the state median of $782, driven partly by the presence of Mississippi State University.
Starkville campus effect raises rents
Oktibbeha's $873 median rent far exceeds all neighboring counties: Montgomery ($682), Newton ($722), and Neshoba ($759) are all substantially cheaper. The university presence drives rental demand and prices upward, creating affordability challenges for non-student residents with modest incomes.
College town premium erodes affordability
Households earn just $43,482 annually but pay $873 in median rent—24.1% of income, well above the 30% threshold and among the worst ratios here. Homeowners face similar pressure at $872 monthly, and the median home value of $219,500 is more than double neighboring counties, reflecting university-driven demand.
Oktibbeha: university draw, affordability trade-off
Oktibbeha offers Mississippi State's economic ecosystem and cultural amenities, but renters pay the price: $873 monthly rents consume 24.1% of the median income of $43,482. If university proximity matters, Oktibbeha is worth the cost; otherwise, nearby Montgomery, Newton, or Neshoba offer significantly better affordability ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: Oktibbeha County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Oktibbeha County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $873/month in gross rent, with 38.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $873/month rent versus $872/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $1/month cheaper — a 0% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,371/year. With a median household income of $43,482, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 38.0% of renter households in Oktibbeha County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Marshall County where rent averages $926/month, Oktibbeha County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Oktibbeha County
Rent Burden
24.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,015
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.1%
of gross income
The median home in Oktibbeha County may be a stretch
Median home value is $219,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,752 vs. your max of $1,015.
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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