Cost of Living in Scott County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scott County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Scott County ranks #2,300 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scott County, Mississippi
Scott's moderate affordability challenge
Scott County residents spend 22% of income on rent, above Mississippi's 19.6% average though well within national standards. With a median household income of $48,492—significantly below the national average of $74,755—Scott's housing costs feel more burdensome than the state norm despite modest absolute prices.
Below-average affordability for Mississippi
Scott County's 22% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, though its $888 median rent falls above the statewide median of $782. This combination places Scott among Mississippi's moderately challenged housing markets.
Higher rent, lower income than peers
Scott's $888 monthly rent exceeds Simpson County ($819), Pontotoc County ($848), and Prentiss County ($620), yet Scott's $48,492 median income falls below Pontotoc and Simpson. This gap—higher costs with lower earnings—makes Scott less affordable than its immediate neighbors.
Rental premium strains household budgets
Scott renters pay $888 monthly while homeowners spend $554, meaning renters pay 60% more despite having similar home access. Housing costs consume 22% of the $48,492 median income—noticeably higher than the state average—squeezing household budgets for other necessities.
Simpson or Pontotoc offer better value
Scott County residents considering moves can improve affordability by relocating to Simpson County (18.2% rent ratio, similar income) or Pontotoc County (19.3% ratio, higher income). These neighboring counties offer comparable or better earning potential with substantially lower housing cost burdens.
Cost of Living Advisory: Scott County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Scott County is affordable. The median rent is $888/month against a median household income of $48,492, putting rent at 22.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Scott County pay $888/month on average, compared to $554/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 38%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,743/year. With a median household income of $48,492, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Scott County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Mississippi, Scott County is more affordable than Lawrence County by roughly 6% ($888/mo vs $835/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scott County
Rent Burden
22.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,131
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scott County
Median home value is $89,900. Estimated monthly cost: $718 vs. your max of $1,131.
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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