Cost of Living in Sunflower County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sunflower County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sunflower County ranks #1,957 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sunflower County, Mississippi
Sunflower County rents strain lower-income families
At 20.0%, Sunflower County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national comfort zone, especially given its median household income of just $40,265—46% below the U.S. average. A $670 monthly rent consumes over a fifth of household earnings, limiting financial flexibility for renters.
Above-average affordability challenge in Mississippi
Sunflower County's 20.0% rent-to-income ratio slightly edges out Mississippi's 19.6% state average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The combination of lower-than-average median income and median rent matching Smith County creates acute housing pressure for local families.
Similar rents, tighter budgets than Smith County
Sunflower County's $670 rent matches Smith County's pricing almost exactly, yet Sunflower households earn $11,000 less annually ($40,265 vs. $51,396). This income gap means the same rent consumes a larger percentage of Sunflower households' budgets, creating meaningful economic strain.
Housing dominates household budgets here
Sunflower County renters dedicate 20.0% of their $40,265 median income to monthly rent, leaving just $3,281 annually from gross earnings for all other expenses. Homeowners face similar pressure: $622 monthly owner costs claim 18.5% of household income, well above the 15% affordability benchmark.
Relocate only if income grows significantly
Sunflower County's affordability challenges demand careful planning—a $40,000 household income simply stretches too thin across $670 rent plus other necessities. Consider relocation only if your income prospects improve, or explore counties like Smith or Tippah where the same rent consumes less of your budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sunflower County
Affordability Verdict
Sunflower County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $670/month — about 20.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sunflower County is $670/month, while owner costs run $622/month. Owning saves approximately $48/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,657/year. With a median household income of $40,265, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Sunflower County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Sunflower County sits 7% less expensive than Monroe County ($721/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sunflower County
Rent Burden
20.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$940
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sunflower County
Median home value is $103,400. Estimated monthly cost: $825 vs. your max of $940.
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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