Cost of Living in Tunica County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tunica County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Tunica County ranks #2,799 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tunica County, Mississippi
Tunica County housing costs reach critical affordability levels
At 29.3%, Tunica County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's least affordable housing markets—severely straining lower-income families. The $38,402 median household income pairs with $938 monthly rent to create genuine hardship, consuming nearly a third of gross earnings for housing alone.
Mississippi's most severe affordability crisis
Tunica County's 29.3% rent-to-income ratio drastically exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, marking it as the state's most unaffordable county in this profile. At $938 per month, median rent towers above the state average of $782, creating exceptional strain on the county's lowest earners.
Highest rents, lowest incomes: perfect affordability storm
Tunica County's $938 rent is the region's highest, yet paired with the second-lowest median household income of $38,402, creating acute affordability stress. The gap between Tunica and Smith County is striking: identical $664 rents in Smith versus $938 here, with $13,000 less annual income.
Housing crisis consumes nearly one-third of income
Tunica County renters spend 29.3% of their $38,402 median income on housing—a devastating $938 monthly—leaving just $2,289 for all other expenses. Even homeowners struggle with $682 monthly costs consuming 21.3% of household income, well above healthy affordability benchmarks.
Relocation here demands serious income guarantee
Tunica County's affordability crisis is severe and unambiguous: $938 monthly rents on a $38,000 median income creates genuine hardship. Do not relocate here unless your income significantly exceeds the county median—consider instead any of the neighboring counties in this profile, which offer dramatically better affordability ratios for equivalent housing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Tunica County
Affordability Verdict
Tunica County is moderately affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $938/month representing approximately 29.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 37.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Tunica County is $938/month, while owner costs run $682/month. Owning saves approximately $256/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,229/year. With a median household income of $38,402, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 37.0% of renter households in Tunica County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Mississippi, Tunica County is more affordable than Pearl River County by roughly 6% ($938/mo vs $887/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tunica County
Rent Burden
29.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$896
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.3%
of gross income
The median home in Tunica County may be a stretch
Median home value is $154,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,233 vs. your max of $896.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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