Cost of Living in Union County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union County ranks #2,079 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Mississippi
Union County rents track national norms
Renters in Union County spend 19.2% of their income on rent, right in line with the national affordability standard. This compares favorably to the national median household income of $74,755—though Union County's median is $56,807, rents remain manageable relative to local earnings.
Middle of the pack in Mississippi
Union County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the Mississippi state average of 19.6%, placing it in the more affordable tier across the state. At $910 per month, median rent is higher than the state average of $782, but local incomes support the difference.
Affordable compared to Warren County
Union County's median rent of $910 undercuts nearby Warren County ($889), though Warren residents earn slightly more ($56,648 vs. $56,807). Both counties offer similar housing economics, but Union County edges ahead on rental affordability within the region.
Rent and ownership costs balanced
Renters pay $910 monthly while homeowners spend $643—a $267 gap that reflects Union County's median home value of $159,100. With median household income at $56,807, housing costs consume roughly 19% of household budgets, leaving room for other expenses.
Consider Union for rental stability
If you're weighing Mississippi counties for affordable housing, Union County offers stable rental rates without the affordability squeeze affecting counties to the south. Compare this 19.2% rent burden against Wayne County (25.6%) or Washington County (23.5%) to see the regional advantage.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Union County is affordable. The median rent is $910/month against a median household income of $56,807, putting rent at 19.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Union County pay $910/month on average, compared to $643/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 29%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,557/year. With a median household income of $56,807, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Panola County where rent averages $859/month, Union County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,325
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Union County
Median home value is $159,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,270 vs. your max of $1,325.
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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