Cost of Living in Washington County, Mississippi

$786/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$99,300

Median Home Value

1% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$786/mo

1% above state average

Median Home Value

$99,300

65% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Washington County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Washington County$786/mo

Mississippi Average$782/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$786/mo

Median Gross Rent

$99,300

Median Home Value

$620/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Washington County, Mississippi

Washington County faces affordability pressure

Washington County renters spend 23.5% of income on rent—a full 4.7 percentage points above the national affordability threshold. With median household income at just $40,117, the $786 monthly rent burden leaves tighter budgets than most U.S. counties.

Above-average housing cost burden

Washington County's 23.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Mississippi's 19.6% state average, ranking among the state's least affordable counties. This burden reflects both low median income ($40,117) and mid-range rents ($786) that outpace local earning power.

Struggling more than peers

Washington County's 23.5% rent burden far exceeds neighbors like Warren (18.8%) and Union (19.2%), and even surpasses Wayne County (25.6%) only marginally. The $786 rent eats into household budgets faster here than anywhere in the immediate region.

Rent squeezes low-wage households

Renters pay $786 monthly while homeowners spend $620, yet median household income of $40,117 makes both tenures tight. At 23.5% of income going to rent alone, Washington County households have less left for food, transport, and healthcare.

Consider relocation to stronger counties

If you're in Washington County and weighing a move, counties like Union (19.2%), Warren (18.8%), or Webster (12.4%) offer substantially better rent-to-income ratios. The 5-percentage-point difference between Washington and Union means real monthly savings for working families.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

23.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$936

per month

Owner Cost Burden

18.5%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Washington County

Median home value is $99,300. Estimated monthly cost: $793 vs. your max of $936.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio23.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Washington County, Mississippi?

Washington County, Mississippi has a median monthly rent of $786/mo and a median home value of $99,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Washington County?

The median gross rent in Washington County is $786/mo. This is 1% above state average for Mississippi.

Is Washington County affordable?

Washington County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Washington County's rent compare to the state average?

Washington County's median rent of $786/mo is 1% above state average of $782/mo for Mississippi.

What is the median home value in Washington County?

The median home value in Washington County, Mississippi is $99,300. This is 65% below the national median home value of $281,900.