Cost of Living in Washington County, Mississippi

$786/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$99,300

Median Home Value

1% above state averageUnaffordableACS 2019-2023 · Updated Dec 2024 Compare this county Explore on Map

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

National Ranking

Affordability Rank

Washington County ranks #1,759 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)

Most AffordableLeast Affordable

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.

Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County

Affordability Verdict

Housing in Washington County is affordable. The median rent is $786/month against a median household income of $40,117, putting rent at 23.5% of income.

Rent vs. Own

Renters in Washington County pay $786/month on average, compared to $620/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 21%.

Income Needed

To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,571/year. With a median household income of $40,117, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.

Regional Context

Compared to Stone County where rent averages $839/month, Washington County is approximately 6% less expensive.

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%

Income Needed Calculator

See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $40,117Needed: $31,440

Owner Cost Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $40,117Needed: $26,571

Mortgage Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $40,117Needed: $23,110

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

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.