Cost of Living in Wayne County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wayne County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wayne County, Mississippi
Wayne County renters severely rent-burdened
Wayne County renters spend 25.6% of income on rent—more than double the national affordability standard of 12%. With median household income at just $36,791, this is Mississippi's most acute housing affordability crisis.
Worst affordability in Mississippi
Wayne County's 25.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all Mississippi counties, far exceeding the state average of 19.6%. At median rent of $786 against median income of $36,791, housing costs consume nearly a quarter of household earnings.
Severely burdened relative to region
Wayne County's 25.6% burden nearly doubles neighboring Winston County's 16.0% ratio and significantly exceeds Washington County's 23.5%. Among all eight counties surveyed, Wayne faces the harshest housing cost pressures on the lowest incomes.
Homeownership provides relief
Wayne County homeowners pay just $499 monthly versus renters at $786—a $287 gap that makes purchase attractive despite median home values of $88,000. However, with median household income at $36,791, even homeownership leaves little budget flexibility.
Wayne County: time to explore options
Wayne County residents should seriously compare relocation to counties like Webster (12.4% burden) or Winston (16.0%), where the same income stretches much further. Moving 40 miles to a better-positioned county could mean $150+ monthly rent savings for working families.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wayne County
Rent Burden
25.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$858
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wayne County
Median home value is $88,000. Estimated monthly cost: $703 vs. your max of $858.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.