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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wayne County ranks #2,387 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wayne County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Wayne County, the market is moderately affordable. Expect to pay around $786/month in gross rent, with 43.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Wayne County is $786/month, while owner costs run $499/month. Owning saves approximately $287/month.
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 $21,386/year. With a median household income of $36,791, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 43.0% of renter households in Wayne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Stone County where rent averages $839/month, Wayne County is approximately 6% less expensive.
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
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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