Cost of Living in Wilkinson County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wilkinson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wilkinson County ranks #1,116 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wilkinson County, Mississippi
Wilkinson County stretches low incomes thin
Wilkinson County renters spend 22.5% of income on rent, well above the national affordability standard of 12%. With median household income at just $35,930—the lowest in this group—housing costs consume a disproportionate share of household earnings.
Among Mississippi's least affordable
Wilkinson County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the Mississippi state average of 19.6%, ranking it among the state's most burdened counties. At median rent of $674 against median income of $35,930, housing takes a heavy toll on household budgets.
Struggling worse than most peers
Wilkinson County's 22.5% burden exceeds Union (19.2%), Warren (18.8%), and Winston (16.0%), though it edges slightly better than Wayne (25.6%) and Washington (23.5%). Among low-income Mississippi counties, Wilkinson faces above-average housing pressure.
Homeownership nearly matches rental costs
Wilkinson County homeowners pay $498 monthly versus renters at $674—a $176 advantage for ownership. With median household income at $35,930 and median home value at $80,200, homeownership emerges as the more affordable path for those able to save for purchase.
Wilkinson residents: explore higher-income counties
Wilkinson County renters facing a 22.5% housing burden should compare nearby Webster County (12.4%) or Winston County (16.0%), where the same income supports more comfortable living. A relocation within Mississippi could free up $100+ monthly in rent savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wilkinson County
Affordability Verdict
Wilkinson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $674/month representing approximately 22.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 35.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Wilkinson County is $674/month, while owner costs run $498/month. Owning saves approximately $176/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,343/year. With a median household income of $35,930, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Wilkinson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sharkey County where rent averages $622/month, Wilkinson County is approximately 8% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wilkinson County
Rent Burden
22.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$838
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wilkinson County
Median home value is $80,200. Estimated monthly cost: $640 vs. your max of $838.
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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