Cost of Living in Winston County, Mississippi
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Winston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Winston County ranks #1,747 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Winston County, Mississippi
Winston County delivers solid affordability
Winston County renters spend 16.0% of income on rent, meaningfully below the national affordability standard and among the nation's better housing markets. With median household income at $49,071 supporting median rent of $654, housing remains accessible for working families.
Among Mississippi's most affordable
Winston County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the Mississippi state average of 19.6%, ranking it among the state's best-positioned counties for housing affordability. At $654 median rent, it undercuts the state median of $782 while maintaining stable local incomes.
Strong performer across the region
Winston County's 16.0% burden outperforms all peer counties except Webster (12.4%), matching or beating Union (19.2%), Warren (18.8%), and dramatically surpassing Washington (23.5%) and Wayne (25.6%). The region's second-strongest affordability position.
Balanced tenure options for families
Homeowners in Winston pay $638 monthly versus renters at $654—nearly identical, with median home value at $121,200. With median household income at $49,071, housing costs consume just 16% of household budgets, leaving substantial room for other essential expenses.
Winston: accessible housing for working families
Families comparing Winston to higher-burden counties like Union (19.2%) or Warren (18.8%) will find notably easier housing payments relative to income. With strong affordability just behind Webster County, Winston offers a compelling relocation option for budget-conscious Mississippi movers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Winston County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Winston County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $654/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Winston County is $654/month, while owner costs run $638/month. Owning saves approximately $16/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,343/year. With a median household income of $49,071, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Winston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Mississippi, Winston County is less affordable than Franklin County by roughly 7% ($654/mo vs $706/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Winston County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,145
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Winston County
Median home value is $121,200. Estimated monthly cost: $968 vs. your max of $1,145.
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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