RentData

Average Rent in Clarke County, MS↑ Rents rising 4.4% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in MS

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 15,424

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Clarke County, MS has rental prices ranging from $761/month to $1,201/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $831/month — 41% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $46,054/year, spending $831/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Clarke County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $905/month, Clarke County ranks #78 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Mississippi — more affordable than 96% of all US cities in our data.

The Clarke County Rental Market

The Clarke County, MS area has a population of about 15,424 and 16% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Clarke County, MS have risen by $38/month (4.4%) over the past year, from $867 to $905. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Clarke County, MS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,240. The local median household income of $46,054 exceeds that threshold by $12,814, making Clarke County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Clarke County, MS has an unemployment rate of 4.0%, 0.1 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$761
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$831
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$905
↑4.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,078
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,201
Average
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Is Clarke County, MS Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$36,200/year
Local median income: $46,054
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $905/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MSlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Holmes County$798$831$905$1,253—
Jackson$1,099$1,105$1,289$1,536—
Stone County$871$882$1,047$1,248—
Pascagoula$960$966$1,099$1,506—
Gulfport$844$982$1,185$1,525—
Covington County$656$783$933$1,232—

Rent or Buy in Clarke County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Clarke County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$905/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $905/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Clarke County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Clarke County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Clarke County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MS

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⚖️Compare Clarke County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections