Average Rent in Holmes County, MS↓ Rents falling 24.3% YoY🔻 Cheapest in MS
HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 16,491
Market Overview
Holmes County, MS has rental prices ranging from $516/month to $1,044/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $519/month — 63% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $29,434/year, spending $519/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Holmes County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $684/month, Holmes County ranks #79 most expensive of the 79 cities tracked in Mississippi — more affordable than 99% of all US cities in our data.
The Holmes County Rental Market
The Holmes County, MS area has a population of about 16,491 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Holmes County, MS have fallen by $219/month (24.3%) over the past year, from $903 to $684. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Holmes County, MS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $20,760. The local median household income of $29,434 exceeds that threshold by $8,674, making Holmes County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Holmes County, MS has an unemployment rate of 7.5%, 3.6 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 FY2021Is Holmes County, MS Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MSlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $1,045 | $1,051 | $1,232 | $1,484 | — |
| Stone County | $711 | $730 | $958 | $1,154 | — |
| Pascagoula | $922 | $972 | $1,094 | $1,466 | — |
| Gulfport | $766 | $896 | $1,117 | $1,446 | — |
| Covington County | $656 | $783 | $933 | $1,232 | — |
| Hattiesburg | $851 | $952 | $1,143 | $1,456 | — |
Rent or Buy in Holmes County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Holmes County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Holmes County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Holmes CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MSSee how Holmes County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Holmes CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MS Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections