RentData

Average Rent in Lafayette County, MS Rents rising 2.8% YoY🔺 Most expensive in MS

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 56,920

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Lafayette County, MS has rental prices ranging from $1,093/month to $1,714/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,099/month — 21% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,334/year, spending $1,099/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lafayette County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,293/month, Lafayette County ranks #1 most expensive of the 79 cities tracked in Mississippi — pricier than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Lafayette County Rental Market

The Lafayette County, MS area has a population of about 56,920 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Lafayette County, MS have risen by $35/month (2.8%) over the past year, from $1,258 to $1,293. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lafayette County, MS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,960. The local median household income of $64,334 exceeds that threshold by $20,374, making Lafayette County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lafayette County, MS has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, 0.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,093
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,099
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,293
2.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,628
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,714
Average
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Is Lafayette 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
$51,720/year
Local median income: $64,334
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,293/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MSlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Holmes County$811$843$933$1,232
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

Rent or Buy in Lafayette County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lafayette County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,293/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,293/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lafayette County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MS

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⚖️Compare Lafayette County

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

📋MS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections