Average Rent in Lee County, MS↑ Rents rising 5.0% YoY🔺 7th priciest in MS
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 83,138
Market Overview
Lee County, MS has rental prices ranging from $922/month to $1,454/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $928/month — 34% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $67,144/year, spending $928/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Lee County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,097/month, Lee County ranks #7 most expensive of the 79 cities tracked in Mississippi — pricier than 75% of all US cities in our data.
The Lee County Rental Market
The Lee County, MS area has a population of about 83,138 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Lee County, MS have risen by $52/month (5.0%) over the past year, from $1,045 to $1,097. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lee County, MS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,120. The local median household income of $67,144 exceeds that threshold by $30,024, making Lee County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Lee 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 FY2025Is Lee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Lee County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Lee County data
Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.
Living in Lee 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 Lee CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MSSee how Lee County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Lee CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MS Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections