RentData

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

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

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 FY2025
Studio
$922
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$928
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,097
5.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,382
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,454
Affordable
🔔
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Is 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)

To rent a 2BR
$43,880/year
Local median income: $67,144
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,097/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 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

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,097/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,097/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

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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🏘️Neighborhoods in Lee County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lee County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MS

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⚖️Compare Lee County

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

📋MS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections