RentData

Average Rent in Monroe County, MS↑ Rents rising 7.5% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in MS

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 33,928

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

Market Overview

Monroe County, MS has rental prices ranging from $761/month to $1,189/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $769/month — 45% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,231/year, spending $769/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Monroe County Compares

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

The Monroe County Rental Market

The Monroe County, MS area has a population of about 33,928 and 23% 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 Monroe County, MS have risen by $63/month (7.5%) over the past year, from $842 to $905. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Monroe County, MS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,760. The local median household income of $51,231 exceeds that threshold by $20,471, making Monroe County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Monroe County, MS has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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
$769
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$905
↑7.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,078
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,189
Affordable
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Is Monroe 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: $51,231
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 Monroe County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Monroe County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MS

See how Monroe County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Monroe County

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

📋MS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections