RentData

Average Rent in Panola County, MS↑ Rents rising 7.9% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 32,965

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

Market Overview

Panola County, MS has rental prices ranging from $659/month to $1,440/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $805/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $43,990/year, spending $805/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Panola County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $947/month, Panola County ranks #23 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Mississippi — more affordable than 80% of all US cities in our data.

The Panola County Rental Market

The Panola County, MS area has a population of about 32,965 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Panola County, MS have risen by $69/month (7.9%) over the past year, from $878 to $947. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Panola County, MS without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,200. The local median household income of $43,990 exceeds that threshold by $11,790, making Panola County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Panola County, MS has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 0.7 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 FY2027
Studio
$659
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$805
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$947
↑7.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,193
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,440
Average
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Is Panola 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
$37,880/year
Local median income: $43,990
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $947/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 Panola County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Panola County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$947/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $947/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Panola 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 Panola County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Panola County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MS

See how Panola County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Panola County

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

📋MS Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections