Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in DeSoto County, Mississippi
DeSoto County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,301 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,451 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.02 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,301
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% more than in Mississippi
- Typical rent
- $1,451
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 52% more than in Mississippi
- Wage needed
- $25.02
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $52,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% more than in Mississippi
Only here
Renting in DeSoto County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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DeSoto County has the highest typical rent of the 81 counties in Mississippi with this figure: $1,451.
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DeSoto County has the highest typical household income of the 81 counties in Mississippi with this figure: $85,297.
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DeSoto County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,451, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Lafayette County ($1,085).
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6% of households in DeSoto County have no internet at home, against 12% in Mississippi.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in DeSoto County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in DeSoto County was $1,671 a month in September 2026: about the same as 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,095 | $21.06 | $43,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,191 | $22.90 | $47,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,301 | $25.02 | $52,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,717 | $33.02 | $68,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,981 | $38.10 | $79,240 |
HUD area: Memphis, TN-MS-AR HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 11 ZIP codes in DeSoto County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 38641 to $1,950 in 38672. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,301).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 38632 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,120 | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,760 | $2,020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38632 | Tate County, MS | $1,120 | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,760 | $2,020 |
| 38637 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,240 | $1,350 | $1,470 | $1,940 | $2,240 |
| 38641 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $990 | $1,070 | $1,190 | $1,540 | $1,770 |
| 38641 | Tunica County, MS | $990 | $1,070 | $1,190 | $1,540 | $1,770 |
| 38651 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,040 | $1,140 | $1,270 | $1,680 | $1,960 |
| 38654 | Marshall County, MS | $1,510 | $1,640 | $1,790 | $2,360 | $2,730 |
| 38654 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,510 | $1,640 | $1,790 | $2,360 | $2,730 |
| 38671 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,220 | $1,330 | $1,450 | $1,910 | $2,210 |
| 38672 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,640 | $1,780 | $1,950 | $2,570 | $2,970 |
| 38680 | Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $1,110 | $1,210 | $1,320 | $1,740 | $2,010 |
- 38632 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,330$1,760
- 38632 · Tate County, MS $1,330$1,760
- 38637 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,470$1,940
- 38641 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,190$1,540
- 38641 · Tunica County, MS $1,190$1,540
- 38651 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,270$1,680
- 38654 · Marshall County, MS $1,790$2,360
- 38654 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,790$2,360
- 38671 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,450$1,910
- 38672 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,950$2,570
- 38680 · Memphis, TN-MS-AR $1,320$1,740
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In DeSoto County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Mississippi, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
15,708 households rent in DeSoto County
- Spend half or more of their income 26%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- DeSoto 52%
- Mississippi 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in DeSoto County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in DeSoto County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 8
1,453 homes in all; 1,342 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bradford Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5735 Arbor Dr, Southaven 38671 208 homes, 205 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Terrace Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5905 Airways Blvd, Southaven 38671 192 homes, 189 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 105 · 3 bd: 55 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Gateway Apts at Goodman Road Tax credit (LIHTC) 7101 Tulane Rd N, Horn Lake 38637 168 homes, 165 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1995 · For families
- South Park Garden Apts. HUD-assisted 8156 S Park Cir, Southaven 38671 152 low-income homes · For families · (662) 393-6553
- Hampton Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 5935 Airways Blvd, Southaven 38671 88 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2003
- Dorchester Place Apts. HUD-assisted 1725S Dorchester Dr, Southaven 38671 128 homes, 54 low-income · For families · (662) 393-8560
- Coleman Crawford Estates HUD-assisted 2780 College St, Hernando 38632 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (662) 429-2157
- Rolling Hills Apts HUD-assisted 10250 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch 38654 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (601) 895-3148
- Lake Villa Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3349 Country Side Cir, Horn Lake 38637 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1987 · For families
- Sandidge Hill Apt HUD-assisted 7830 W Sandidge Rd, Olive Branch 38654 48 low-income homes · For families · (662) 895-3118
- Horn Lake Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Southern Villas Dr, Horn Lake 38637 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 11 · 2 bd: 37 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Parkway Horn Lake Tax credit (LIHTC) 3550 Shadow Oaks Pkwy, Horn Lake 38637 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2008 · For families, people experiencing homelessness
- Hill Manor Apartments HUD-assisted 411 Hill St, Hernando 38632 44 low-income homes · For older adults · (662) 429-7969
- Southern Pines HUD-assisted 3400 Tulane Rd W, Horn Lake 38637 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (662) 393-4564
- Austin Run HUD-assisted 7100 Mallard Creek Dr, Horn Lake 38637 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (662) 393-8419
- Crestview Apts - Olive Branch Tax credit (LIHTC) 8665 Caroma ST, Olive Branch 38654 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 38 · In service since 1993 · For families
- Dehon Village III Tax credit (LIHTC) 9340 McLemore Cv, Walls 38680 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 26 · 4 bd: 7 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities
- Westwind Duplexes & Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 Joy Cir, Horn Lake 38637 24 homes
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in DeSoto County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in DeSoto County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,500 | $32,450 | $51,950 |
| 2 people | $22,250 | $37,100 | $59,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,750 | $66,750 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,350 | $74,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,100 | $80,100 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,800 | $86,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,500 | $91,950 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $61,200 | $97,900 |
Area median income: $92,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Memphis, TN-MS-AR HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $986 – $1,205
- 1 bedroom $1,072 – $1,310
- 2 bedrooms $1,171 – $1,431
- 3 bedrooms $1,545 – $1,889
- 4 bedrooms $1,783 – $2,179
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in DeSoto County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Mississippi
What Mississippi law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 45 days
- Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-21(3)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-13(5)(a)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Miss. Code Ann. §89-8-19(3)
- Repair and deduct from the rentMiss. Code Ann. §89-8-15(1)
Help
Where to get help with rent in DeSoto County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Tunica Co. Community Dev. Coalition
1097 Antioch St, Tunica · 26 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in DeSoto County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Mississippi, the average home bill was $155 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,602
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,301
- Security deposit
- $1,301
- Total
- $2,602
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in DeSoto County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,095; 1 bedroom: $1,191; 2 bedrooms: $1,301; 3 bedrooms: $1,717; 4 bedrooms: $1,981. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in DeSoto County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,301) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.02 an hour full time, or $52,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in DeSoto County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,350 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in DeSoto County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,171 and $1,431 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in DeSoto County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,190 in 38641 to $1,950 in 38672. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in DeSoto County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in DeSoto County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in DeSoto County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In DeSoto County, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Mississippi, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).