Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hancock County, Mississippi
Hancock County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,185 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $977 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.79 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,185
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 9% more than in Mississippi
- Typical rent
- $977
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% more than in Mississippi
- Wage needed
- $22.79
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $47,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in Mississippi
Only here
Renting in Hancock County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Hancock County has the 7th highest typical household income of the 81 counties in Mississippi with this figure ($67,708).
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 Hancock 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 Hancock County was $1,667 a month in September 2026: 2.8% more than 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 | $844 | $16.23 | $33,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $982 | $18.88 | $39,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,185 | $22.79 | $47,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,525 | $29.33 | $61,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,723 | $33.13 | $68,920 |
HUD area: Gulfport-Biloxi, MS 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 6 ZIP codes in Hancock County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 39576 to $1,650 in 39525. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,185).
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)
| 39520 | $850 | $990 | $1,200 | $1,540 | $1,740 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39525 | $1,170 | $1,370 | $1,650 | $2,120 | $2,400 |
| 39529 | $800 | $940 | $1,130 | $1,450 | $1,640 |
| 39556 | $830 | $960 | $1,160 | $1,490 | $1,690 |
| 39572 | $850 | $990 | $1,200 | $1,540 | $1,740 |
| 39576 | $730 | $850 | $1,030 | $1,330 | $1,500 |
- 39520 $1,200$1,540
- 39525 $1,650$2,120
- 39529 $1,130$1,450
- 39556 $1,160$1,490
- 39572 $1,200$1,540
- 39576 $1,030$1,330
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 Hancock County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,202 households rent in Hancock County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hancock 50%
- Mississippi 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hancock County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Hancock County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 9
- HUD-assisted
- 1
892 homes in all; 883 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Gates at Coralbay Tax credit (LIHTC) 616 Highway 90, Waveland 39576 160 homes, 157 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 56 · In service since 2010
- Sheffield Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 625 Carroll Ave, Bay St Louis 39520 132 homes, 131 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2009
- Ridge at Waveland Tax credit (LIHTC) 548 Highway 90, Waveland 39576 120 homes, 118 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2009
- Bay Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 804 Andrew Lizana St, Bay St Louis 39520 100 homes, 99 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 47 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2011
- Waveview Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Auderer Blvd, Waveland 39576 100 homes, 99 low-income · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 50 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families
- Oak Haven Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 Russell Dr, Waveland 39576 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Bay Park Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Bay Park Way, Bay St Louis 39520 64 homes, 63 low-income · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Notre Dame de la Mer HUD-assisted 292 Highway 90, Bay Saint Louis 39520 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (228) 467-2885
- Blue Meadow Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 752 Blue Meadow Rd, Bay St Louis 39520 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families
- Pinecrest Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1303 Bloom Pl, Waveland 39576 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities
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 Hancock County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Hancock County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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 | $17,500 | $29,100 | $46,550 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,250 | $53,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,400 | $59,850 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,550 | $66,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $44,900 | $71,850 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,200 | $77,150 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $51,550 | $82,500 |
| 8 people | $54,850 | $54,850 | $87,800 |
Area median income: $83,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gulfport-Biloxi, MS HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $760 – $928
- 1 bedroom $884 – $1,080
- 2 bedrooms $1,067 – $1,304
- 3 bedrooms $1,373 – $1,678
- 4 bedrooms $1,551 – $1,895
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
- Bay Waveland Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 521 vouchers (228) 467-4545 Bay Waveland Housing Authority: baywavehousing@bellsouth.net
Housing agencies in Mississippi 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 Hancock County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Hancock County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Hancock Housing Resource Center
887 Washington St, Bay Saint Louis
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hancock 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
$2,370
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,185
- Security deposit
- $1,185
- Total
- $2,370
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 Hancock County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $844; 1 bedroom: $982; 2 bedrooms: $1,185; 3 bedrooms: $1,525; 4 bedrooms: $1,723. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hancock County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,185) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.79 an hour full time, or $47,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hancock County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,550 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 Hancock 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 $1,067 and $1,304 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hancock County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 39576 to $1,650 in 39525. 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 Hancock County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Hancock 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 Hancock County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hancock County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Mississippi, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).