Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lafayette County, Mississippi
Lafayette County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,255 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,085 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.13 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,255
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 15% more than in Mississippi
- Typical rent
- $1,085
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 14% more than in Mississippi
- Wage needed
- $24.13
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $50,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 54%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% more than in Mississippi
Only here
Renting in Lafayette County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Lafayette County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,085, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Panola County ($874).
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4% of households in Lafayette County have no internet at home, against 12% in Mississippi.
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At $1,085, Lafayette County ranks 7th among the 81 counties in Mississippi with this figure for the highest typical rent.
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At $67,185, Lafayette County ranks 8th among the 81 counties in Mississippi with this figure for the highest typical household income.
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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette County was $2,338 a month in September 2026: 3.5% 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 | $1,011 | $19.44 | $40,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,017 | $19.56 | $40,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,255 | $24.13 | $50,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,502 | $28.88 | $60,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,649 | $31.71 | $65,960 |
HUD area: Lafayette County, MS. 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 Lafayette County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 38601 to $1,260 in 38677. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,255).
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)
| 38601 | Lafayette County, MS | $950 | $950 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,490 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38627 | Lafayette County, MS | $950 | $950 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,490 |
| 38627 | Pontotoc County, MS | $950 | $950 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,490 |
| 38627 | Union County, MS | $950 | $950 | $1,120 | $1,390 | $1,490 |
| 38655 | Lafayette County, MS | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 38655 | Panola County, MS | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 38655 | Pontotoc County, MS | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 38655 | Union County, MS | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 38673 | Lafayette County, MS | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 38677 | Lafayette County, MS | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $1,660 |
| 38949 | Lafayette County, MS | $950 | $950 | $1,150 | $1,410 | $1,520 |
- 38601 · Lafayette County, MS $1,120$1,390
- 38627 · Lafayette County, MS $1,120$1,390
- 38627 · Pontotoc County, MS $1,120$1,390
- 38627 · Union County, MS $1,120$1,390
- 38655 · Lafayette County, MS $1,260$1,510
- 38655 · Panola County, MS $1,260$1,510
- 38655 · Pontotoc County, MS $1,260$1,510
- 38655 · Union County, MS $1,260$1,510
- 38673 · Lafayette County, MS $1,260$1,510
- 38677 · Lafayette County, MS $1,260$1,510
- 38949 · Lafayette County, MS $1,150$1,410
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 Lafayette County, 54% 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.
54%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,899 households rent in Lafayette County
- Spend half or more of their income 32%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 46%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lafayette 54%
- Mississippi 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lafayette County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Lafayette County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 1
546 homes in all; 512 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- CB Webb Townhouses Public housing 902 Molly Barr Rd, Oxford 38655 212 low-income homes · Run by Oxford Housing Authority · Average payment: $483 a month · (662) 234-7524
- Anderson Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 1731 Anderson Rd, Oxford 38655 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Belle Rivers Tax credit (LIHTC) 2305 Robinson Rd, Oxford 38655 48 low-income homes · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2019
- Eastover Tax credit (LIHTC) 38 County Road 2003, Oxford 38655 48 low-income homes · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2020
- Heritage Park Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 McElroy Dr, Oxford 38655 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Heritage Park Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 McElroy Dr, Oxford 38655 48 homes, 47 low-income · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Brittany Arms II Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Brittany Dr, Oxford 38655 40 homes, 38 low-income · 3 bd: 39 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Canterbury Crest HUD-assisted 1531 Tyler Cv, Oxford 38655 24 homes, 23 low-income · For older adults · (662) 234-1012
- Brittany Arms Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Brittany Dr, Oxford 38655 30 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 Lafayette County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Lafayette County. 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 | $20,650 | $34,350 | $54,950 |
| 2 people | $23,600 | $39,250 | $62,800 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,150 | $70,650 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,050 | $78,500 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,000 | $84,800 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,900 | $91,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,850 | $97,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,750 | $103,650 |
Area median income: $98,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lafayette County, MS. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $910 – $1,112
- 1 bedroom $915 – $1,119
- 2 bedrooms $1,130 – $1,381
- 3 bedrooms $1,352 – $1,652
- 4 bedrooms $1,484 – $1,814
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
- Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. II Section 8 vouchers · 370 vouchers (662) 236-3645 Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. II: tsanders@oxfordhousing.org
- Oxford Housing Authority Public housing · 212 public housing units (662) 234-7524 Oxford Housing Authority: tsanders@oxfordhousing.org
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 Lafayette County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Lafayette County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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North Mississippi Rural Legal Services
493 Ryland Way, Oxford · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Workshops for new owners
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lafayette 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
$2,510
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,255
- Security deposit
- $1,255
- Total
- $2,510
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 Lafayette County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,011; 1 bedroom: $1,017; 2 bedrooms: $1,255; 3 bedrooms: $1,502; 4 bedrooms: $1,649. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lafayette County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,255) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.13 an hour full time, or $50,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lafayette County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,050 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 Lafayette 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 $1,130 and $1,381 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lafayette County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 38601 to $1,260 in 38677. 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 Lafayette County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Lafayette County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. 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 Lafayette County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lafayette County, 54% of renter households are in that position; in Mississippi, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).