Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lowndes County, Mississippi
Lowndes County has a HUD fair market rent of $931 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $930 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $931
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% less than in Mississippi
- Typical rent
- $930
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% less than in Mississippi
- Wage needed
- $17.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Mississippi
Only here
Renting in Lowndes County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Lowndes County has the highest typical rent in its area: $930, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Oktibbeha County ($915).
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 Lowndes 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 Lowndes County was $1,403 a month in September 2026: 3.6% 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 | $798 | $15.35 | $31,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $803 | $15.44 | $32,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $931 | $17.90 | $37,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,278 | $24.58 | $51,120 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,298 | $24.96 | $51,920 |
HUD area: Lowndes 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 12 ZIP codes in Lowndes County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 39701 to $1,070 in 39705. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($931).
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)
| 39701 | Lowndes County, MS | $780 | $780 | $910 | $1,240 | $1,260 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39701 | Noxubee County, MS | $780 | $780 | $910 | $1,240 | $1,260 |
| 39702 | Lowndes County, MS | $780 | $780 | $910 | $1,250 | $1,270 |
| 39705 | Lowndes County, MS | $920 | $920 | $1,070 | $1,470 | $1,490 |
| 39736 | Lowndes County, MS | $780 | $780 | $910 | $1,240 | $1,260 |
| 39740 | Lowndes County, MS | $780 | $780 | $910 | $1,230 | $1,260 |
| 39740 | Monroe County, MS | $780 | $780 | $910 | $1,230 | $1,260 |
| 39743 | Lowndes County, MS | $880 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,420 |
| 39743 | Noxubee County, MS | $880 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,420 |
| 39743 | Oktibbeha County, MS | $880 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,410 | $1,420 |
| 39753 | Lowndes County, MS | $800 | $800 | $930 | $1,280 | $1,300 |
| 39766 | Lowndes County, MS | $870 | $870 | $1,010 | $1,390 | $1,410 |
- 39701 · Lowndes County, MS $910$1,240
- 39701 · Noxubee County, MS $910$1,240
- 39702 · Lowndes County, MS $910$1,250
- 39705 · Lowndes County, MS $1,070$1,470
- 39736 · Lowndes County, MS $910$1,240
- 39740 · Lowndes County, MS $910$1,230
- 39740 · Monroe County, MS $910$1,230
- 39743 · Lowndes County, MS $1,060$1,410
- 39743 · Noxubee County, MS $1,060$1,410
- 39743 · Oktibbeha County, MS $1,060$1,410
- 39753 · Lowndes County, MS $930$1,280
- 39766 · Lowndes County, MS $1,010$1,390
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 Lowndes County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
8,908 households rent in Lowndes County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lowndes 49%
- Mississippi 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lowndes County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Lowndes 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)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 3
1,415 homes in all; 1,384 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Wash Ter-T.V. James Ter Public housing 502 15th Ave S, Columbus 39701 380 homes, 379 low-income · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Columbus · Average payment: $327 a month · Average wait: 12 months · Homes at several sites · (662) 328-4236
- Yorkville Public housing 677 Yorkville Rd E, Columbus 39702 215 low-income homes · Run by Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. IV · Average payment: $329 a month · Average wait: 6 months · Homes at several sites · (662) 327-4121
- Gen WM Roberts Terr Public housing 247 William Roberts Rd, Columbus 39702 100 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Columbus · Average payment: $299 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (662) 328-4236
- Greentree Apts HUD-assisted 500 Greentree Dr, Columbus 39702 100 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (662) 327-7050
- Cypress Park Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 S Lehmberg Rd, Columbus 39702 96 homes, 95 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2005
- Columbus Heights Subdivision Tax credit (LIHTC) 260 Miley Loop, Columbus 39702 85 homes, 83 low-income · 3 bd: 49 · 4 bd: 34 · In service since 2008
- Trinity Place HUD-assisted 300 Airline Rd, Columbus 39702 100 homes, 75 low-income · For older adults · (662) 327-6716
- Eastbrooke Apts HUD-assisted 418 N Lehmberg Rd, Columbus 39702 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (662) 327-3736
- Hargrove Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 278 Hargrove Cir, Columbus 39702 41 low-income homes · 3 bd: 41 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Trinity Terrace HUD-assisted 300 Airline Rd, Columbus 39702 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (662) 327-6716
- Gateway Commons HUD-assisted 213 Maxwell Ln, Columbus 39702 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (662) 328-2254
- Lowndes Properties I Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 Brisbane Dr, Columbus 39702 26 low-income homes · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities
- Lowndes Properties II Tax credit (LIHTC) 81 Sydney Loop, Columbus 39702 26 homes, 25 low-income · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2012
- Columbus Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 1104 11th Ave S, Columbus 39701 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Lowndes Properties III Tax credit (LIHTC) 15 Brisbane Dr, Columbus 39702 24 low-income homes · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Providence Two Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Vann Ct, Columbus 39702 23 low-income homes · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities
- Providence Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Providence Pl, Columbus 39702 21 low-income homes · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2008
- Crawford Elderly Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 93 Oneal ST, Crawford 39743 14 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
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 Lowndes 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 Lowndes 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 | $15,960 | $26,550 | $42,500 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $30,350 | $48,550 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $34,150 | $54,600 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $37,900 | $60,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $40,950 | $65,550 |
| 6 people | $44,000 | $44,000 | $70,400 |
| 7 people | $47,000 | $47,000 | $75,250 |
| 8 people | $50,050 | $50,050 | $80,100 |
Area median income: $75,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lowndes County, MS. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $718 – $878
- 1 bedroom $723 – $883
- 2 bedrooms $838 – $1,024
- 3 bedrooms $1,150 – $1,406
- 4 bedrooms $1,168 – $1,428
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. IV Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,656 vouchers · 389 public housing units (662) 327-4121 Mississippi Regional Housing Authority No. IV: rherd@mrh4.com
- The Housing Authority of the City of Columbus Public housing · 479 public housing units (662) 328-4236 The Housing Authority of the City of Columbus: colhou@chauthority.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 Lowndes County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Lowndes County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lowndes 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
$1,862
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $931
- Security deposit
- $931
- Total
- $1,862
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 Lowndes County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $798; 1 bedroom: $803; 2 bedrooms: $931; 3 bedrooms: $1,278; 4 bedrooms: $1,298. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lowndes County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($931) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.90 an hour full time, or $37,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lowndes County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $37,900 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 Lowndes 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 $838 and $1,024 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lowndes County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $910 in 39701 to $1,070 in 39705. 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 Lowndes County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Lowndes 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 Lowndes County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lowndes County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Mississippi, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).