Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
Oktibbeha County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,024 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $915 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.69 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,024
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 6% less than in Mississippi
- Typical rent
- $915
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% less than in Mississippi
- Wage needed
- $19.69
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,960 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 60%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 17% more than in Mississippi
Only here
Renting in Oktibbeha County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At 48%, Oktibbeha County ranks 2nd among the 82 counties in Mississippi for the lowest homeownership rate.
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Nearby, in Webster County, the typical rent is $632: 31% less than in Oktibbeha County ($915).
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Oktibbeha County has the 4th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 73 counties in Mississippi with this figure (60%).
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7% of households in Oktibbeha 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 Oktibbeha 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 Oktibbeha County was $1,408 a month in September 2026: 3.8% 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 | $903 | $17.37 | $36,120 |
| 1 bedroom | $941 | $18.10 | $37,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,024 | $19.69 | $40,960 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,341 | $25.79 | $53,640 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,346 | $25.88 | $53,840 |
HUD area: Oktibbeha 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 7 ZIP codes in Oktibbeha County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 39769 to $1,060 in 39762. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,024).
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)
| 39759 | Clay County, MS | $930 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39759 | Lowndes County, MS | $930 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
| 39759 | Oktibbeha County, MS | $930 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
| 39762 | Oktibbeha County, MS | $930 | $970 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
| 39769 | Choctaw County, MS | $890 | $940 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,350 |
| 39769 | Oktibbeha County, MS | $890 | $940 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,350 |
| 39769 | Winston County, MS | $890 | $940 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,350 |
- 39759 · Clay County, MS $1,060$1,390
- 39759 · Lowndes County, MS $1,060$1,390
- 39759 · Oktibbeha County, MS $1,060$1,390
- 39762 · Oktibbeha County, MS $1,060$1,390
- 39769 · Choctaw County, MS $1,020$1,340
- 39769 · Oktibbeha County, MS $1,020$1,340
- 39769 · Winston County, MS $1,020$1,340
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 Oktibbeha County, 60% 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.
60%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
11,362 households rent in Oktibbeha County
- Spend half or more of their income 37%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 40%
Compared with the state and the country
- Oktibbeha 60%
- Mississippi 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Oktibbeha County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Oktibbeha 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)
- 6
- HUD-assisted
- 3
- public housing
- 1
868 homes in all; 856 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Wood/Reed Street Public housing 4A McDowell St, Starkville 39759 244 low-income homes · Run by The Housing Authority of the City of Starkville · Average payment: $368 a month · Average wait: 16 months · (662) 323-5536
- Brookville Gardens HUD-assisted 305 Everglade Ave, Starkville 39759 120 low-income homes · For families · (601) 323-8116
- Chandler Park Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 309 Reed Rd, Starkville 39759 98 homes, 97 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 52 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Ferndale Manor Apts.. HUD-assisted 1 Lynn Ln, Starkville 39759 80 homes, 74 low-income · For families · (662) 323-1535
- Southgate Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) 135 Sand Rd, Starkville 39759 74 homes, 72 low-income · 2 bd: 26 · 3 bd: 47 · In service since 2002
- Chandler Park Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 309 Reed Rd, Starkville 39759 70 homes, 69 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Boardtown Village HUD-assisted 905 N Montgomery St, Starkville 39759 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (662) 323-3461
- Sandhill Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) 135 Sand Rd, Starkville 39759 50 homes, 48 low-income · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2002
- Reed Place Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 112 Pecan Ln, Starkville 39759 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2012
- Reed Place Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Reed RD, Starkville 39759 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 30 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2012
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 Oktibbeha 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 Oktibbeha 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 | $17,800 | $29,650 | $47,450 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,900 | $54,200 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,150 | $61,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $42,350 | $67,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,750 | $73,200 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $49,150 | $78,600 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $52,550 | $84,050 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $55,950 | $89,450 |
Area median income: $84,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Oktibbeha County, MS. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $813 – $993
- 1 bedroom $847 – $1,035
- 2 bedrooms $922 – $1,126
- 3 bedrooms $1,207 – $1,475
- 4 bedrooms $1,211 – $1,481
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
- The Housing Authority of the City of Starkville Public housing · 244 public housing units (662) 323-5536 The Housing Authority of the City of Starkville: amy@stkha.com
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 Oktibbeha County
HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Oktibbeha 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 Oktibbeha 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
$2,048
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,024
- Security deposit
- $1,024
- Total
- $2,048
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 Oktibbeha County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $903; 1 bedroom: $941; 2 bedrooms: $1,024; 3 bedrooms: $1,341; 4 bedrooms: $1,346. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Oktibbeha County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,024) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.69 an hour full time, or $40,960 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Oktibbeha County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $42,350 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 Oktibbeha 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 $922 and $1,126 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Oktibbeha County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 39769 to $1,060 in 39762. 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 Oktibbeha County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Oktibbeha 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 Oktibbeha County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Oktibbeha County, 60% of renter households are in that position; in Mississippi, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).