Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Rankin County, Mississippi
Rankin County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,289 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,270 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.79 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,289
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 19% more than in Mississippi
- Typical rent
- $1,270
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 33% more than in Mississippi
- Wage needed
- $24.79
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,560 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 Rankin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $1,270, Rankin County ranks 2nd among the 81 counties in Mississippi with this figure for the highest typical rent.
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At $79,357, Rankin County ranks 3rd among the 81 counties in Mississippi with this figure for the highest typical household income.
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Rankin County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,270, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Madison County ($1,186).
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6% of households in Rankin 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 Rankin 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 Rankin County was $1,669 a month in September 2026: 3.1% 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 | $1,099 | $21.13 | $43,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,105 | $21.25 | $44,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,289 | $24.79 | $51,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,536 | $29.54 | $61,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,694 | $32.58 | $67,760 |
HUD area: Jackson, 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 13 ZIP codes in Rankin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 39145 to $1,800 in 39047. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,289).
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)
| 39042 | Jackson, MS | $1,180 | $1,180 | $1,380 | $1,640 | $1,810 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39042 | Smith County, MS | $1,180 | $1,180 | $1,380 | $1,640 | $1,810 |
| 39047 | Jackson, MS | $1,530 | $1,540 | $1,800 | $2,140 | $2,370 |
| 39073 | Jackson, MS | $920 | $930 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,430 |
| 39073 | Simpson County, MS | $920 | $930 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,430 |
| 39145 | Jackson, MS | $910 | $920 | $1,070 | $1,270 | $1,410 |
| 39145 | Scott County, MS | $910 | $920 | $1,070 | $1,270 | $1,410 |
| 39148 | Jackson, MS | $920 | $930 | $1,080 | $1,290 | $1,430 |
| 39167 | Jackson, MS | $1,240 | $1,240 | $1,450 | $1,730 | $1,910 |
| 39193 | Jackson, MS | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,360 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 39208 | Jackson, MS | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,360 | $1,620 | $1,790 |
| 39218 | Jackson, MS | $1,130 | $1,140 | $1,330 | $1,580 | $1,750 |
| 39232 | Jackson, MS | $1,420 | $1,430 | $1,670 | $1,990 | $2,190 |
- 39042 · Jackson, MS $1,380$1,640
- 39042 · Smith County, MS $1,380$1,640
- 39047 · Jackson, MS $1,800$2,140
- 39073 · Jackson, MS $1,080$1,290
- 39073 · Simpson County, MS $1,080$1,290
- 39145 · Jackson, MS $1,070$1,270
- 39145 · Scott County, MS $1,070$1,270
- 39148 · Jackson, MS $1,080$1,290
- 39167 · Jackson, MS $1,450$1,730
- 39193 · Jackson, MS $1,360$1,620
- 39208 · Jackson, MS $1,360$1,620
- 39218 · Jackson, MS $1,330$1,580
- 39232 · Jackson, MS $1,670$1,990
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 Rankin 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.
13,937 households rent in Rankin County
- Spend half or more of their income 29%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Rankin 50%
- Mississippi 51%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Rankin County
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Rankin County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 7
1,071 homes in all; 1,023 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Colony Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Colony Park Dr, Pearl 39208 192 homes, 190 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 128 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Chapelridge of Richland Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Chapelridge DR, Richland 39218 136 homes, 135 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Chapelridge of Brandon Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Chapelridge Way, Brandon 39042 116 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2002
- Crestview Apts HUD-assisted 3910A Old Brandon Rd, Pearl 39208 100 low-income homes · For families · (601) 939-4685
- Crestview Apts - Pearl Tax credit (LIHTC) 3910 Old Brandon Rd, Pearl 39208 100 homes, 99 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 32 · 4 bd: 12 · In service since 1998
- Rose Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3825 Old Brandon Rd, Pearl 39208 63 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1998 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (601) 932-3322
- Briar Hill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 213 Briarhill Rd, Florence 39073 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 9 · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 1989 · For families
- Richland Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 615 Industrial Dr, Richland 39218 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Peyton Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 825 Boston Rd, Pearl 39208 40 low-income homes · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2020
- Indian Run Estates HUD-assisted 2010 Small Dr, Pearl 39208 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (601) 932-3336
- Pearlwood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4531 Old Brandon RD, Pearl 39208 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 10 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Indian Creek Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 150 Highway 469 N, Florence 39073 32 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1987 · For families
- Brandon Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Berry Dr, Brandon 39042 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Golden Age Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 207 North Ave, Pelahatchie 39145 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2020 · For older adults · (601) 352-1372
- Ind Living of Willowood HUD-assisted 2000 Small Dr, Pearl 39208 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (601) 939-1300
- Crosscreek Apartments HUD-assisted 401 W Sunset Dr, Brandon 39042 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (601) 824-9338
- Pecan Ridge Phase 2 HUD-assisted 149 Concourse Dr, Pearl 39208 44 homes, 4 low-income · (601) 932-1674
- C & G Apts/809 George Kersh Tax credit (LIHTC) 809 George Kersh Dr, Pearl 39208 4 low-income homes · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1988 · For families
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Rankin 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 Rankin 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 | $19,200 | $32,000 | $51,200 |
| 2 people | $21,950 | $36,600 | $58,500 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,150 | $65,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,700 | $73,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $49,400 | $78,950 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,050 | $84,800 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,700 | $90,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $60,350 | $96,500 |
Area median income: $91,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Jackson, MS HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $989 – $1,209
- 1 bedroom $995 – $1,216
- 2 bedrooms $1,160 – $1,418
- 3 bedrooms $1,382 – $1,690
- 4 bedrooms $1,525 – $1,863
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 Rankin 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 Rankin County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Voice of Calvary Ministries
531 W. Capitol St., Jackson · 15 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Housing Education and Economic Development, Inc.
3405 Medgar Evers Blvd, Jackson · 16 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
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Mississippi Faith Based Coalition for Community Renewal, Inc.
1750 Ellis Ave Ste 205, Jackson · 16 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Rankin 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
$2,578
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,289
- Security deposit
- $1,289
- Total
- $2,578
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 Rankin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,099; 1 bedroom: $1,105; 2 bedrooms: $1,289; 3 bedrooms: $1,536; 4 bedrooms: $1,694. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Rankin County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,289) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.79 an hour full time, or $51,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Rankin County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,700 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 Rankin 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 $1,160 and $1,418 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Rankin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 39145 to $1,800 in 39047. 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 Rankin County?
HUD lists 18 properties with homes for low-income households in Rankin 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 Rankin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Rankin County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Mississippi, 51%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).