Mississippi · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Holmes County, MS

The median household in Holmes County, MS earns $32,538 a year ($2,712/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $842/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $33,680 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 11% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$32,538$2,712 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$842HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)89.0-11% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential MS
Census Population16,191Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Holmes County, MS

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$842Monthly market rent
Share of gross income31.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$33,680To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$813At 30% of $32,538
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Holmes County, MS

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Holmes County, MS HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Holmes County, MS
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$733$8,796$29,32027%
1-Bedroom Apartment$768$9,216$30,72028.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$842$10,104$33,68031.1%
3-Bedroom Home$1,111$13,332$44,44041%
4-Bedroom Home$1,115$13,380$44,60041.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Holmes County, MS →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Holmes County, MS

Based on the local median household income of $32,538/year ($2,712/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,356/moRent ($842 2-BR), utilities (~$134/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$813/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 89.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$542/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Mississippi

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Mississippi state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$32,538
$15,000$70,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$32,538
Net 85%
Fed 5%
MS 2%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$27,755After all taxes
Monthly deposit$2,313Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,067Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate14.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$1,725 / yr
Mississippi state income tax$570 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$2,489 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Mississippi with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Holmes County, MS

What is the median household income in Holmes County, MS?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Holmes County, MS is $32,538 per year (approximately $2,712 per month).

What is the average rent in Holmes County, MS?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Holmes County, MS are $733 for a studio, $768 for 1 bedroom, $842 for 2 bedrooms, $1,111 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,115 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Holmes County, MS compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Holmes County, MS is 89.0 (11% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Holmes County, MS?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($842/month) in Holmes County, MS requires a minimum gross household income of $33,680 per year ($2,807 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Holmes County, MS?

For a typical household earning the median income of $32,538/year ($2,712/month) in Holmes County, MS, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,356/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $813/month to discretionary spending, and $542/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Holmes County, MS?

Residential electricity rates in Mississippi average 14.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $134 per month.