Special Interest
Housing in Monroe County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Monroe County averages $768/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Mississippi median of $954 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 37% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Monroe County FMR Area are $744 for a studio, $785 for 1‑bedroom, $861 for 2‑bedroom, $1,032 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,140 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $93 increase for a 2-bedroom in Monroe County shows a 12% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Monroe County was 3.9% in 2024, compared to Mississippi at 3.2% and the national rate of 4.0%.
